The key to modern living? Not needing one. Keyless entry is one of those automotive features we’ve grown to love. No fumbling for keys after a long day at the office. No awkward juggling act with coffee in hand. Just a seamless, effortless experience, for your life on the go. Unfortunately, criminals have also embraced this useful car tech – just not in the way manufacturers intended.
Car theft enters the digital age
A recent AutoBlog feature revealed just how easily tech-savvy criminals are exploiting the very keyless entry systems designed for drivers’ convenience. In 2025, keyless relay attacks have become the most common method used to steal vehicles, according to recent data.
How it works
Car thieves today are armed with more than just boldness—they’ve got tech on their side. Here are the main methods they’re using:
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Relay Attacks: Using cheap radio amplifiers, thieves can trick your car into thinking your key fob is nearby—even if it’s tucked inside your home. The signal is captured, boosted, and relayed to the vehicle, allowing them to unlock and start it in seconds.
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Replay or Jamming Attacks: Criminals can intercept the signal when you lock your car, block it from reaching the vehicle, and record it. Once you’re out of sight, they replay the signal to gain entry without ever breaking a window.
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Cryptanalytic Attacks: The most advanced technique—hackers analyze and clone the digital “handshake” between your key fob and vehicle, effectively creating a duplicate key through software-based attacks.
Which Vehicles Are Being Targeted—and Why
Not all cars face the same level of risk when it comes to digital theft. Some makes and models are far more vulnerable due to their design, tech features, or even the absence of critical security components.
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Older Hyundai and Kia Models (Pre-2022/2023)
These models have been among the most frequently targeted, largely because many lacked basic anti-theft systems like immobilizers. As a result, both physical break-ins and relay attacks have been alarmingly common. -
American Pickups (Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150)
High in demand for their parts and resale value, pickups like the Silverado and F-150 are prime targets. And with newer trims adopting keyless entry systems, thieves are now using tech-based methods to gain access even faster. -
Popular Sedans (Toyota Camry, Dodge Charger, Honda Accord/Civic)
While these models typically include immobilizers, their push-button start systems make them susceptible to relay attacks—especially in newer versions. That convenience can be a double-edged sword if extra precautions aren’t taken. -
Tesla and Other BLE/NFC-Enabled Vehicles
Electric and tech-forward cars like Teslas use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Near Field Communication (NFC) for keyless entry—but without extra layers of protection enabled by the driver, they can still fall prey to sophisticated relay-based hacks.
As keyless convenience becomes the norm, knowing your vehicle’s specific vulnerabilities is more important than ever. The smarter the car, the smarter the protection needs to be.
How to Protect Your Vehicle
Convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of security. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of keyless entry car theft:
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Use a Faraday Pouch or Box: These signal-blocking containers prevent thieves from amplifying your fob’s signal when it’s not in use—especially useful overnight or in public spaces.
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Disable Passive Keyless Entry: Some vehicles allow you to turn off the always-on key signal via settings. If you don’t need it, disabling it can eliminate a major vulnerability.
- Install a Steering Wheel Lock: It’s old-school—but it works. A physical barrier is often enough to deter opportunistic thieves looking for a quick target.
Can technology keep up with thieves?
Researchers are developing advanced defenses like frequency-hopping signals, mutual authentication between your car and key, and constantly changing digital codes.
These innovations could drastically reduce the chances of hackers intercepting or mimicking your key’s signal. However, until these improvements become standard across all vehicles, your keyless entry system remains a weak link that savvy criminals can exploit.
Discover more about car safety by reading our latest feature on why the European Union is pushing to ban carbon fibre parts in vehicles.