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How to Protect Your Car Key Fob from Relay Attacks

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25.04.2025

Car theft has entered the digital age — and unfortunately, so have the thieves. As car manufacturers move toward keyless technology, a new type of threat has emerged: the relay attack. Unlike traditional break-ins, this high-tech method allows criminals to steal a vehicle without touching the keys — or even breaking a window.

Imagine this: your car is parked safely outside your house. Your key fob is inside, hanging on a hook by the front door. You're fast asleep. But outside, two individuals with small electronic devices are working together. One stands near your front door, scanning for a signal from your key fob. The other waits by your car. Within seconds, your key’s signal is captured, extended, and transmitted to your car. It unlocks, starts, and drives away — and you might not notice until morning.

This is not science fiction. It's called a relay attack, and it's one of the fastest-growing vehicle theft methods worldwide.

Why Relay Attacks Are So Effective

The key to this technique is exploiting the constant communication between your car and its fob. Most keyless entry systems are designed for convenience — you don’t even need to press a button. The car automatically detects the presence of the key fob and unlocks when you approach.

This convenience is exactly what makes it vulnerable. Relay devices — which are cheap, portable, and easy to use — can mimic the signal and trick the car into thinking the key is nearby, even when it’s inside your home.

Security experts have raised the alarm about this method for years, but many drivers still don’t realize how easily their vehicles can be accessed. In the UK alone, keyless car theft now accounts for more than 90% of vehicle thefts involving high-end models, according to the AA. And with the rise of online tutorials and black-market tools, the problem is growing globally.

So, What Can You Do to Stay Safe?

Fortunately, protecting your vehicle doesn’t require advanced tech or a huge investment — just awareness and a few smart habits.

One of the most effective ways to block relay attacks is also the simplest: store your keys in a signal-blocking container. Often called a Faraday pouch or Faraday box, this lined case prevents radio signals from escaping. When your keys are stored inside, they can’t be scanned or cloned, no matter how close a thief gets to your home.

Placement also matters. Many drivers leave their keys near the front door or on an entryway table — spots that are easy to access from outside. Moving your keys to the center of your home, an upper floor, or even a metal box can reduce signal exposure dramatically.

Some newer key fobs allow you to manually disable the signal when it’s not in use. This feature is often hidden in the manual and rarely mentioned by dealers. Taking a moment to learn whether your key supports this — and how to activate it — can make a big difference.

It’s also worth checking whether your vehicle’s software is up to date. Many automakers periodically release firmware updates that strengthen encryption or reduce signal range. In some cases, updates can even detect and block suspicious unlock attempts.

And while it may seem old-fashioned, physical security still works. Devices like steering wheel locks or gear shift immobilisers can be powerful visual deterrents. Even if a thief manages to unlock your vehicle, the sight of a bulky lock inside may be enough to send them looking for an easier target.

If you're looking for practical solutions beyond GPS, check out our blog: Do Car Keys Have GPS? What You Need to Know About Key Tracking.

In summary, here are a few key takeaways to keep your keys and vehicle safer:

Store your fob in a signal-blocking pouch or metal container

Keep keys away from entry points like doors or windows

Disable keyless signals if your fob supports it

Update your car’s firmware regularly

Use visible anti-theft devices as a deterrent

Looking Ahead: Smarter Cars, Smarter Drivers

Relay attacks are part of a larger trend — one where modern technology makes life more convenient, but also creates new risks. Just like we’ve learned to secure our phones and passwords, we now need to think about how we secure our vehicles.

As carmakers explore more secure solutions — like Ultra Wideband (UWB) tech and biometric verification — drivers still need to take responsibility for their vehicle’s safety. The tools are already out there, and many of them cost less than a meal out. It’s not just about avoiding theft; it’s about peace of mind.

So next time you get home, before tossing your keys on the hallway table, take a second to think: are they really safe there?

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Option C: Remove the lock cylinder On some rack models, the lock cylinder can be removed from the outside with the rack foot or arm partially dismantled. This requires mechanical confidence and the correct tools — consult your rack's installation manual first. Once the cylinder is out, a locksmith can decode it or you can replace it entirely. Roof Rack After the Crisis: What to Do Next Once you have access and a replacement key in hand, take 10 minutes to prevent this from happening again. Photograph your key code. Take a photo of the code stamped on your lock face. Store it in cloud storage or email it to yourself with the subject line "roof rack key code — [your rack brand]." Buy a spare key. It costs less than €10. Keep it somewhere separate from your main keyring — a drawer at home, your work locker, your other car. Register your rack. Thule and Yakima both offer product registration. Registering links your key code to your account, making future replacements instant. Label your key. If you have multiple sets of keys — car, house, garage, rack — label your rack key clearly so it's never confused and never left behind. Roof Rack Key Replacement: Brand-by-Brand Quick Reference Brand Where to Find Code Key Format Notes Thule Stamped on lock face N001–N200+ One-Key System: one code for all locks Yakima On lock core SKS-101–SKS-132+ Same Key System: one code for all locks Mont Blanc Inside lock or key card Numeric Sticker sometimes fades — check paperwork GIVI Product label or lock face Numeric Primarily motorcycle/touring racks Kamei / G3 / Farad Lock face or documentation Varies Contact supplier with photo if unsure FAQ Q: I lost both keys — can I still get a replacement? A: Yes. The key code is stamped on the lock itself, not on the key. As long as you can read the code on the lock face, you can order a replacement. If the code is unreadable, send a photo to a specialist supplier. Q: My rack is second-hand and came with no keys — what are my options? A: Check the lock face for a stamped code. If none is visible, a locksmith can decode the lock. Alternatively, order a replacement lock cylinder for your rack model — it will arrive with new keys and a new code. Q: How long will a locksmith take to open a roof rack lock? A: Most experienced locksmiths can open a barrel-style rack lock in under 10 minutes. The challenge is finding one who works on non-automotive locks — call ahead and confirm. Q: Can I drill out a roof rack lock myself? A: Technically yes, but this destroys the lock cylinder and leaves your rack unsecurable until you replace the full lock assembly. Only consider this if the cargo is time-critical and a locksmith is not available. Q: Will my insurance cover a lost roof rack key? A: Home contents or vehicle insurance sometimes covers key replacement, including accessories like rack locks. Check your policy — the cost of a specialist supplier is low, but it's worth reclaiming if covered. Q: I found a spare key in my car — how do I know if it's the right one? A: Try it carefully and gently. If it inserts smoothly and turns without force, it's the correct key. If it doesn't insert fully or requires force, stop — it's the wrong profile and forcing it risks damaging the cylinder. Q: Can I order a replacement key for an old rack that's no longer sold? A: In most cases yes. Key codes from established brands like Thule and Yakima remain in production for decades. Discontinued rack models still use the same N-series or SKS key codes. Get Your Replacement Key (Fast EU Shipping – Same-Day Dispatch) You know the code. You know the process. Don't leave it until the next trip. Visit mr-key.com to order your replacement roof rack key by brand and code. We ship to Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Netherlands, Romania, Spain, the UK, and across Europe — with tracking on every order. → Order Your Roof Rack Key at mr-key.com Also read: The Complete Guide to Roof Rack Replacement Keys | Thule Roof Rack Key Replacement: How to Find Your Code and Order the Right Key

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