Would-be thieves use cheap technology to unlock, start cars

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Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Michael Sheehan

Criminals are able to use an inexpensive wireless key fob to unlock and start a car.

The “relay attack” can happen when suspects can find a signal from a fob inside a home near a window or door and unlock a vehicle —all from standing outside the home, according to Carrie Kerskie, a security expert.

Kerskie cited the signal being unprotected or streamlined as a main reason for the theft.

“They can not only open your car but if its a keyless start they can start the car and drive away because it thinks that key is in the vehicle,” Kerskie said.

Users can block the signal by keeping keys in a metal box inside a home or putting car keys inside a cardboard box wrapped in aluminum foil.

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