How to Prevent Key Hacks & Relay Attacks With Compustar Car Alarms

“Smart car” thefts have been exponentially increasing as the mainstream production of “smart cars” with push-to-start systems has also been growing in numbers.

Since the introduction of push-to-start systems in the mid-2000s, millions of drivers have enjoyed the convenience of being able to start and unlock their vehicles without having to reach into their pockets for their keys. This feature is widely accepted by the majority of car consumers for its convenience; however, recent years have proven how thieves are also finding new ways to counter these new technologies with key hack attacks, aka relay attacks.

We will explain why Compustar is the best solution to protect against key hack attacks.

What Is a Relay Attack or Key Hack?

A car key hack or “relay” attack describes a method that allows thieves to unlock and start a vehicle without the tangible key fob with them. The thieves can use cheap devices called radio transmitters and scan for the signals emitted by your wireless key fob to amplify it, tricking your vehicle into thinking that the key fob is nearby and unlocking it.

The most common method of a relay attack is called Signal Boosting or Key Cloning. This method requires 2 attackers.

ATTACKER 1: Intercepts the key fob’s signal from inside your home or on your person.
ATTACKER 2: Relays the key signal to the vehicle to unlock and start it.

How Compustar Prevents Relay Attacks

#1: Secure Push-to-Start
Secure Push-to-Start is a starter kill feature. This means that even if a thief manages to get inside your vehicle, they won’t be able to start the engine because this component safely disables your car’s starter until you disarm the security system from your Compustar remote or DroneMobile App.

#2: Two-Way Remotes With Alarm Alerts
An effective security system isn’t complete if you aren’t notified when your car is in danger. Compustar remote starters like the PRO T13 or T12 have 2-way capabilities. Compustar remotes featuring 2-way alarm alerts communicate with other Compustar security components to notify you of any unwanted access or harm caused to your vehicle while you’re away.

#3: DroneMobile Smartphone Monitoring
In the event that you forget to arm your Compustar security system and your vehicle is stolen, DroneMobile smartphone control gives you the ability to track your vehicle in real time.

DroneMobile alarm monitoring and GPS tracking can be added to ANY Compustar alarm system.

Offer Your Customers the Best Protection

While it’s never pleasant to discuss these threats with your customers, they will forever be grateful in the unfortunate event that someone tries to steal their vehicle.

As you head into the holidays, review your client list from the past six months and look for opportunities to educate your customers on the benefits of upgraded security. You’ll be surprised how many people are concerned about the safety of their vehicle and their belongings.

To learn more about Compustar security systems and threats like relay attacks, visit Compustar.com or contact your authorized Firstech sales representative or distributor.