Keyless entry has revolutionized vehicle convenience. But it’s also given rise to a new breed of high-tech car thieves using relay attacks and signal jamming to steal vehicles in under 60 seconds. So how can you protect your ride?
This guide will break down how these tactics work, why they’re increasingly common, and how AI-powered security like EyeQ’s Virtual Guard can offer next-gen protection. Whether you’re a car owner or dealership manager, these solutions will help you stay ahead of today’s evolving threats.
What Is Keyless Car Theft?
Keyless car theft refers to stealing a vehicle without the need to physically access or clone a key. Instead, criminals exploit wireless communication between your key fob and the vehicle using tools like relay devices or signal jammers.
Relay Attacks: A Silent Digital Heist
- Thieves use two devices: one near your house to capture your key fob’s signal and another near your vehicle to replicate it.
- The car thinks the key is nearby and unlocks, allowing thieves to start the engine and drive off in minutes.
- This method enables car theft in under 60 seconds, making it one of the fastest and stealthiest techniques in modern auto crime.
Signal Jamming: Blocking Your Lock
- Criminals use jammers to block the signal when you attempt to lock your car.
- Thinking your car is locked, you walk away and leave it wide open for theft.
- Signal jamming is especially effective in busy areas where background noise masks the click of a failed lock.
Why It Matters Now
- 99% of keyless cars tested in a recent study were vulnerable to relay attacks.
- Car thefts in the UK doubled in the last decade, with relay and jamming methods as primary culprits.
- Luxury cars are prime targets, accounting for nearly half of high-value theft claims.
- With the rise of smart vehicles, the sophistication of car thieves is also increasing, necessitating proactive defenses.
- As smart vehicles become more common, thieves continue to adapt—making proactive solutions a must. That’s why many dealerships are asking: Are Keyless Cars Making Your Dealership a Target
How to Prevent Keyless Car Theft
Protecting your vehicle doesn’t require ditching keyless entry. It requires smarter strategies, and ideally, smarter tech.
1. Use Signal-Blocking Devices
- Store your key fob in a Faraday pouch or metal container to block its signal.
- Keep spare keys and smart devices in similar blockers at home.
- These cost-effective tools are a first line of defense against relay attack car theft.
2. Layer Up with Physical Deterrents
- Install steering wheel locks, pedal locks, or gear shift locks to deter thieves.
- Park in well-lit areas or use driveway bollards and gates when possible.
- While simple, these tools add time and risk for would-be criminals.
3. Upgrade to a Smart Vehicle Monitoring System
EyeQ’s AI-powered Virtual Guard is built for proactive protection:
- Detects suspicious behavior around vehicles in real-time using AI car security systems.
- Uses live audio deterrents to engage intruders before they act.
- Dispatches law enforcement with <90-second time-to-action from our U.S.-based Security Operations Center (SOC).
- This virtual guard surveillance system is smarter than traditional alarms—it sees, interprets, and acts in real time.
4. Install Immobilizers and Keep Software Updated
- Use aftermarket immobilizers that require unique actions to start the car.
- Check for and install manufacturer software updates to close security loopholes.
- Newer immobilizers often use encrypted signals, making relay attacks harder to execute.
5. Always Double-Check Your Lock
- Don’t rely solely on hearing a “beep.” Physically check that your doors are locked.
- Signal jammers can make you think your car is secure when it’s not.
- Make this a habit especially in public parking lots and service stations.
How AI Stops Car Theft in Its Tracks
Traditional alarms react after a break-in. EyeQ’s AI-powered surveillance system prevents theft before it begins by:
- Analyzing behavioral patterns and flagging anomalies with precision.
- Providing car signal jamming protection and relay attack car theft alerts in real time.
- Offering 24/7 coverage monitored by EyeQ’s U.S.-based SOC experts.
With predictive security for cars, you’re not just reacting—you’re staying ahead. AI-powered solutions don’t wait for something to happen. They recognize patterns and act decisively, making them ideal for both private vehicle owners and dealership security systems.
The Role of Regulation
Governments are catching up to the tech:
- New laws are being passed to ban signal jammers, with criminal penalties for possession or use.
- Automakers are facing lawsuits and increasing pressure to improve security on keyless systems.
- Still, many vehicle models lack default protections—leaving consumers vulnerable.
Until secure-by-design becomes the norm, the burden of protection falls on proactive owners and businesses.
Final Thoughts: Stay One Step Ahead
Keyless car theft is rising fast, but the good news is that with the right strategies and support from smart solutions like EyeQ’s Virtual Guard, you can stay protected.
Because when every second counts, proactive, AI-driven monitoring could be the difference between a close call and a stolen vehicle. Whether you’re trying to stop car theft with AI or simply add an extra layer of assurance, combining physical deterrents with modern tech is your best bet.
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