Modern cars are typically fitted with a keyless entry or ‘smart key’ system that allows drivers to work the door locks, trunk or tailgate, and ignition without physically touching their key fob or remote. The thing is, those signals never sleep, and they can even help thieves make off with your car from afar.
A relay attack happens when a car thief uses specialized electronic equipment to sniff out and amplify the communication signals used by your car and its fob. The goal is to pick up the signal from a key fob, amplify it, and transmit it over a distance to another device located near the car or truck that mimics its key.
In this way, thieves bridge the proximity gap to trick your car into thinking its fob is just a foot or two away — even at a great distance.
A relay attack can be carried out in your driveway, perhaps by sniffing out a signal from the key fob inside your front door. In other cases, a thief may follow you into a shopping mall to pick up the key signal from your pocket, transmitting it to an accomplice that’s waiting near your car for the unlock.
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