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Model specific boards => Golf mk8 => Topic started by: Ubique on 09 January 2021, 12:30

Title: Key security
Post by: Ubique on 09 January 2021, 12:30
So I’m having my new GTI delivered next month and I have been warned by about thieves in the area scanning for car keys. As the GTI key is keyless entry sort should I get a faraday pouch? Thoughts?
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: Adam T7 on 09 January 2021, 12:36
Why would you not?
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: jaceyboy on 09 January 2021, 12:37
They are like £2 on eBay why wouldnt you?
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: Guzzle on 09 January 2021, 12:47
Absolutely get one.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: king monkey on 09 January 2021, 13:07
No brainer as everyone says. Think I got 2 for £4. I presume you can disable keyless too like you can on the Mk7.That’s what I always  do.

Also bought myself a disclock which has been on an S3 and now the R.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: Ubique on 09 January 2021, 13:45
Thanks all, I never had keyless entry before, I seems a stupid idea to me, may as well hang the spare key on the door.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: skippy on 09 January 2021, 14:15
Yes 2 pouches, one for the spare key too!
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: SRGTD on 09 January 2021, 14:22
No brainer as everyone says. Think I got 2 for £4. I presume you can disable keyless too like you can on the Mk7.That’s what I always  do.

I’d be surprised if you can’t. I always do this with my Polo GTI+ which has keyless as standard (given the choice I wouldn’t have specc’d it - using the buttons on the key fob to lock / unlock the car and key to start the car is no hardship!)

If using Faraday pouches, we aware that the metallic lining in these pouches can fail over time, so it’s always advisable to check them periodically to ensure they’re still blocking the signal - easy to check; just put the key in the pouch and with the key+pouch on your person, try opening your locked car. If the door opens, time to get a replacement pouch.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: king monkey on 09 January 2021, 14:37
No brainer as everyone says. Think I got 2 for £4. I presume you can disable keyless too like you can on the Mk7.That’s what I always  do.

I’d be surprised if you can’t. I always do this with my Polo GTI+ which has keyless as standard (given the choice I wouldn’t have specc’d it - using the buttons on the key fob to lock / unlock the car and key to start the car is no hardship!)

If using Faraday pouches, we aware that the metallic lining in these pouches can fail over time, so it’s always advisable to check them periodically to ensure they’re still blocking the signal - easy to check; just put the key in the pouch and with the key+pouch on your person, try opening your locked car. If the door opens, time to get a replacement pouch.

Totally agree. Good point about checking that the pouches are still working as they should. I always forget to check.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: fredgroves on 09 January 2021, 17:15
Does the mk8 key really not have a motion sensor in it that shuts down the signal if its not moving after a few seconds?

Most other keyless systems have that after keyless theft has been around for a long time.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: McCrae1971 on 09 January 2021, 17:33
Doesn’t shut down if no motion or lying flat which I believe Ford have . There is an option to turn the keyless entry off. Although I’d still keep the keys in a faraday pouch regardless.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: fredgroves on 09 January 2021, 19:19
Oh... That's not good. Have you tried testing that out? Put the key down close to the car for ten minutes then try just opening the car without picking it up?
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: Guzzle on 09 January 2021, 20:25
I seem to remember reading somewhere that Skoda now have the sleeping key feature, so a bit surprising that VW don't.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: SRGTD on 09 January 2021, 20:55
I seem to remember reading somewhere that Skoda now have the sleeping key feature, so a bit surprising that VW don't.

But the new Skoda Octavia also has two gas bonnet struts whereas the mk8 Golf doesn’t have any and has to make do with a manual bonnet prop. Maybe Skoda has moved ahead of VW within the VAG hierarchy for certain items of tech and equipment........ :whistle:
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: Guzzle on 09 January 2021, 21:39
I seem to remember reading somewhere that Skoda now have the sleeping key feature, so a bit surprising that VW don't.

But the new Skoda Octavia also has two gas bonnet struts whereas the mk8 Golf doesn’t have any and has to make do with a manual bonnet prop. Maybe Skoda has moved ahead of VW within the VAG hierarchy for certain items of tech and equipment........ :whistle:

That's true I suppose. However on closer inspection it seems that the Octavia KESSY can be permanently disabled via the infotainment so it seems the Octavia doesn't have a sleeping key either  :sad:
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: Brocky_ on 19 February 2021, 22:00
I'm sure there are quite a few people who use a Faraday pouch, so would any of you mind sharing which ones you've got, please?  I have been looking at lots but they all seem to be way too big for my liking.  I basically want one that is just the right size for a fob to snugly fit into.

I did find this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMCqAx_Pf4Y

...but the website is out of stock.  Shame, as it seems perfect for me, if a little on the pricy side.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: fredgroves on 19 February 2021, 22:04
If you have a mk8, just disable it. It's going to be the first thing i do when mine arrives.

