Stealing cars isn't as easy as it used to be. Now there's microchips, key fobs, and proximity sensors. But while the technology got more secure, the theifs and hackers became smarter. Ford has taken the upper hand in their latest announcement: a sleep mode to stop hackers from decrypting key signals.

Since most modern keys now have a remote signal used in coordination with (or sometimes without) a key, car thieves have to be able to replicate that signal before they can start the vehicle. Normally, this is done by using a relay box, which steals the keyfobs signal and extends it, allowing them to unlock and start the car while the owner is away.

Ford has developed a counter-measure. When the fob detects that it isn't in use, it will enter a dormant state, disabling its signals. This will activate after 40 seconds of laying stationary and render itself entirely undetectable by hackers. Once it detects motion, it will reactivate.

The new sleep mode will be deployed first in the United Kingdom, starting with the Ford Fiesta and Focus. New Fiesta users might already have the feature, actually, with the Focus coming soon. The company has no formal plans to bring it to the United States, but a spokesperson has said they will have more to share at a later date.

For where it is available, drivers without the new fob feature can request an upgrade, costing $85 for the Fiesta or $94 for the Focus at current exchange rates.

As cool as this is, at what point does my keyfob cost more than my computer.