How to Prevent Car Smart Key Hacking? Complete Guide to Relay Attack Defense

Smart keys have become an essential technology to enhance both the security and convenience of vehicles. However, as technology advances, so do the hacking techniques that exploit it. One of the most notorious methods is the relay attack . In this post, we’ll break down what relay attacks are, real-world cases of theft, and practical ways to protect your car from these sophisticated hacks. What is a Relay Attack? A relay attack involves two or more criminals using a wireless repeater to trick your car into thinking the key is nearby. For example, even if the key is inside your house, one attacker places a repeater near your front door while the other stands near your car. The repeater transmits the signal to the car, which mistakenly assumes the key is within range, allowing unauthorized unlocking or ignition Real-Life Cases of Relay Attacks London, UK: Hundreds of BMWs and Mercedes vehicles were stolen in 2020 using relay attack methods. Munich, Germany: ...