In an age where convenience and technology go hand in hand, keyless entry systems have become a standard feature in modern vehicles. However, as technology advances, so do the methods that thieves use to exploit it. One of the latest threats to vehicle security is known as a relay attack, a high-tech method that allows thieves to unlock and even start a car without having the key fob. In this article, we’ll explain **what a relay attack is and how you can prevent it from happening to you**. Understanding this technique and knowing how to protect against it can help keep your vehicle secure in an increasingly connected world.

Usually, a pair of thieves collaborate to carry out a relay attack. Imagine you’ve parked your car for the night and left your key fob on the kitchen counter. Here’s how they gain access to your vehicle:

1. Thief 1 triggers your car’s security system by pulling on the door handle. Your vehicle responds by transmitting an authentication challenge to check if your car’s key fob is present.

2. Thief 1 uses a device to receive the authentication challenge and relay it to a device held by Thief 2, who stands next to your home and within range of your key fob.

3. Thief 2 uses his device to transmit the authentication challenge to your key fob. Your key fob responds with its credentials to Thief 2’s device.

4. After Thief 2’s device obtains the credentials from your key fob, it transmits that response to Thief 1’s device, which responds to your car’s security system… and your vehicle unlocks.

Next, the thieves launch a second attack to start your car…

1. After Thief 1 is inside your car, the vehicle initiates an authentication challenge to verify your key fob is there.

2. Thief 1’s device receives the challenge and transmits it to Thief 2’s device.

3. Thief 2’s device transmits the authentication challenge to your car’s key fob.

4. After Thief 2’s device receives the correct response from your car’s key fob, it sends it to Thief 1’s device, which responds to the security system… and your vehicle starts.

If you fall prey to this crime, not only will the offenders have your vehicle but they might also gain access to data on devices you connected to your car.

**How to Protect Your Vehicle From a Relay Attack**

Some key fobs let you control signaling to and from your car’s security system. So, when you want to get in your vehicle or drive, you can turn the key fob’s signaling on, and when you won’t be driving, you can turn it off. Also, some car manufacturers allow you to manually turn off a vehicle’s keyless entry system when it’s not needed.

Several companies offer products to avert relay attacks. For example, Secure-A-Key by NAV-TV electronically disconnects the key fob’s battery (turning off the radio frequency communication) after several minutes of inactivity. It then reactivates the battery when it detects the key fob is on the move again, presumably because the car’s driver picked it up and is ready to roll. Another way to help prevent relay attacks is to use a signal-blocking pouch or box that blocks the key fob from broadcasting its code to the car’s security system.

We hope this article has helped you understand What a Relay Attack is and how you can prevent it. It is keep to keeping your vehicle safe in a connected world.