So are you suggesting that it’s better to have the keyless feature enabled so that the car automatically unlocks as you approach, as opposed to disabling this feature and using the buttons on the keyless key fob to lock and unlock? I understand that you’re powering off the key when you’re not near your car and that’s a measure I will take also, but it doesn’t entirely overcome the problem. Because I’ve read that it’s safer / more secure to disable the keyless feature (if possible) and use the buttons on the keyless key fob.
At some point your key has to be enabled to access or lock your car. At this point the key fob has to be powered up, not in a faraday bag and either the keyless key fob itself is emitting a continuous signal or you are pressing a button on the key fob that emits a signal. Either way, that signal is publicly broadcast and with the newly discovered security flaw, a thief captures the code and can use it moments or days later to steal your vehicle. Scenario, you park at a boot fair. Lots of people milling around. You exit the car, car automatically locks or you press the lock button on the keyless key fob. Turn off key and or place into faraday pouch. Walk away. On your return, car is gone. Simple as that. You’ve done everything correctly and taken precautions, but still, keyless technology is insecure and has been exploited and your car is gone, likely to never be seen again.
The electronic devices used to commit keyless key crime are generally overt and small. Recently, as part of an overall professional criminal gang that were caught and arrested, these electronics were found disguised as Nintendo game boys, but often disguised as mobile phones, tablets etc.
And it wouldn’t be difficult for someone keeping an eye out at the local supermarket car park to follow you into the store (if you haven’t disabled the key fob or aren’t using a faraday pouch) or walk past your car having observed you parking it, to then walk past within a metre whilst you’re getting out and obtain the code. Don’t forget, someone could have a relay box concealed on their person and approach you innocuously - have you got some change, can you tell me how to get to…. and their partner in crime from a distance is recording the signal sent to them via the relay box.
In real life if someone walks past holding a gameboy and comes within a metre of you, are you going to challenge them? Would you even notice? Thieves will quickly work out the places where people let their guard down or where they blend in without being noticed.
Using a faraday bag or turning off the key helps, but the new security flaw means it’s easier than ever for someone to gain access to and steal a keyless car. Insurers know it, the Police know it, but the car manufacturers are burying their heads in the sand…
The problem is, if you want peace of mind and not be concerned with fitting additional manual security which anything decent is most likely heavy, cumbersome, fiddly and not so easy to store, taking up valuable space in the car, you’re being inconvenienced every time you use your car. My Wife would be physically unable to fit a disklok for example so that’s a problem.
The electronic devices used to commit keyless key crime are generally overt and small. Recently, as part of an overall professional criminal gang that was caught and arrested, these electronics were found disguised as Nintendo game boys, but often disguised as mobile phones, tablets and the like.
So back to peace of mind. With the new security flaw discovers in July of this year (2022) someone can electronically steal the code(s) your keyless key fob emits (and at some point your key fob has to be turned on) and days later at their convenience come back and fool the car into accepting the code(s) that were stolen and drive away in your car.
And I agree I am not happy about fitting a tracker to the vehicle, but if my current insurer insists and the writing is on the wall that before not too long all insurers will insist, then fitting a tracker becomes a necessity. Then on top of that it invalidates your vehicle warranty….
