“Smart car” thefts are on the rise, and it’s happening silently, often without you even realizing it until your vehicle is gone. Imagine your car being stolen right from your driveway while your key fob sits safely inside your house. This isn’t science fiction; it’s the reality of Key Fob Relay attacks, a growing threat to modern vehicles with keyless entry systems.
Since push-to-start systems became popular in the mid-2000s, drivers have enjoyed the convenience of keyless entry. But this convenience has also opened a new door for thieves. They’ve found ways to exploit the technology using key hack attacks, also known as relay attacks, to steal vehicles without ever needing your physical key.
This article will delve into the world of key fob relay attacks, explaining how they work and, crucially, how Compustar security systems offer a robust solution to protect your vehicle.
Understanding the Key Fob Relay Attack
A key fob relay attack, or car key hack, is a sophisticated method thieves use to unlock and start your car without possessing your actual key fob. They employ inexpensive radio transmitters to capture and amplify the signals emitted by your key fob. This amplified signal tricks your car into believing the key is nearby, allowing the thieves to unlock and drive away with your vehicle.
The most common relay attack method involves two individuals and signal boosting, sometimes referred to as key cloning. Here’s how it typically unfolds:
- Attacker 1: Positions themselves near your home or wherever your key fob is located to intercept its signal.
- Attacker 2: Stands near your vehicle and uses a device to relay and amplify the captured key fob signal, making the car think the key is present.
[signal boosting or key cloning attack]
Almost any vehicle with a keyless entry system is vulnerable to these relay attacks. This widespread vulnerability makes it essential to understand how to protect yourself.
Existing Anti-Theft Measures: Are They Enough Against Key Fob Relay Attacks?
Car manufacturers and vehicle owners have attempted various methods to combat relay attacks. Let’s examine some common solutions and their limitations:
Faraday Pouches: Inconsistent Protection
Faraday pouches are designed as signal-blocking bags. Made from materials that block electromagnetic fields, they aim to prevent key fobs from transmitting signals when stored inside.
However, Faraday pouches have proven to be unreliable. Numerous reports and online videos demonstrate their ineffectiveness over time. Often, the cheap materials degrade, losing their signal-blocking capabilities. This inconsistency makes them a risky and unreliable solution against determined thieves.
Rolling Codes: Workarounds Exist
Newer vehicles often incorporate rolling codes, a system where the key fob code changes with each use, using a Pseudorandom Number Generator (PRNG). The idea is that even if hackers intercept a code, it will be outdated and useless for future attempts.
Unfortunately, resourceful thieves have developed techniques to bypass rolling codes. The “rolljam attack,” for example, allows hackers to desynchronize the rolling code system, making these vehicles still susceptible to theft. This highlights that software-based security alone can be compromised.
Reprogramming Key Fobs: Costly and Inconvenient
Reprogramming your key fob at a dealership or with an auto locksmith is another suggested method. While this can theoretically update security measures, it’s often expensive, particularly at dealerships. Furthermore, it’s an inconvenient and temporary fix, as it doesn’t address the fundamental vulnerability to relay attacks. It’s not a practical long-term solution for ongoing protection.
Compustar: A Comprehensive Security Solution Against Key Fob Relay Attacks
Two-way alarm alerts on Compustar PRO T12 remote starter, showing car and remote with alert icons.
Compustar security systems are specifically engineered to counter modern theft techniques, including key fob relay attacks. These systems integrate a range of car alarm and security features designed to significantly reduce the risk of vehicle theft.
Here are key Compustar features that provide robust protection against relay attacks:
#1: Secure Push-to-Start: The Ultimate Starter Kill
Secure Push-to-Start is a crucial starter kill feature integrated into Compustar systems. Even if thieves manage to unlock and enter your vehicle through a relay attack, they will be unable to start the engine. This feature effectively disables your car’s starter system until you disarm the security system using your Compustar remote or the DroneMobile App.
For vehicles without push-to-start, Compustar alarms can be installed with a traditional starter kill relay. This physical relay interrupts the starter circuit when the alarm is armed.
A starter kill is a highly effective deterrent against car theft. Key fob hackers or carjackers are thwarted because they need not only your vehicle’s key signal but also your Compustar remote to disable the alarm and start the engine. This dual-layer security dramatically increases protection.
Universal Secure Push-to-Start Accessory >
Secure Push-to-Start for Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM >
#2: Two-Way Remotes with Real-Time Alarm Alerts
A security system is most effective when you are promptly notified of threats. Compustar two-way remote starters, such as the PRO T13 or T12, provide this crucial feedback. These remotes communicate with your vehicle’s security system, instantly alerting you to any unauthorized access or attempted theft, even when you are away from your car.
Compustar remotes also employ advanced secure RF technology, including frequency hopping, rolling codes (independent of the vehicle’s system), and 128-bit encryption. This multi-layered approach makes Compustar remotes significantly more resistant to hacking compared to standard vehicle key fobs, adding another layer of security.
#3: 4-in-1 Security Sensor: Comprehensive Vehicle Protection
Compustar DAS-II 4-in-1 security sensor module, compact black box with connectors.
Compustar security systems offer all-around protection with the DAS-II 4-in-1 security sensor. This sensor monitors multiple threat vectors, including:
- Impact/Intrusion (2-Stage): Detects both minor bumps and significant impacts, triggering warnings and alarms accordingly.
- Tilt: Alerts you if your vehicle is being tilted, such as during towing or jacking attempts.
- Forward Motion: Detects unauthorized movement of the vehicle.
- Glass Breakage: Detects the sound of glass breaking, indicating forced entry.
The DAS-II sensor provides a comprehensive security net around your vehicle, detecting a wide range of potential threats beyond just key fob relay attacks.
#4: DroneMobile Smartphone Control: Tracking and Monitoring
In the unfortunate event that your vehicle is stolen, even with a security system, DroneMobile smartphone control provides a powerful recovery tool. If you forget to arm your system, or in any unforeseen circumstance, DroneMobile allows you to track your vehicle in real-time using GPS.
DroneMobile alarm monitoring and GPS tracking can be seamlessly integrated into any Compustar alarm system. This adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind, knowing you have a way to locate your vehicle if the unthinkable happens.
Secure Your Vehicle Against Key Fob Relay Attacks with Compustar
Key fob relay attacks are a real and growing threat to vehicle security. Compustar offers a leading car security system that not only defends against these attacks but also adds remote start convenience to enhance your daily driving experience.
With key hack attacks becoming increasingly prevalent, especially in the US, investing in a Compustar security system provides top-tier security, convenience, and invaluable peace of mind for every car owner.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Visit our System Builder tool today to check your vehicle’s compatibility with Compustar systems and find an Authorized Dealer/Installer near you to get protected!
