If your car key fob becomes inactive:
In a concerning trend, drivers in North Hertfordshire and Kent have recently experienced issues with their car key fobs failing to work, leaving them unable to unlock their vehicles. This issue has prompted Ford to take action, implementing a solution designed to protect owners of their top-selling cars from potential key fob interference.
The source of the problem appears to be radio frequency interference, with thieves using jamming devices to block the signals for remote central locking. Keyless car theft often involves a technique known as a relay attack, where thieves capture and amplify the signal from the key fob, allowing them to unlock and start the vehicle without the owner's presence.
To combat this, Ford security expert Simon Hurr has provided a new method to prevent signal compromise. The method involves placing the key fob under the chin, tucking the chin down, walking around the car, and pressing the unlock button repeatedly. By doing so, the owner's body blocks any potential jammer behind them, ensuring the car unlocks as intended.
This method is effective in preventing potential key fob interference and is specifically designed for Ford's popular models, including the Puma, Focus, Kuga, and Mustang Mach-E. These models use keyless entry key fobs with a sleep mode that shuts down after 40 seconds of inactivity to prevent hacking attempts.
In addition to this new method, Ford has emphasised the importance of physical and digital safeguards. For instance, storing key fobs in Faraday bags or keeping them away from doors and windows at home can help block the signal and prevent thieves from capturing it.
Moreover, some newer vehicles offer motion-sensitive fobs and encrypted communication, which can reduce vulnerability. Turning off wireless functionality when not needed can also help minimise the risk of keyless car theft.
In commercial settings, AI-powered surveillance can enhance security, while in-vehicle safes can protect valuables inside the car. Regularly checking your vehicle's anti-theft system and being cautious with keyless entry systems are also crucial in preventing keyless car theft.
The new method is swiftly implemented to provide immediate protection for car owners. Ford is concerned about the online availability of devices that have no place in public hands and hopes that this new method will aid crime fighters in addition to Ford and the automotive industry.
The RAC spokesperson also mentioned that CCTV cameras and baby monitors, which run on the same frequency, could be a common problem in town centres. As such, it is essential for car owners to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their vehicles from keyless car theft.
- Ford's popular models, such as the Puma, Focus, Kuga, and Mustang Mach-E, are equipped with keyless entry key fobs that have a sleep mode, designed to prevent hacking attempts.
- To combat keyless car theft, Ford security expert Simon Hurr has suggested a new method for Ford car owners to prevent signal compromise, which involves placing the key fob under the chin, tucking the chin down, walking around the car, and pressing the unlock button repeatedly.3.Keeping key fobs in Faraday bags or storing them away from doors and windows at home can help block the signal and prevent thieves from capturing it, as emphasized by Ford.
- In addition to this new method, newer vehicles offer motion-sensitive fobs and encrypted communication, which can reduce vulnerability to keyless car theft.
- Regular car-maintenance and checking your vehicle's anti-theft system, being cautious with keyless entry systems, and using AI-powered surveillance in commercial settings are crucial measures in preventing keyless car theft.
