In a world where convenience is king, keyless entry systems have become the standard for modern cars. The simple act of approaching your vehicle and opening the door without a key is now commonplace. However, this convenience has opened the door to a new and insidious form of car theft known as a relay attack. Thieves are exploiting the very technology designed to make your life easier. This growing threat has left many car owners wondering, “Is my car really secure?” Fortunately, a modern digital solution provides a powerful defense.

What is a Key Fob Relay Attack?

A key fob relay attack is a method of car theft that targets vehicles with keyless entry and push-to-start technology. The attack involves two thieves. The first thief stands near the car, while the second thief stands near the owner’s key fob. The first thief uses a “relay box” to capture the car’s signal, which is constantly searching for its key fob. That signal is then relayed to the second thief’s device, which re-broadcasts it to the key fob. The key fob “thinks” the car is nearby and sends its access signal back. The two devices then relay that signal back to the car, which unlocks the doors and allows the thieves to start the engine. This entire process can take less than a minute.

The Vulnerability of Traditional Systems

The primary reason traditional keyless entry systems are vulnerable is that they rely on radio frequency (RF) signals that can be intercepted and amplified over a distance. Even with encryption, the signal can still be captured and re-transmitted, tricking the car into thinking the key fob is within range. While some car manufacturers are addressing this issue with motion-sensing fobs, many older and even some newer models remain at risk. This leaves millions of vehicles exposed to this type of theft.

How MoboKey Provides a Secure Solution

MoboKey’s technology offers a multi-layered defense against relay attacks and other forms of theft. It replaces the vulnerable key fob with a secure, smartphone-based digital key.

  • Encrypted Bluetooth Communication: Unlike RF signals, MoboKey’s system uses AES-encrypted Bluetooth communication, which is designed for secure, short-range connections. This makes it extremely difficult for a thief to intercept or relay the signal over a long distance.
  • Proximity and Access Control: The MoboKey app requires the user to be in close proximity to the vehicle for the hands-free features to work. This adds a physical security layer that the simple broadcasting of a key fob cannot match. MoboKey also allows you to remotely grant or revoke access, ensuring only authorized users can operate the vehicle.
  • No Fob to Hack: Since your smartphone is the key, there is no key fob for a thief to clone or hack. If you lose your phone, you can instantly revoke access, providing a level of security that a physical key fob cannot.

A Complete Security System

MoboKey is more than just a keyless entry solution. It offers a complete security system that goes beyond the capabilities of a traditional key fob. The system includes a remote engine kill switch, which allows you to disable the engine from your app if you notice suspicious activity. It also keeps detailed access logs, so you know exactly who has been in your vehicle and when, which is an invaluable feature for car-sharing businesses.

Conclusion

Key fob relay attacks are a real and growing threat to vehicle security. While the convenience of keyless entry is undeniable, it comes with a significant risk. By upgrading to a digital key solution like MoboKey, you can protect your vehicle with advanced technology that traditional fobs simply can’t offer. With its encrypted communication, remote control, and anti-theft features, MoboKey provides a modern, robust defense for your car and your peace of mind.

Secure your vehicle the smart way. Explore MoboKey’s advanced security solutions by visiting the MoboKey website.

Download the MoboKey application on the App Store or Play Store!