Why Keyless Entry Cars May Be More Vulnerable in Australia
Car technology has advanced dramatically over the past decade, and one of the most convenient features many Australians enjoy today is keyless entry. With the simple presence of a fob in your pocket or bag, your car unlocks and even starts without you having to press a button. It’s seamless, modern, and makes life easier.
But behind the convenience lies a growing concern: are keyless entry cars actually more vulnerable to theft? The short answer is yes—and Australian car owners need to be aware of the risks.
For a deeper explanation of this issue, you can explore the full article on CarScoop, which outlines exactly why these systems can put your car at risk.
How Keyless Entry Works
Keyless entry systems rely on radio signals between the fob and your vehicle. When the fob is within a set range, the car automatically unlocks and in many cases, starts with the push of a button.
While this is a huge upgrade in convenience, it also opens the door to modern car theft techniques.
The Problem: Relay Attacks
One of the most common security flaws in keyless systems is the relay attack. Here’s how it works:
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A thief uses a device to capture the signal from your key fob, even if it’s inside your house.
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Another device transmits that signal to your car parked outside.
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The car believes the key is nearby and unlocks or starts.
This entire process takes just minutes—and in many cases, the owner doesn’t even realize their car is gone until it’s too late.
Why It’s a Growing Issue in Australia
Australia’s suburbs, where many cars are parked in driveways or on the street close to homes, provide the perfect environment for relay theft. Thieves don’t need to break windows or make noise—they just need the right equipment.
Popular models from Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, and luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes are particularly attractive targets. As keyless entry becomes more common, so does the opportunity for criminals.
For Australian drivers, this means being proactive is no longer optional. As highlighted in CarScoop’s article, awareness is the first step toward better security.
Practical Ways to Protect Your Vehicle
You don’t have to give up keyless convenience to stay safe. Here are a few smart strategies to protect your car:
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Use a Faraday pouch or box – These block the signal from your key fob when it’s not in use.
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Don’t rely only on proximity unlocking – Lock your car manually with the fob button.
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Park smart – Choose garages or well-lit, secure areas whenever possible.
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Add physical barriers – Steering wheel locks and wheel clamps can act as deterrents.
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Stay updated – Some carmakers provide software or firmware upgrades to enhance security.
The Bottom Line
Keyless entry is here to stay, and it undeniably makes life easier. But as with many modern technologies, it comes with risks that car owners can’t ignore. With criminals adopting advanced theft methods, being informed and taking preventative steps is the key to staying ahead.
By investing in simple protective measures and staying aware of evolving risks, Australians can continue enjoying the convenience of keyless entry without sacrificing peace of mind.

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