What Is a Relay Attack—and How Does KēZ Stop It?

Modern car thieves no longer need to break a window or hotwire your engine. With a simple electronic device that captures and relays the signal from your key fob, they can unlock and start your vehicle in seconds, even while your keys are safely indoors. This increasingly common method is known as a relay attack.

Here’s how it works: one thief stands near your home or office entrance with a relay device that captures the signal from your key fob, even through walls. A second accomplice stands near your vehicle with another device that relays the captured signal to the car. The car thinks the key is nearby and allows entry and ignition. The entire process takes under a minute and is virtually silent.

How KēZ Stops It:
KēZ neutralizes relay attacks by introducing an essential second factor: your smartphone. Even if a thief has a cloned key signal, the engine won’t start without phone-based authentication from the KēZ app. The immobilizer remains locked unless your device confirms a valid command. This unique two-factor approach blocks relay-based ignition attempts entirely, making your vehicle invisible to tech-savvy thieves.

KēZ is the digital equivalent of locking your front door with a fingerprint instead of a spare key. The difference is real, and the security is unmatched.