How Relay Attacks Target Modern Hybrid Vehicles > 자유게시판

Hybrid vehicle users and producers are increasingly alarmed by the surge in relay-based theft techniques.

The very features designed to simplify access—smart key fobs and proximity-based unlocking—are now being weaponized.

Instead of inserting a metal key, drivers activate their vehicles using a compact electronic device that emits low-frequency signals.

Owners can access and ignite their cars merely by approaching them, with no need to retrieve or handle the fob.

This seamless convenience, however, creates exploitable weaknesses that criminals have learned to leverage.

A relay attack works by intercepting and amplifying the signal between the key fob and the vehicle.

One device is positioned close to where the key is stored—like a doorway or desk—while the second is placed adjacent to the parked vehicle.

The device near the key fob captures the low-frequency signal emitted by the car when it is searching for the key.

The car receives the signal and believes the authentic key is right beside it.

The car, believing the key is nearby, unlocks and allows the engine to start.

Owners often return to find their car gone, with no signs of forced entry or alarm activation.

The attack bypasses all physical locks and digital firewalls by exploiting the keyless system’s design.

The trade-off between usability and protection has created a dangerous blind spot.

This continuous broadcasting creates a continuous attack surface.

Radio signals can penetrate drywall, glass, and wood, allowing attackers to capture them from outside.

Some gangs use communication devices to coordinate timing between the two relay units.

Some sophisticated equipment can extend the range of the signal by tens of meters, 大阪 カーセキュリティ allowing attackers to target cars even when the key fob is located several rooms away.

A simple metal tin may not block all frequencies, and some fobs remain active in standby mode.

Owners have multiple options to defend against this evolving threat.

One of the most effective is storing the key fob in a Faraday pouch or metal container that blocks radio signals.

Available at auto accessory stores, online retailers, and even some hardware shops, they cost less than a coffee.

Switching back to manual key insertion or a physical button eliminates the wireless vulnerability completely.

Some newer vehicles offer firmware updates that add additional security layers, such as requiring the driver to press a start button while the key is physically inside the cabin, or using time-delay authentication to detect relay attempts.

Manufacturers are also beginning to respond to this threat by introducing more secure communication protocols, such as ultra-wideband technology, which can measure the precise distance between the key and the car rather than simply detecting the presence of a signal.

These smart fobs remain dormant until they detect movement near the car.

Many owners assume their car is safe simply because it has no visible damage.

Even if your car has not been targeted yet, the tools and knowledge to perform relay attacks are increasingly accessible.

Combining multiple layers of protection creates a formidable deterrent.

In summary, relay attacks on hybrid cars are a real and increasingly common threat that exploits the very features designed to make driving more convenient.

Ignorance is the thief’s greatest ally.

As technology continues to evolve, so too must our security practices.

Protection doesn’t have to be complex—just consistent