Here’s an article based on the Presse-Citron piece about putting car keys in the microwave, presented in a polite tone with relevant information:
The Surprising Reason Some Drivers Are Putting Their Car Keys in the Microwave
A recent article published by Presse-Citron has shed light on a peculiar yet surprisingly practical practice adopted by some motorists: placing their car keys in the microwave. While it might sound counterintuitive, and perhaps even a little alarming at first glance, the explanation behind this action is rooted in a desire to enhance the security of modern vehicles, particularly in preventing relay attacks.
The article, titled “Voici pourquoi ces automobilistes mettent leurs clés dans le micro-ondes (ce n’est pas si aberrant)” (Here’s why these drivers put their keys in the microwave – it’s not so aberrant), published on June 28, 2025, at 2:54 PM, delves into the technicalities of how keyless entry systems can be exploited.
In an era where many cars are equipped with keyless ignition and entry, the convenience of not needing to physically insert a key is undeniable. However, this technology also presents a potential vulnerability. Modern car keys, often referred to as key fobs, continuously emit a low-frequency signal to detect their proximity to the vehicle. This signal allows drivers to unlock and start their car without taking the fob out of their pocket or bag.
The concern that leads some individuals to use their microwave as a makeshift Faraday cage stems from the risk of “relay attacks.” In such a scenario, thieves can use electronic devices to amplify the signal from a car key fob, even if it’s inside a house or a pocket. This amplified signal tricks the car into thinking the key is nearby, allowing unauthorized access and even ignition.
The microwave, when its door is properly sealed, acts as a crude but effective electromagnetic shield. The metal mesh within the microwave’s door and casing is designed to contain electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves. By placing their key fobs inside a microwave (and crucially, not turning it on), drivers can effectively block the key’s signal from being intercepted and relayed by potential thieves.
Presse-Citron’s report suggests that this method, while not a perfect or officially endorsed security measure, is an accessible and readily available way for concerned car owners to add an extra layer of protection against this specific type of theft. It’s important to note that this is purely about blocking the signal, and the microwave should never be activated with the keys inside.
While specialized signal-blocking pouches and boxes are commercially available and are arguably a more elegant solution, the microwave trick offers a readily available alternative for those who may not have these accessories on hand or who are looking for an immediate, albeit temporary, solution.
The article’s premise, that this action “isn’t so aberrant,” highlights how practical, even if unconventional, solutions can emerge in response to evolving technological challenges and security threats. It’s a testament to people’s ingenuity in safeguarding their property in the face of sophisticated potential risks.
Voici pourquoi ces automobilistes mettent leurs clés dans le micro-ondes (ce n’est pas si aberrant)
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Presse-Citron published ‘Voici pourquoi ces automobilistes mettent leurs clés dans le micro-ondes (ce n’est pas si aberrant)’ at 2025-06-28 14:54. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.