Imagine waking up one morning ready to do your tasks, only to find that your car, which has been your loyal friend for years, is gone. There was no proof that the glass was broken. No one got in. Just… gone. The keys to the drawer are still there, and there are no signs of a break-in. Welcome to the moment when people can steal cars without keys. And yes, it’s happening more and more, especially to cars that are newer. But here’s the interesting part: you can stop this high-tech theft with something as simple as aluminum foil.
Back in the day, automobile keys weren’t truly “keys.” These days, a lot of cars come with a key fob, which is a small electronic device. It unlocks the doors, starts the engine, and makes driving easier than it was before. But this simplicity of use costs something. These key fobs send a low-frequency signal to your automobile all the time to talk to it. That signal keeps going even when you’re sleeping. That’s what criminals have figured out how to use.
It may sound like something from a science fiction book, but the procedure is real and quite simple. Thieves can use two cheap gadgets to execute a relay attack. One device picks up the signal from your key fob, which can occasionally go through the walls of your house. After that, the signal goes to a second device that is near your car. It seems like you’re right next to the car. The doors open, the engine starts, and it’s gone in less than a minute.
This kind of attack is not only possible, but it is also becoming more common, according to Moshe Shlisel, a former cybersecurity officer for the Israeli Air Force and now CEO of GuardKnox Cyber Technologies. He talks about the key fob’s signal as if it were a song. “The key fob plays the same tune over and over again for the car. The car unlocks when it hears it. People may be able to play that song again and get inside your automobile.
What can you do? Wrapping your key fob in aluminum foil is one of the best and easiest ways to remedy the problem. This little trick acts like a Faraday cage to prevent electromagnetic impulses and stop thieves from getting the message on your fob. You don’t need much; simply wrap it up tightly and put it in a drawer or near the entrance. It’s not ideal, but it does a good job of keeping people away.
You can use Faraday pouches instead of homemade foil if you don’t like how it looks. These little bags block signals and are lined with something that protects against electromagnetic waves. They are easy to carry, don’t stick out, and cost less than $20 most of the time. You can find one quickly online by searching for “RFID key signal blocker,” “best Faraday bags 2025,” or “Faraday pouch for car key.”
Older individuals are especially hurt by this form of thievery. Thieves usually target elderly individuals because they know that a lot of them park their cars in driveways instead of garages, drive newer cars that family members have given them or passed down to them, and leave their keys near doors or windows. Unfortunately, these habits make it easier to pick up signals.
Things that happen in real life make the problem seem more real. A couple in Phoenix who are 67 years old woke up to an empty driveway and no signs of forced entry. The police confirmed that their SUV had been stolen, along with a signal booster they bought online for about $40. The husband said, “We didn’t hear anything.” “They took it and disappeared without a trace.” Even while insurance helped, the mental toll and sense of being exposed lingered.
It’s a good thing that the car industry is paying attention. Some automobile companies are creating smart key fobs that go into sleep mode when not in use or broadcast signals at lower levels that are harder to pick up. But until those systems are standard on all automobiles and trucks, the driver is still in charge of keeping them safe.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to know a lot about technology to stay safe. Just pay attention and be ready to make small changes. To get started, wrap your key fob in foil or buy a Faraday pouch. Don’t keep your keys near windows or doors, which are simple to get into. Put a big steering wheel lock on your automobile if you want to keep thieves away. And if you can’t find a garage, always park in a safe, well-lit area.
It might sound strange that something as simple as foil might help keep expensive equipment safe. But it’s a good idea to be vigilant in a world where digital thieves may get into your home from the sidewalk. So, whether you drive to church on Sundays, take the grandkids out for ice cream, or just do errands every once in a while, one small gesture can make a big effect.
If you’re not sure, finish up.
