Understanding Key Fob Relay Attacks
Key fob relay attacks, also known as relay theft or keyless car theft, are one of the fastest growing forms of vehicle crime. Thieves are exploiting the convenience of keyless entry systems by using affordable electronic amplifiers to trick your car into believing your key fob is nearby.
Here’s how it works:
Two criminals work together - one stands close to your home or office to capture the key fob’s wireless signal, often stored near a door or window, while the other stands near your car and relays that signal to unlock and start it.
In less than a minute, your car can be silently stolen without any physical damage or forced entry.
The Mechanics of a Relay Attack
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Signal Detection: A thief uses a radio frequency scanner to locate your key fob’s low-power transmission.
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Signal Relay: The captured signal is amplified and transmitted to a receiver near the car.
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Vehicle Access: The car receives the “key present” signal and unlocks automatically.
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Engine Start: The vehicle’s push-to-start system activates, and the thieves drive away effortlessly.
Vehicles with Passive Keyless Entry and Start (PKES) systems are particularly vulnerable to this type of attack.
Why Relay Attacks Are So Effective
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Quick and Quiet: Thieves can execute a relay theft in under 60 seconds.
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No Forced Entry: Since the car unlocks normally, there’s no broken glass or alarm trigger.
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Hard to Trace: The car starts with a valid digital handshake, making it difficult to prove theft.
How to Protect Your Car from Relay Attacks
Automakers are improving security, but consumers can take simple, effective steps to block these attacks today - and one of the best tools comes from OffGrid.
1. Store Your Key Fob in a Signal-Blocking Pouch
A Faraday pouch prevents thieves from capturing your key fob’s signal by completely blocking electromagnetic frequencies. The OffGrid Fold is the ultimate portable Faraday key case, engineered to shield your fob from all major wireless signals including GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, RFID, and cellular.
Crafted from reinforced rip-stop nylon, the OffGrid Fold is compact, durable, and designed for everyday use. It even includes a key loop so you can easily attach it to your bag, belt, or keychain.
2. Turn Off Keyless Entry (If Possible)
Some vehicles allow you to disable passive keyless entry in their settings. This small change forces you to press a button or use a physical key, cutting off the constant wireless signal thieves exploit.
3. Keep Fobs Away from Entry Points
Never store your keys near doors, windows, or outer walls. Instead, place them deeper inside your home and ideally inside a shielded pouch such as the OffGrid Fold.
4. Add a Steering Wheel Lock or Immobilizer
Visible deterrents such as steering wheel locks and tire clamps make theft more difficult even if someone gains entry.
5. Install a Real-Time Tracker or Smart Alarm
A modern GPS tracker can instantly alert you if your car moves unexpectedly, improving your chances of recovery.
6. Keep Vehicle Software Updated
Regularly check for firmware updates from your automaker to patch vulnerabilities in your car’s wireless systems.
Why the OffGrid Fold Is the Smartest Key Fob Protection
The OffGrid Fold goes beyond basic Faraday pouches. It combines premium design and advanced shielding materials to deliver full spectrum protection:
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Comprehensive RF Shielding: Blocks GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, RFID, and cellular signals.
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Everyday Convenience: Lightweight, foldable, and easy to carry. Just drop your keys in and you’re protected — no setup required.
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Premium Materials: Built from military-grade rip-stop nylon for long-term durability and high attenuation levels.
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Compact Design: Small enough to keep on your person, yet strong enough to prevent any signal leakage.
With the OffGrid Fold, you get peace of mind knowing your vehicle’s digital “keys” stay completely offline when you want them to.
Conclusion
Key fob relay attacks are a modern threat to modern vehicles - but with the right precautions, you can outsmart even the most tech-savvy thieves.
By shielding your key signals with the OffGrid Fold, you take control of your vehicle’s security. It’s an effortless, stylish, and proven way to keep your car safe from digital theft.
Stay protected. Stay OffGrid.
