The Curious Case of the Microwave and Your Car Keys: A Growing Trend in Vehicle Security
A recent article from Journal du Geek, published on July 2nd, 2025, sheds light on a peculiar yet increasingly adopted practice among motorists: storing car keys in the microwave. While it might sound counterintuitive, this seemingly odd habit is rooted in a very real and growing concern for vehicle security, particularly in the face of advanced relay attacks.
For those unfamiliar, relay attacks (sometimes referred to as keyless entry signal amplification or key fob relay attacks) are a sophisticated method used by thieves to steal keyless entry vehicles. These attacks exploit the proximity-based technology of modern car key fobs. A thief, equipped with a special device, can capture the radio signal emitted by your car key, even if it’s inside your home. This signal is then relayed to a second device held by an accomplice near your car, tricking the vehicle into thinking the key is present and allowing it to be unlocked and started.
The microwave, with its metal lining, acts as a Faraday cage. A Faraday cage is an enclosure made of conductive material that can block electromagnetic fields. When your key fob is placed inside a switched-off microwave, the metal effectively surrounds the fob, preventing its signal from escaping and being intercepted by a thief’s amplification device. Similarly, it also prevents external signals from reaching the key fob and activating it.
This simple, yet effective, solution offers a tangible layer of defense against a common and frustrating method of car theft. The Journal du Geek article highlights how this practice has gained traction as awareness of relay attacks has spread through online communities and security forums. Many drivers are looking for accessible and affordable ways to protect their vehicles, and utilizing an existing household appliance like a microwave provides just that.
While other solutions exist, such as specialized signal-blocking pouches (often called Faraday pouches or key fob blockers), many people find the microwave method to be a readily available alternative. It’s a practical approach for those who may not have purchased a dedicated pouch or who want an additional layer of security.
However, it is important to note that this method only protects against relay attacks. It does not prevent other forms of theft, such as traditional break-ins or towing. Additionally, motorists should ensure their microwave is indeed switched off and not in use when storing their keys to avoid any potential damage to the fob or the appliance.
The trend of storing car keys in microwaves serves as a fascinating indicator of how consumers are proactively adapting to evolving security threats. As technology advances, so too do the methods of those who seek to exploit it, and in response, innovative, albeit sometimes unconventional, solutions are emerging from everyday life to safeguard our possessions.
Pourquoi certains automobilistes rangent-ils leur clé de voiture dans le micro-ondes ?
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Journal du Geek published ‘Pourquoi certains automobilistes rangent-ils leur clé de voiture dans le micro-ondes ?’ at 2025-07-02 08:17. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.