Car Theft: A Growing Concern
If you’re not careful, your car could be stolen without the thief ever needing your keys. Modern car keys constantly emit signals, and thieves can use this to their advantage. Experts warn that they can easily buy an original key and use it to replicate a vehicle’s access code.
How to Prevent It
So, how can you stop this from happening? The simplest method is to wrap your car keys in aluminum foil. This cheap and easy solution helps block the signals that thieves rely on.
Alternatives to Aluminum Foil
Another option is to buy a Faraday bag online. This inexpensive accessory offers the same signal-blocking properties as aluminum foil, providing an extra layer of protection against potential theft.
How Does It Work?
Cybersecurity expert Moshe Shlisel explains the technology behind it. He compares it to communication through electromagnetic waves, similar to how a radio plays a specific song to open a lock. If thieves know the “song,” they can unlock your car. Shlisel, who has experience in the Israeli Air Force developing missile defense systems, says aluminum foil acts as a barrier that blocks electromagnetic waves from being captured.
The Rising Threat of Car Theft
While it may seem old-fashioned to wrap your keys in foil, car thefts are becoming more common. “These attacks are happening more often,” Shlisel says, “as the tools needed to carry them out are easy to find online, and there are even tutorials available on YouTube.”
Though the automotive industry is aware of these issues, it’s still working on ways to prevent thieves from replicating communication between keys and vehicles.