Far too dicey to leave it enabled. Pouch or no pouch.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: Brocky_ on 19 February 2021, 22:16
I am still debating that, Fred, although I would still like a pouch like the one I posted just to keep the fob in when it's in my pocket.

Also, does disabling keyless entry in the car settings also completely stop the fob from emitting a signal?
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: fredgroves on 19 February 2021, 22:22
It stops the car listening for it.

Boost the key signal as much as you want bad guys, my car ain't listening!

Seriously, it's a massive risk and the most common way modern cars are stolen.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: mcmaddy on 20 February 2021, 10:37
I am still debating that, Fred, although I would still like a pouch like the one I posted just to keep the fob in when it's in my pocket.

Also, does disabling keyless entry in the car settings also completely stop the fob from emitting a signal?
you don't need to spend a load of money on a pouch. eBay and Amazon ones for a few quid will suffice.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: jv on 20 February 2021, 11:44
Just turn it off. Such poor, unnecessary tech that leads to needing a sad little pouch to hold your keys  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: Brocky_ on 20 February 2021, 16:18
you don't need to spend a load of money on a pouch. eBay and Amazon ones for a few quid will suffice.
Yeah, I have seen them.  Problem is that they're all too big, as I said in my OP.  I'm just looking for a smart little one that fits just the fob, nice and snug with RFID protection.  It's not actually all about the RFID thing and I may just end up turning it off, as folks have suggested.  I want to be able to chuck it in my pocket and protect it from the other contents and vice-versa.  The one in the video I posted would have been perfect but it's out of stock.  If you know of a similar, small one, then I would appreciate a link.


Title: Re: Key security
Post by: Guzzle on 20 February 2021, 17:03
I seem to remember someone said they kept their key in an empty Quavers packet.  :undecided:

Cheesy does it  :wink:
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: fredgroves on 20 February 2021, 17:55
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQgJMy4Ag5s7hyqILV4EspW2t6z1hdB1o25AA&usqp=CAU)
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: Hertsman on 22 February 2021, 09:47
Just turn it off. Such poor, unnecessary tech that leads to needing a sad little pouch to hold your keys  :rolleyes:

One of better features introduced to the MK 7.5 was ability to disable the KESSY, which do every time, press the fob to lock and brush the handle and on hearing a second click the KESSY is disabled, with only way to open being by the fob, ala days before such foolery. 
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: SRGTD on 22 February 2021, 09:53
Just turn it off. Such poor, unnecessary tech that leads to needing a sad little pouch to hold your keys  :rolleyes:

One of better features introduced to the MK 7.5 was ability to disable the KESSY, which do every time, press the fob to lock and brush the handle and on hearing a second click the KESSY is disabled, with only way to open being by the fob, ala days before such foolery.

I do this each time I lock my car. Keyless isn’t something I would choose to have, but it was part of the standard spec on my car.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: fredgroves on 22 February 2021, 10:05
One of the best features of the Mk8 is being able to turn off keyless in the menus, permanently :)

Thats assuming that you've got it fixed to start with, so far on most cars it doesn't actually work most of the time even when switched on!
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: M6TT F on 22 February 2021, 11:27
I must be in the minority, as I love the keyless entry functionality. Never have to worry about looking for your key, which is a godsend for me
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: Yusee on 22 February 2021, 11:40
It’s a great option- until you look out on your driveway and your car is missing 😂

A triumph of marketing over engineering.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: Guzzle on 22 February 2021, 12:43
If it's easier for you to get in, then chances are it's easier for someone else to get in too. As long as there are undesirables around i'll prioritise the security of having a key over the very minor inconvenience of having to lift a key out of my pocket.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: fredgroves on 22 February 2021, 12:43
Its really good but you'd have about as much security against someone stealing your car as leaving it unlocked with the keys in it in the first place.

Particularly true of brand new performance Golfs - the bad guys want them as much as we all do.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: fredgroves on 01 March 2021, 20:09
If you have a mk8, just disable it. It's going to be the first thing i do when mine arrives.

Far too dicey to leave it enabled. Pouch or no pouch.

Keyless disabled today!

I used it once, to open the door on the dealer's forecourt.

That's it.

(when you disable it, its still keyless start, just not keyless entry.... you can't however push the start button without having unlocked the car!)
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: king monkey on 01 March 2021, 20:39
Its really good but you'd have about as much security against someone stealing your car as leaving it unlocked with the keys in it in the first place.

Particularly true of brand new performance Golfs - the bad guys want them as much as we all do.

The bad guys do indeed want them. Just had an attempt on my R tonight.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: AndyGTI on 01 March 2021, 20:48
One of the best features of the Mk8 is being able to turn off keyless in the menus, permanently :)

Thats assuming that you've got it fixed to start with, so far on most cars it doesn't actually work most of the time even when switched on!

You might just have got VW another sale with that info.

