FORD PROTECTS AGAINST KEYLESS CAR THEFTS

Keyless car thefts are a very modern phenomenon. In the analogue pre-alarm days, it was easy enough for thieves to steal cars simply by fiddling the ignition barrel with screwdrivers, whereas the 1990s and 2000s saw an increase in domestic burglaries to find the keys and steal cars to order – but keyless car theft is an unprecedented and altogether more unexpected issue to safeguard against. The idea of a ‘relay attack’ is actually quite simple: a pair of thieves work together using electronic signal relay devices, one standing next to the target car and the

other standing close enough to the key fob (inside the house, for instance, so they’ll stand just outside) for the device to pick up the signal. This signal is then passed from one relay device to the other and bingo, the car thinks the key’s there when it isn’t.

From a manufacturer point of view, it turns out that the solution is equally uncomplicated. Since the UK’s two topselling cars, the Focus and Fiesta, both offer keyless entry, Ford knew it had to develop protection against keyless theft, and the answer is to offer key fobs that automatically go into ‘sleep mode’. When the key hasn’t moved for over 40 seconds it puts itself to sleep, meaning that it’s not sending out a signal and thus can’t be hijacked.

New Fiestas are already being offered with the sleep-mode fobs at no extra cost, and new Focuses will from next month onward. Owners of current-generation Fiestas and Focuses can upgrade their security at their local Ford dealer at a cost of £65 (Fiesta) or £72 (Focus) plus an hour’s labour to code.