Keyless car signals help thieves; a cheap Faraday pouch can block them

Owners of keyless vehicles face several emerging theft methods, from Dodge’s RF-hub key-programming hack that let thieves create their own fobs to relay attacks that extend a legitimate fob’s signal to a parked car. Dodge responded by permanently disabling new key programming through the RF hub, though this means the hub must be replaced if all keys are lost. In July 2026, University of California San Diego researchers disclosed a Bluetooth vulnerability in dealer-installed KARR/SWDS systems that could let nearby attackers unlock doors and tamper with immobilizers.

Despite these high-tech threats, the article advises a simple, inexpensive solution: keep the fob inside a Faraday pouch when at home and avoid leaving it near entryways, thereby blocking the signal thieves need. Personal anecdotes illustrate the financial and logistical fallout of vehicle theft, underscoring the value of basic protective measures. The piece highlights the trade-off between convenience and security as cars become increasingly reliant on wireless technology.