Your Key Fob Can Betray You
“A key fob is a smart device, basically a mini computer; it’s more than just a plastic piece. Because of its wireless capability, a passerby could use a device to capture and amplify your fob’s signal, allowing them to unlock, start, and steal your car without the original key. Thieves can use technology to intercept, clone, or relay your fob’s signal to steal your vehicle, sometimes taking less than 60 seconds.” (Most of this article comes from Autocarlocksmith.com).
It’s important to understand your key fob and your vehicle are continuously trying to communicate with each other; hence why your vehicle responds when you get near it with your key fob.
Here are the common methods employed to access, clone or reprogram your key fob:
1. Relay Attacks: This is the most common method thieves use. This method needs more than one thief. They work together to use two signal amplifiers. One is placed near your car, and another one near your key fob location to capture its electronic signal. Then they use a device called a keyless repeater. This method fools your vehicle into thinking the fob is nearby, allowing it to unlock and start instantly.
2. Signal Interception: Hackers intercept the wireless communication between your key fob and your car. It happens during the locking/unlocking processes. In that way, hackers track and record signal frequency and replay later to gain unauthorized access to steal your vehicles. It helps to unlock your vehicle only when you are at your vehicle and not from a distance.
3. Key Cloning: Thieves employ key fob cloning. They clone your fob frequency or data. Once cloned, they can create a duplicate that works exactly like your original key.
4. Onboard Diagnostic Port Access: If hackers somehow gain physical access to your vehicle, they can use the OBD-II port to program a new key, especially if your car’s system is outdated or unsecured. The TV show W5 illustrated how easy this is by purchasing a device online and reprogramming a vehicle.
5. Jamming: You park, press the lock button, and don’t notice your vehicle isn’t locked because you believe it works accurately every time. Thieves use this jamming method to block the lock signal your key fob sends when you try to lock the car. The thief gains access to the unlocked vehicle for whatever they want to do (see #4).
Things you can do to protect against the above:
1. Store your key fob securely at home: Most relay attacks happen at night. Your fob often sits near the front door or window. Try to keep it at least 15-20 feet away from entry points and windows. It’s a good practice to store it inside an RFID-blocking box or signal-proof pouch.
2. Use an RFID blocking box or pouch: The RFID pouch blocks signals from leaving the pouch. Using these signal- blocking accessories prevents thieves from amplifying or cloning your key fob’s signal. As a practical matter, I have found the RFID pouch to be an annoyance/ inconvenience when I’m using my vehicle. It’s tough to put the bulky pouch in your pants pocket. However, I will use the pouch when the fob is in the house as well as for the spare fob.
3. Update the Software on your Vehicle: Your car’s onboard computer gets security upgrades much like your smartphone. These upgrades often repair holes that hackers can use to get in. (I suspect it’s the same with most vehicles, but mine sends me a software update notice.)
4. Install a lock on your steering wheel: This low-tech device can be overcome, but thieves need to come prepared with tools to do so. This is a quick, easy habit to get into. The main deterrent is that thieves will move on to an easier/faster target that doesn’t have a steering wheel lock.
Signs that your key fob may be compromised:
- The car locks or unlocks on its own
- The signal range is shorter, or the fob doesn’t always work.
- The car alarm goes off for no evident reason.
- Having trouble starting your car, even with the fob іn hand
- Using up the battery in the fob faster than normal
If you notice any of these signs, you should reprogram your fob right away or call a reliable vehicle locksmith to check your system.
As a point of note, the non-profit anti-fraud group, Equite Association, which collected car theft statistics from January to June of this year, recorded the steepest drop in vehicle thefts occurred in Alberta — 15.1 per cent fewer cases than during the first half of 2025.
Dave Schroeder
HCRCWA Board Member
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