Author Topic: Storing Keys to Stop Signal Boosting Thieves?  (Read 24707 times)

Offline johnnyleitrim

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 4
  • I NEED TO UPDATE MY SIGNATURE!!!
  • Body: SUV
  • Colour: Liquid Silver Metallic
  • Engine: 2.2L 150ps
  • Fuel: Diesel
  • Model Grade: Sport Nav
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Year: 2016
Storing Keys to Stop Signal Boosting Thieves?
« on: February 13, 2018, 11:47:33 am »
There are plenty of articles about thieves using signal boosting to steal cars with keyless entry (https://www.wired.com/2016/03/study-finds-24-car-models-open-unlocking-ignition-hack/).

I just bought a CX-5 at the weekend, so I'm trying to figure out the best way to store the keys to stop thieves being able to steal the car with signal boosting.

I put the keys in a biscuit tin, but was still able to open the doors using the request button.  I see there are lots of "faraday" key pouches for sale on Amazon, but many of the reviews say that the doors can still be opened with the keys in the pouch.

Other than storing the keys in the fridge (https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2016/03/23/time-to-stash-your-keyless-car-entry-fob-in-with-the-frozen-pork-chops/), what would be my other alternatives?  How are other people here storing their keys?

Offline Bert321

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 141
  • Body: SUV
  • Colour: Sonic Silver Metallic
  • Engine: 2.2L 150ps
  • Fuel: Diesel
  • Model Grade: SE-L Nav
  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Year: 2017
Re: Storing Keys to Stop Signal Boosting Thieves?
« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2018, 01:51:26 pm »
Perhaps I live in a low crime area (perhaps not?) but I don't give it much thought.  I haven't looked into specifically how a thief can boost a key signal and steal my car, but I have tried unlocking/locking the car with the fob a few feet away and it doesn't do it.  Therefore my keys sit on the same shelf all my other car keys have sat over the years.  I do have gap insurance tho, so if it does get nicked I'll (hopefully) get a replacement.

Offline boborob

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 14
  • I NEED TO UPDATE MY SIGNATURE!!!
  • Body: SUV
  • Colour: Sonic Silver Metallic
  • Engine: 2.2L 150ps
  • Fuel: Diesel
  • Model Grade: Sport Nav
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Year: 2015
Re: Storing Keys to Stop Signal Boosting Thieves?
« Reply #2 on: February 17, 2018, 01:47:04 pm »
I use a faraday pouch,it works a treat even when standing next to the car,I suppose like anything the quality of the pouches can vary.

Offline Deeps

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 466
  • Located 20mins NW of Stuttgart, Germany
  • Body: SUV
  • Colour: Crystal White Pearlescent
  • Engine: 2.2L 150ps
  • Fuel: Diesel
  • Model Grade: SE-Lux
  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Year: 2015
Re: Storing Keys to Stop Signal Boosting Thieves?
« Reply #3 on: February 17, 2018, 01:53:02 pm »
I use a faraday pouch,it works a treat even when standing next to the car,I suppose like anything the quality of the pouches can vary.

Come off it  ;) is this supposed to keep us guessing? OK then, I'll play along - name that pouch.  ;D
Mazda CX-5 Exclusive Line 2.2D (150PS) 6AT AWD tugging a 2016 Hymer Eriba Troll 542 Caravan (1300kg).

Offline rmvf

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 429
  • Body: SUV
  • Colour: Sonic Silver Metallic
  • Engine: 2.0L 165ps
  • Fuel: Petrol
  • Model Grade: Sport Nav
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Year: 2020
Re: Storing Keys to Stop Signal Boosting Thieves?
« Reply #4 on: February 18, 2018, 09:05:08 pm »
Perhaps I live in a low crime area (perhaps not?) but I don't give it much thought.  I haven't looked into specifically how a thief can boost a key signal and steal my car, but I have tried unlocking/locking the car with the fob a few feet away and it doesn't do it.  Therefore my keys sit on the same shelf all my other car keys have sat over the years.  I do have gap insurance tho, so if it does get nicked I'll (hopefully) get a replacement.

I can lock or unlock from around 80ft away using the Clarkson method, ie put your key fob next to your head, lol. Try it.
2012 sport nav in pearl white
2016 sport nav in sonic silver
2018 sport nav in mica blue
2020 sport nav in sonic silver
2022 sport black in machine grey

Offline HighlanderUK

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 19
  • Body: SUV
  • Colour: Machine Gray
  • Engine: 2.0L 165ps
  • Fuel: Petrol
  • Model Grade: Sport Nav
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Year: 2018
Re: Storing Keys to Stop Signal Boosting Thieves?
« Reply #5 on: March 25, 2018, 07:11:44 pm »
I use a faraday pouch,it works a treat even when standing next to the car,I suppose like anything the quality of the pouches can vary.

same here, got a pack of 3 from Amazon, use 1 for each fob and don't leave them lying about.

