Posted on 07/09/2018 8:16:52 AM PDT by BenLurkin
Given that the best way to store your car keys at night is by putting them in a coffee can, what's an ex-FBI agent's advice to protect cars from theft during the day? Wrap car fobs in aluminum foil.
“Although it's not ideal, it is the most inexpensive way,” said Holly Hubert, a cybersecurity expert who retired in 2017 from the FBI in Buffalo, New York. “The cyber threat is so dynamic and ever changing, it’s hard for consumers to keep up.”
Now, as CEO of GlobalSecurityIQ, she suggests clients go online and spend a few dollars and buy what’s called a Faraday bag to shield the fob signal from potential theft. Imagine a traditional sandwich bag made of foil instead of plastic. Thing is, the car is always waiting for the fob signal. Thieves can buy legitimate devices that amplify the fob signal sitting unprotected in a purse, a pocket, on a counter at home or even just copy the code to access the vehicle.
Copying code from key fobs isn’t difficult. And this is something the auto industry and insurance companies are monitoring closely.
The cheap (or homemade) metal protection covers, named for the scientist who figured out how to block an electromagnetic field, can prevent thieves from having access to vehicles with a wireless fob. Currently, thieves can capture fob signals from outside a home, office or hotel room.
“You know it works if you can’t unlock a car door when the fob is inside,” said Moshe Shlisel, CEO of GuardKnox Cyber Technologies and a veteran of the Israeli Air Force who helped develop cyber protection for fighter jets and missile defense systems . “The credit card holders don’t work because they’re essentially a net rather than a wall.”
(Excerpt) Read more at wsbtv.com ...
We have 2 cars (well, one is a diesel truck) in our garage...plus a bunch of EMERGENCY stuff for those neighbors of ours with totally EMPTY garages (except their cars)...they’ll be the first on our doorstep if something happens...
Ha ha. Yep. Same here. And when a car is broken into those same people still won't clean out their garage. Cars are still in the driveway. Sigh.
I got a renewal credit card last year with a chip. My former one didn’t.
The chip one is supposed to be more secure, but is also more susceptible to having the data stolen by some independent technological device.
I was happy with the old one. Now, I have to keep the new one in a foil wrap — and worry about the moments and distance when placing it into the card reader.
Most people in my former neighborhood used the garages for storage too-—bikes,strollers,lawn tools,snow blowers etc.-—so did we.
Why not?
.
.
“metal cans”
Intended protection is defeated upon opening.
Microwave is another viable option.
I think those foil bags in which some coffee is sold would work. Anyone here know?
Seriously doubt that a Starbucks cup would work though.
In some cases, you are correct. I’ve met lots of people - mostly politicians and school administrative types - who are “educated well beyond their intelligence”, as my Aunt used to say...
However, I think the Engineers are simply bowing to the Marketing folks on the keyless fob thing...
Pushing the button is for unlocking all the doors at once, including the trunk/hatch.
The car is always looking for the signal. If you are close, and a hand touches the door handle, that door opens - usually only the front seat doors have this...
If crooks have duplicated your fob, they are in.
No wurries - just sort of mentioning it. :)
Great song by Rush.
I wonder, does the guy in the song actually drive the Red Barchetta or is he just “ dreaming with his uncle by the fireside” about driving it.
If the enviro-nazis have their way, there will be a Motor Law someday.
Walter and The Dude used a Folger’s can to spread Donny’s ashes into the Pacific. They saved a bundle at the funeral parlor too. I told my wife that’s what I want.
the saying
“just because you can, doesnt mean you should”
applies to a lot of the bs gimmicks being passed
off as wonderful must have inventions.
the internet of things, gonna break one day.
Not an issue when you drive a 2003 F-250 with 235,000 miles on it.
Altoids container?
“The car is always looking for the signal. If you are close, and a hand touches the door handle, that door opens - usually only the front seat doors have this...”
Mine do not do this. Until the button is pushed, nothing happens.
Heh. I put the bacon grease in an old chockfullonuts metal can....it’s now 7/8 full and I’m worried ....what am I going to do when it is full?
Using the "code" they got from the fob that only works about a quarter of the time and only when you are right next to the car?
Don't think this is really high on my worries list.
Interesting. The crook gets into the car and it will start?
If not then do so.
After that you can use it like any other fat. I saute my onion and garlic in bacon grease before adding them to my beans.
It is the fat of choice for frying eggs, cooking corn bread. Just don't grease you cake pans with it.
Unless you are doing a apple cake with a caramel frosting.
It adds a subtle something to the flavor.
I do use a little bit unstrained, [for things as you suggested]; but this stuff has been refrigerated for months. It has a certain yuck factor.
I did try using it to make my own bird suet once....that didn’t work out so well. ;(
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