Security Alert

[Chuck4084]

Hey everyone. Last Friday (Friday the 13th) my daughters Kia Sportage was stolen. No broken glass or any indication of forced entry. The police officer that took her report wasn't surprised. Apparently there is a thing called a "relay box" that can pick up the faint RF signals from your keyfob and re-transmit them at a much higher level. The car thinks the keyfob is at the car and lets a thief open the door, start the car and drive away. In her case she lives in a apartment building and parks in an open carport. Thieves work in two man teams - one thief stand outside your apartment or house with an antenna and the relay box, picks up the signal and the second thief gets in the car and drives away. I was completely unaware that such a thing could be done, but there are numerous videos on the web showing it happening. So just a word to the wise - if you park your car in an unsecure location keep your keyfob (including the spare) in a faraday cage type pouch. In a pinch at home you can put it in the microwave, which is designed not to let RF energy escape. She has good insurance, but it's still going to cost her a lot of money to replace the car, not to mention the emotional issues of losing not only her car but also the things inside.


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[PassingTime]

Hey everyone. Last Friday (Friday the 13th) my daughters Kia Sportage was stolen. No broken glass or any indication of forced entry. The police officer that took her report wasn't surprised. Apparently there is a thing called a "relay box" that can pick up the faint RF signals from your keyfob and re-transmit them at a much higher level. The car thinks the keyfob is at the car and lets a thief open the door, start the car and drive away. In her case she lives in a apartment building and parks in an open carport. Thieves work in two man teams - one thief stand outside your apartment or house with an antenna and the relay box, picks up the signal and the second thief gets in the car and drives away. I was completely unaware that such a thing could be done, but there are numerous videos on the web showing it happening. So just a word to the wise - if you park your car in an unsecure location keep your keyfob (including the spare) in a faraday cage type pouch. In a pinch at home you can put it in the microwave, which is designed not to let RF energy escape. She has good insurance, but it's still going to cost her a lot of money to replace the car, not to mention the emotional issues of losing not only her car but also the things inside.


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Putting your key fob(s) in the microwave seems to me to be a very foolish and dangerous thing to do! THAT is a fire/explosion/accident waiting to happen!

 

[Chuck4084]

In theory, the only time you would start the microwave would be if you put something in it you want to heat up. Also in theory, when you open the microwave you would notice the keyfob was in the microwave and take it out first. Then again, that's only theory. Quite possibly there are some who would think that leaving their keyfob in the microwave while heating their pizza is a good idea. Such people should not be permitted to reproduce. If that is a concern, purchase a specially made faraday cage metal box and keep your keys in there. No matter how you do it, shield the keyfobs. Or don't, doesn't matter to me.

 

[PassingTime]

In theory, the only time you would start the microwave would be if you put something in it you want to heat up. Also in theory, when you open the microwave you would notice the keyfob was in the microwave and take it out first. Then again, that's only theory. Quite possibly there are some who would think that leaving their keyfob in the microwave while heating their pizza is a good idea. Such people should not be permitted to reproduce. If that is a concern, purchase a specially made faraday cage metal box and keep your keys in there. No matter how you do it, shield the keyfobs. Or don't, doesn't matter to me.

If there are more than one person in the house or kids, or even if there is a hurried or forgetful moment by the person that put the fob in the microwave, I second my recommendation! Not a safe practice.

______________________________

 

[Lith_SXPN]

Wrap it in aluminum foil. If you need more graceful solution, search for "RFID Blocking Box" in Amazon.

 

[bcjenkins]

That is fascinating and a little disturbing at the same time. Are they able to clone the signal or just repeat it? I appreciate the tip on the box. I’ll probably pick one up for home and a bag for travel.

 

[Chuck4084]

That is fascinating and a little disturbing at the same time. Are they able to clone the signal or just repeat it? I appreciate the tip on the box. I’ll probably pick one up for home and a bag for travel.

As I understand the technique the signal is only amplified, it isn't decrypted and stored. It may be possible to capture and record door lock/unlock and remote start commands, but that would require equipment that is looking for the signal, at the right frequency, when the button is pushed and wouldn't work with rolling code type encryption. Probably not going to happen while you are at home, but might be possible when you are separated from the keyfob and the car, like at a carwash or when it's in for service.

When buying a box for storage at home, don't forget the spare key. It's transmitting as well.

 

[gman1868]

These boxes are cheap and you can put your key fob in it when you're not using the car. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X15TQM1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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[KML]

There are numerous faraday pouches to block your RF signal until you pull the fob out to use it. I purchased the below FobGuard and Ticonn protector case last week from Amazon and they both work great - tested and proven. I'm currently using the FobGuard as it's smaller and fits better in my front pocket. As mentioned above, don't forget about the spare fob.

This type of theft is not just from your home but also anywhere such as the Walmart parking lot. They can be using a relay from the car you just parked beside. Beware of any guy walking closely beside you with a case in his hand as you leave your vehicle. They just need to steel your signal until they open the door and start you car. After that the fob is not needed and the engine WON'T shutdown when they drive away.

Check out all the youtube video's on "hack key fobs"