Offline Penno

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 17
  • I NEED TO UPDATE MY SIGNATURE!!!
  • Body: SUV
  • Colour: Crystal White Pearlescent
  • Engine: 2.5L
  • Fuel: Petrol
  • Model Grade: SE-L
  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Year: 2019
Re: Storing Keys to Stop Signal Boosting Thieves?
« Reply #6 on: July 01, 2019, 08:41:22 am »
A very easy way to make a faraday case, tear off a foot of aluminium foil fold it twice, fold your keys in it, job done, try it.
This works.
2019 GT 2.5 Petrol Turbo AWD Snowflake

steve101

  • Guest
Re: Storing Keys to Stop Signal Boosting Thieves?
« Reply #7 on: July 01, 2019, 09:58:28 am »
A very easy way to make a faraday case, tear off a foot of aluminium foil fold it twice, fold your keys in it, job done, try it.
This works.

Not really practical to carry around with you. The pouches you can buy are cheap, effective and easy to carry in your pocket. My original post about keyless entry was why have it at all? What is the point if you have to protect the fobs?

Offline Mary Hinge

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 64
  • s**t happens
  • Body: SUV
  • Colour: Meteor Gray Mica
  • Engine: 2.0L 165ps
  • Fuel: Petrol
  • Model Grade: Sport Nav
  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Year: 2018
Re: Storing Keys to Stop Signal Boosting Thieves?
« Reply #8 on: July 02, 2019, 06:23:42 am »
Am i missing something here, now this has clearly become a security issue why can't the manufactures just fit the fobs with an On/Off switch. Ok, maybe it's a bit inconvenient if your doors don't open like they should because you've forgotten to switch the fob back on and you have to get the fob out but at least your car is still there.

Offline Jonno21

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 187
  • Derbyshire
  • Body: SUV
  • Colour: Arctic White
  • Engine: 2.0L 165ps
  • Fuel: Petrol
  • Model Grade: SE-L
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Year: 2019
Re: Storing Keys to Stop Signal Boosting Thieves?
« Reply #9 on: July 02, 2019, 08:24:24 am »
I stand to be corrected but I read somewhere that the new Mazda 3 key (which is a different design) does have an on/off switch although that didn't stop it from failing the security test due to reliance on the user remembering to switch it off. Incidentally my key fob signal works through the front door and the living room window.
The internet is a huge dumpster. You have to look hard to find anything useful.

Offline Deeps

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 466
  • Located 20mins NW of Stuttgart, Germany
  • Body: SUV
  • Colour: Crystal White Pearlescent
  • Engine: 2.2L 150ps
  • Fuel: Diesel
  • Model Grade: SE-Lux
  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Year: 2015
Re: Storing Keys to Stop Signal Boosting Thieves?
« Reply #10 on: July 02, 2019, 09:38:19 am »
Are we possibly referring to two different systems here - 'keyless entry' and the standard fob where a signal is only transmitted upon the fob switch being pressed?
Mazda CX-5 Exclusive Line 2.2D (150PS) 6AT AWD tugging a 2016 Hymer Eriba Troll 542 Caravan (1300kg).

Offline Gel

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 200
  • New to Mazda; enjoying my new CX-5
  • Body: SUV
  • Colour: Soul Red Metallic
  • Engine: 2.0L 165ps
  • Fuel: Petrol
  • Model Grade: Sport Nav
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Year: 2019
Gerald
Thames Valley

Offline Trevor

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 3
  • I NEED TO UPDATE MY SIGNATURE!!!
  • Body: SUV
  • Colour: Sonic Silver Metallic
  • Engine: 2.5L
  • Fuel: Diesel
  • Model Grade: Sport Nav
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Year: 2019
Re: Storing Keys to Stop Signal Boosting Thieves?
« Reply #12 on: September 20, 2019, 03:49:58 am »
The dealer can deactivate keyless entry for free.

Offline Penno

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 17
  • I NEED TO UPDATE MY SIGNATURE!!!
  • Body: SUV
  • Colour: Crystal White Pearlescent
  • Engine: 2.5L
  • Fuel: Petrol
  • Model Grade: SE-L
  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Year: 2019
Re: Storing Keys to Stop Signal Boosting Thieves?
« Reply #13 on: November 06, 2019, 04:15:48 am »
I did buy a faraday case,and it came from UK.
Works a treat.
2019 GT 2.5 Petrol Turbo AWD Snowflake

Offline MikeTB

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 108
  • Body: SUV AWD
  • Colour: Zeal Red Mica
  • Engine: 2.2L 175ps
  • Fuel: Diesel
  • Model Grade: Sport Nav
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Year: 2013
Re: Storing Keys to Stop Signal Boosting Thieves?
« Reply #14 on: November 16, 2019, 10:01:37 pm »
I received 2 pouches free with another item from Amazon. They work fine.
Note there is a double pocket and you need to put the key inside the metallic part.

Mazda CX-5 Forums

Re: Storing Keys to Stop Signal Boosting Thieves?
« Reply #14 on: November 16, 2019, 10:01:37 pm »