Proximity keys are a significant advancement in automotive technology. These innovative devices enable keyless entry and push-button ignition when you’re near your car, without needing to remove the key fob from your pocket or handbag.
This provides convenient, hands-free access to your vehicle, which is especially useful when your hands are full of groceries, shopping bags, or you need to wrangle your child into the car safely in a busy carpark.
However, these keys can be susceptible to relay attacks, compromising your vehicle and leaving it vulnerable to theft. In this article, we will explore how proximity keys work, how they can be compromised and how you can protect yourself and your vehicle from attacks.
How Proximity Keys Work in Automotive Applications
Proximity keys are a generally great innovation provided with most modern cars, that use radio waves to communicate with your vehicle. They work through:
Signal Detection
As you approach your car, the proximity key sends out a radio frequency (RF) signal to the vehicle.
Authentication
The car’s receiver picks up this signal and verifies the unique identifier embedded in the key.
Unlocking Doors
If the signal is recognised, the car automatically unlocks the doors, allowing you to enter without physically using a key.
Starting the Engine
Many modern cars have push-to-start buttons. Once inside, the key’s signal allows you to start the engine with a simple push of a button, eliminating the need to insert and turn a traditional key.
Benefits of Proximity Keys for Drivers
Proximity keys offer a variety of benefits for drivers, including:
Convenience
No more fumbling for keys in your pocket or bag; the car unlocks as you approach.
Security
Proximity keys often come with encrypted signals, making it difficult for thieves to duplicate or intercept the key’s signal.
Added Features
Many systems include additional functionalities like remote start, which allows you to start the car from a distance, perfect for warming it up on a cold winter day, or cooling it down after being parked out under the hot Queensland sun in summer.
Common Features in Automotive Proximity Keys
In addition to these benefits, proximity keys offer a range of features to make accessing your vehicle and driving easier, such as:
Remote Start
Start your vehicle from a distance.
Trunk Release
Open the trunk with the press of a button.
Panic Alarm
Activate an alarm in case of emergencies.
Customisation
Some systems allow for multiple user profiles, adjusting seats, mirrors, and other settings based on which key is detected.
How Proximity Keys Can be Compromised
While proximity keys feature advanced, encrypted signals for security, they can be compromised. Car key relay attacks are a sophisticated method of car theft that exploit keyless entry systems.
How Car Key Relay Attacks Work
Typically, two thieves work together. One stands near the car with a device that can pick up the signal from the key fob, while the other stands near the location of the key fob with a device that amplifies and relays the signal to the car.
The device near to the key fob intercepts the signal from the key fob, even if it’s inside the house, and relays it to the device near to the car, tricking the car into thinking the key fob is nearby at which point the the car unlocks and can be started without the key fob being present. This then allows the person using the relay system to access the vehicle and start it.
Prevention Tips
There are, however, a few things car owners can do to protect their vehicle from these relay attacks and theft. These methods include:
Faraday Bags
Use a Faraday bag or pouch to store your key fob when not in use. These bags block radio signals, preventing thieves from intercepting the key fob's signal.
Signal Blocking
Store your key fob in a steel safe, as it can also block radio signals.
Secure Parking
Park your car in a locked garage or well-lit area to keep it secure and deter thieves.
Security Systems
Invest in additional security measures like steering wheel locks or car alarms to alert you of potential thieves and deter them.
By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a car key relay attack. Here at Amalgamated Locksmiths, we are passionate about your security and we’re always happy to discuss automotive proximity keys and how to protect yourself from car theft. Give us a call on 07 5252 7872 or email enquiries@amalgamatedlocksmiths.net for advice.