Is your keyless entry system making your car vulnerable to theft? It might sound like something out of a spy movie, but the threat of thieves using devices, often called Key Fob Repeaters, to steal your car is very real. Like many, I considered keyless entry a convenience, until recent events made me rethink my car’s security.
My wake-up call came when my spouse’s 2016 Subaru Outback was rummaged through, despite her certainty that she had locked it. Hearing similar stories from neighbors and online forums across Long Beach, California, about cars being entered without any signs of forced entry – no broken windows, no damaged locks – it became clear that something more sophisticated was at play. Initial online searches might lead you down a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories, but digging deeper with terms like “keyless entry hack” reveals the unsettling truth: thieves can indeed exploit key fob technology to gain access to your vehicle and even drive away. These exploits often involve the use of a key fob repeater.
These key fob repeaters, also known as signal boosters or range extenders in the wrong hands, work by capturing and amplifying the signal from your key fob. Imagine your key fob sitting innocently on your entryway table. A thief, using a key fob repeater outside your house, can capture the signal your fob emits, amplify it, and send it to your car. Your car, tricked into thinking your key fob is nearby, unlocks its doors, and in some cases, even allows the engine to start. This is how thieves can bypass your car’s security without leaving a trace, making it seem like you simply forgot to lock your doors.
Driven by the need for a practical and convenient solution, I looked for ways to shield our key fobs from these key fob repeater attacks. The commercially available pouches designed to block key fob signals seemed like a viable option, but the constant snapping and unsnapping felt cumbersome for daily use. Prepper-grade Faraday boxes were also available, but their high prices seemed excessive for a simple security measure.
That’s when I stumbled upon a surprisingly effective and affordable solution: a cocktail shaker. Yes, you read that right. Inspired by the principles of a Faraday cage – an enclosure that blocks electromagnetic fields – a cocktail shaker, being made of metal, can act as a shield against key fob repeater signals. The idea might sound a bit unconventional, even goofy, but as someone with a background in sound engineering, I understand the principles of shielding wireless signals.
To test my cocktail shaker Faraday cage, I placed my key fob inside and attempted to unlock my car. Success! The car remained stubbornly locked. We even experimented with a couple of tin boxes we had lying around, but they unfortunately failed to block the signal. The cocktail shaker, however, proved to be a winner. For a fraction of the cost of specialized pouches or boxes, and with minimal effort, I had created an effective shield against key fob repeater attacks. Now, coming home and dropping my keys into the shaker is as easy as it gets.
If you’re considering this DIY approach, it’s crucial to test your chosen Faraday cage to ensure it actually works. Here’s how you can test your own cocktail shaker or metal box:
- Place your key fob inside the container. Make sure the lid is securely closed.
- Go to your car and try to unlock it using the buttons on your key fob. You should be standing within the normal operating range of your key fob for this test to be accurate.
- If your car remains locked, your Faraday cage is working! If your car unlocks, you may need a different container or to ensure your current container is fully enclosed and made of a conductive material.
This simple test will give you peace of mind knowing your DIY Faraday solution is effectively blocking key fob repeater signals.
For further information on the vulnerability of keyless entry systems and the technology behind key fob repeaters, consider exploring these reputable sources:
- Wired Magazine: https://www.wired.com/2017/04/just-pair-11-radio-gadgets-can-steal-car/
- The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/16/style/keeping-your-car-safe-from-electronic-thieves.html
In conclusion, while keyless entry offers undeniable convenience, it also introduces security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by key fob repeaters. Protecting yourself doesn’t require expensive gadgets or complicated solutions. A simple, everyday item like a cocktail shaker can serve as an effective Faraday cage, providing a practical and affordable way to block key fob repeater signals and safeguard your vehicle from potential theft. Consider taking this simple step to enhance your car’s security and enjoy greater peace of mind.
