Security question re car key fobs that can be scanned

I think it is a well known fact that car thieves use scanner devices outside the house to scan for car key fob signals inside the house. Once codes/frequencies are obtained I believe it is passed on to their accomplice’s device who uses it to unlock the car, start the engine and they both drive off.

My car has buttons to unlock/lock the car doors but there is no ignition key. The key fob simply sits somewhere in the car and a start/stop button on the dashboard is pressed to start/stop the engine. This tells me my car ‘looks for’ the key fob when I press the start/stop button and the key fob sends back a valid “fob present and correct” answer and the engine starts.

Question - I know some proximity type key fobs should be kept in RFID Faraday pouches inside the house to avoid being scanned and car stolen but does the same apply to the press-button type key fob for my car?

To be safe I am storing the keys in an RFID box inside the house but I was just curious as to whether it is necessary or not.

I think this is old hat. Most keys now use sophisticated rotating frequencies and engine is immobilised if the actual keys are not used. Its kind of a 2 factor aithentication.

It would be very sophisticated thieves who could break modern security. In the end, you are one in a million - really not worth getting hung up about. Far more likely to get scammed on internet.

I wonder should i too store my key fob in rfid protected box even though ive never was compromised...in this day and age thieves are getting more and more creative

Helmuuth said:

I wonder should i too store my key fob in rfid protected box even though ive never was compromised...in this day and age thieves are getting more and more creative

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I am sure such scanner thieves only target specific (high end) vehicles. Why would they bother going after my 10 year old Hyundai IX20? The reward/risk ratio is too low.

I bet far more cars are stolen by simply stealing the car keys (by a couple of orders of magnitude at least I would guess). Why bother put your key in an RFID box, when it would simply be easier to steal the key or even the box?

Would you seriously consider installing a proper safe to put your keys in when not in use to mitigate risk of key theft?

To me worrying about an event that is probably very rare is rather pointless when you compare it with the probability of keys being stolen which could be done by any old thief / pickpocket / burglar with 2 brain cells or less.

Of course, you could ask your insurance company how much they are willing to reduce your premiums if you state you use an rfid box?

The thieves are using a repeater/relay, basically amplifying the signal so the receiver appears to be the fob to the car. The fob is always sending a proximity signal. The car has various antennas in the interior to detect a valid fob to allow passive entry and the start/stop button to start the car. If the fob is close enough to allow a thief to relay the signal then it can be done

These fobs are not necessarily the high tech that was mentioned. I am a Super Moderator on a large Dodge Challenger forum and fob relay thefts are a common method although many are aware and use the faraday pouches, etc. The thieves are more advanced than mentioned also. It's not just high end exotics being targeted. Thieves can enter a car and "clone" a new key and then they have a 100% valid fob. In fact Dodge had to come out with a RF Hub Lockdown to prevent additional keys from being added. The thieves can also connect to the CANBUS communications and steal cars that way


It's not some small sophisticated car theft ring, it's the "day to day" car thieves. If they want most cars they can get them and quickly

Obviously some models are more desirable but it doesn't mean that thefts for joy rides, using in robberies, even used to smash down security gates on stores don't happen

So you do what you can. I keep my fobs in individual pouches and in a Tin as well. If I'm out and may be away from my car but within relay distance I keep the fob in the pouch in my pocket

A Guy

wiganken said:

but I was just curious as to whether it is necessary or not

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I have thought some more about this and I think I have worked out my own answer. Because the fob sits in the car it must be emitting signals that the car picks up on and so it must be vulnerable to scanning devices used by thieves. As such I have to concluded it is best to store them in an RFID box.
What I have not done is to buy RFID pouches for when I am in town with the keys. I think I will get one and keep it in the car for when needed.

Thanks for the input. I'll leave the room now.

cereberus said:

I am sure such scanner thieves only target specific (high end) vehicles. Why would they bother going after my 10 year old Hyundai IX20? The reward/risk ratio is too low.

I bet far more cars are stolen by simply stealing the car keys (by a couple of orders of magnitude at least I would guess).

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Not only are high value vehicles stolen by electronic signals, others are hijacked to order for spare parts.
You underestimate how many vehicles are stolen by scanner thieves.

I am driving a 2014 Toyota Avalon Limited. I don't know about other makes and models, but the User Manual tells you which sequence of buttons press to turn the key fob OFF, so that it does not emit any signals, until you subsequently push a button to unlock your car or trunk. I use it all of the time, just to save on the key fob battery replacement costs. A key fob that is not emitting is not using any battery power, nor can its signal be scanned and amplified. For me at least, there is no need for further security.

I wonder how many other makes and models have a similar feature . . . ?

Just my two cents. Have a great day.

Regards,
Phil

cereberus said:

I am sure such scanner thieves only target specific (high end) vehicles. Why would they bother going after my 10 year old Hyundai IX20? The reward/risk ratio is too low.

I bet far more cars are stolen by simply stealing the car keys (by a couple of orders of magnitude at least I would guess). Why bother put your key in an RFID box, when it would simply be easier to steal the key or even the box?

Would you seriously consider installing a proper safe to put your keys in when not in use to mitigate risk of key theft?

To me worrying about an event that is probably very rare is rather pointless when you compare it with the probability of keys being stolen which could be done by any old thief / pickpocket / burglar with 2 brain cells or less.

Of course, you could ask your insurance company how much they are willing to reduce your premiums if you state you use an rfid box?

Click to expand...

I guess im safe, i only have a 2005 ford focus with resale value of 1500 lmao