So, on Mk8 there is a menu option to switch off ...Cool

On the Mk 7.5 is there not a menu option ? So you need to make do with pressing button on door handle when you’ve locked the car each time.

Thanks
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: AndyGTI on 01 March 2021, 20:50
Its really good but you'd have about as much security against someone stealing your car as leaving it unlocked with the keys in it in the first place.

Particularly true of brand new performance Golfs - the bad guys want them as much as we all do.

The bad guys do indeed want them. Just had an attempt on my R tonight.

Bloody hell, that is mad. Do they not know “you should stay at home”
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: king monkey on 01 March 2021, 20:52
Its really good but you'd have about as much security against someone stealing your car as leaving it unlocked with the keys in it in the first place.

Particularly true of brand new performance Golfs - the bad guys want them as much as we all do.

The bad guys do indeed want them. Just had an attempt on my R tonight.

Bloody hell, that is mad. Do they not know “you should stay at home”

Hadn’t thought of that!
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: fredgroves on 01 March 2021, 21:22
Its really good but you'd have about as much security against someone stealing your car as leaving it unlocked with the keys in it in the first place.

Particularly true of brand new performance Golfs - the bad guys want them as much as we all do.

The bad guys do indeed want them. Just had an attempt on my R tonight.

Keyless attack or something else?

Sorry to hear that regardless though.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: fredgroves on 01 March 2021, 21:24
One of the best features of the Mk8 is being able to turn off keyless in the menus, permanently :)

Thats assuming that you've got it fixed to start with, so far on most cars it doesn't actually work most of the time even when switched on!

You might just have got VW another sale with that info.

So, on Mk8 there is a menu option to switch off ...Cool

On the Mk 7.5 is there not a menu option ? So you need to make do with pressing button on door handle when you’ve locked the car each time.

Thanks

Correct.

Which is fine on the mk7.5 if you can remember to do it. I'd forget.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: king monkey on 01 March 2021, 21:28
Its really good but you'd have about as much security against someone stealing your car as leaving it unlocked with the keys in it in the first place.

Particularly true of brand new performance Golfs - the bad guys want them as much as we all do.

The bad guys do indeed want them. Just had an attempt on my R tonight.

Keyless attack or something else?

Sorry to hear that regardless though.

Thanks Fred. I’ve posted on the Mk7 forum about it. Keyless not involved.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: Guzzle on 01 March 2021, 22:33
One of the best features of the Mk8 is being able to turn off keyless in the menus, permanently :)

Thats assuming that you've got it fixed to start with, so far on most cars it doesn't actually work most of the time even when switched on!

You might just have got VW another sale with that info.

So, on Mk8 there is a menu option to switch off ...Cool

On the Mk 7.5 is there not a menu option ? So you need to make do with pressing button on door handle when you’ve locked the car each time.

Thanks

Correct.

Which is fine on the mk7.5 if you can remember to do it. I'd forget.

This is my issue too. I don't want keyless entry at all, I don't want to have to keep remembering to touch the handle every time.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: SRGTD on 01 March 2021, 22:46
One of the best features of the Mk8 is being able to turn off keyless in the menus, permanently :)

Thats assuming that you've got it fixed to start with, so far on most cars it doesn't actually work most of the time even when switched on!

You might just have got VW another sale with that info.

So, on Mk8 there is a menu option to switch off ...Cool

On the Mk 7.5 is there not a menu option ? So you need to make do with pressing button on door handle when you’ve locked the car each time.

Thanks

Correct.

Which is fine on the mk7.5 if you can remember to do it. I'd forget.

This is my issue too. I don't want keyless entry at all, I don't want to have to keep remembering to touch the handle every time.

Touching the handle just becomes part of the normal locking process, in the same way that switching off stop start has become part of my normal engine starting procedure.
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: Brocky_ on 02 March 2021, 00:57
Keyless disabled today!

I used it once, to open the door on the dealer's forecourt.

That's it.

(when you disable it, its still keyless start, just not keyless entry.... you can't however push the start button without having unlocked the car!)
This makes me happy.  I will definitely be disabling keyless entry now then.  Thanks, Fred!
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: G3neralBanter on 04 March 2021, 15:54
According to the dealer, the Mk8 key and car has some clever tech that omits a number of conflicting signals which makes it very difficult (but i doubt impossible) to replicate. Not saying thats a reason not to be safe, but sounds like the tech is advancing
Title: Re: Key security
Post by: fredgroves on 04 March 2021, 16:33
According to the dealer, the Mk8 key and car has some clever tech that omits a number of conflicting signals which makes it very difficult (but i doubt impossible) to replicate. Not saying thats a reason not to be safe, but sounds like the tech is advancing

I've read nothing about that.... the only "clever" solutuion is a key with a motion sensor.

You can also make the timings tighter but that can cause problems too.

The motion sensing keyfob is great for home, not great in other environments. They can also steal your car in a car park as you walk away...

I've read dozens of security evaluations on keyless entry security....