What Is Relay Attack?

Key Takeaways for Protecting Against Relay Attacks

• What is Relay Car Theft?: Relay attacks exploit keyless entry systems by capturing the signal from your key fob, even inside your home, and tricking your car into unlocking and starting. This method is silent, quick, and bypasses factory-fitted security.

• How Relay Attacks Work: Thieves use two devices one near your car and one near your home to relay the key signal, allowing them to steal your vehicle in seconds. Cars with keyless fobs and connected systems are most at risk.

• Top Security Solutions: The S5 Tracker and Ghost Immobiliser are the most effective tools to counteract relay attacks. The S5 Tracker offers 24/7 monitoring and driver recognition, while the Ghost Immobiliser requires a unique PIN to start the vehicle, making theft virtually impossible.

• Additional Prevention Tips: Keep key fobs away from doors and windows, deactivate keyless fobs if possible, and invest in high-quality aftermarket security systems like trackers and immobilisers.

• Nationwide Installation: Trackershop provides fast, professional installation of S5 Trackers and Ghost Immobilisers across the UK, ensuring your vehicle is protected with the best security available.

Keep hearing about the rise in vehicle theft? There's one theft method in particular to be concerned about. So, let's take a look 

HOW DO TRACKERS COUNTERACT RELAY ATTACK?

Car theft is an ongoing problem which many people face on a daily basis in the UK. With the introduction of keyless entry vehicles, many drivers are at risk to sophisticated methods of theft such as relay attacks.

Take a look below or feel free to call our Installs Team for guidance on 0330 055 2777

If you are here because your insure is insisting that you have a tracking system installed to protect against relay attack, then take a look at the S5 Tracker page.

What is Relay Car Theft?

Trackershop has seen an increase in installing vehicle security in response to relay attack

Ever wondered how thieves can steal your car without a key? It's called a 'Relay Attack'. Many new cars now have keyless entry systems. This allows the driver to open and start the car without using a button or turning a key so long as the fob is nearby.

The thief uses two devices: one picks up the signal from your key, even if it's inside your house, and the other one tricks your car into thinking the key is nearby.

This is why factory-fitted security is not effective against these theft methods - as the thieves can simply bypass the vehicle’s standard security system.
Worried about relay attack? Consider aftermarket solutions to enhance overall vehicle security such as tracking systems and immobilisers.

How Does Relay Attack work?

A relay attack usually involves two people working together. Thief 1 stands by the targeted vehicle, while thief 2 stands near the house with a device that can pick up a signal from the key fob. What’s more, some devices can pick up a signal from up to 100 metres away.

Once Thief 2’s device detects the key frequency from inside, it then relays this signal to thief 1’s device. This tricks the car into thinking the key is in close proximity, and instantly unlocks the doors. This allows the thieves to get in and drive away immediately. The most at-risk are cars that use keyless fobs, as well as ‘connected cars’.

Prefer to speak to our expert team? Call 0330 055 2777

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who uses Relay Attack Devices?

Car theft is a rapidly growing issue in the UK, with more cars being reported stolen every single year. Quite often thefts occur from organised crime gangs. These cars are usually stolen where they end up in what’s known as a chop shop or sold on the black.

These gangs deploy a method called relay attack, which uses a radio interference technology to hijack a signal. Relay technology allows thieves to receive the signal from a key inside a house and transfer it to a portable device, allowing them to quickly and easily unlock and drive the car. All in a matter of seconds. Most devices are illegally sold through websites and other third parties. If you see any of these sites swiftly leave them and report them to the relevant authority.

How To Protect You Car Against Relay Attack

Without the right security and methods in place, it can be very hard to prevent relay attack.

Let’s take a look at what you can do to give yourself the best chance of not falling victim.

Here are three tips on how to help prevent and minimise car theft:
 

1. Make sure to keep any of your car keys and FOBs away from any easy place to locate. This way it will be harder for the thieves to detect where to go. This includes doors, windows or anywhere the thief is able to trace from the outside of your house. Be sure to do this with keys and FOBs including any spares.
2. If you have a keyless FOB with the capability of it being turned off, be sure to make sure the device is not active and is off. This is only applicable with particular FOBs. Make sure to read the manual and contact the vehicle manufacturer for further details if you are unsure.
3. Invest in a good quality security. Here at Trackershop we have a wide range of Trackers and Imobilisers which will help prevent chances of your vehicle being stolen. We strongly recommend the S5 Tracker along with a Ghost Immobiliser. Currently, the best and most effective security to protect your vehicle against relay attacks.

Shop S5 Tracker & Ghost Immobiliser

Where to buy Relay Attack Device Prevention

Here at Trackershop UK we provide our customers with only the best and most effective vehicle security. All with nationwide installation or delivery. We have the largest range of S5 Trackers, the highest level of insurance approved vehicle security, complete with 24/7 control room tracking and driver recognition.

Our Ghost immobiliser is undetectable to thieves and programmed with a unique personalised PIN, meaning nobody can ever start your vehicle without your permission. With the largest mobile engineer network in the UK, no matter what you require, we can ensure the quickest installation time in any postcode. 

Shop Ghost Immobiliser

We can install 7 days a week at your home, work or dealership! Contact our Installs Team today 0330 055 2777

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Autowatch Ghost 3?
The Autowatch Ghost 3 is a digital immobiliser that supports CAN-FD networks and blocks the engine via CAN/LIN until the owner enters a unique disarm sequence using buttons, a key-tag or a smartphone.

Can thieves clone the Ghost 3?
The Ghost 3 has no key fob to clone and emits no signal that can be relayed, making it highly resistant to keyless theft and key cloning.

Does the Ghost 3 stop manufacturer apps from working?
No. Its smart immobilisation allows remote heating and cooling features in apps such as JLR InControl and the Ford app to continue working.

What's the difference between the Ghost 2 and Ghost 3?
The Ghost 3 adds support for the high-speed CAN-FD protocol used by newer vehicle platforms, along with a faster processor and lower power consumption.

Can I take my car to a garage with a Ghost 3 fitted?
Yes. Service/Valet mode allows garages and valets to drive the vehicle without you revealing your PIN.

Protect Your Vehicle With the Latest Ghost Technology

The Autowatch Ghost 3 immobiliser represents the next step in keyless theft protection, bringing proven Ghost security to the newest CAN-FD vehicles while remaining compatible with older platforms. With invisible installation, flexible authorisation and no fob to clone, it's one of the most effective ways to keep your vehicle where you left it. Browse the full range of Ghost immobiliser options at Trackershop UK today and book your professional installation.