News: Be smart and do not opt for Smart Key systems

Keyless car systems have been around for a while and I was first introduced to this feature, when I was checking out the Toyota Prius 2007 model. It is a convenience feature, in which you can have the key with you and when you approach the car the key can send a signal to unlock the car for you.

It definitely is a great deal of convenience and comfort, especially during severe weather conditions like the last few weeks that we have been facing. The sense of comfort though comes way back after security and peace of mind. Going by the recent research from MIT labs, it looks like this technology can be easily hacked.

Typically the car sends a low powered signal that is picked up by the key, when it is close to the car (within range) and then it sends a command signal to unlock the car and ready the car for ignition, which is done by pushing the button. In this research done, the team was able to use antennas. One closer to the person who holds the key remotely and other closer to the car, thus transmitting the signal over the distance and compromising the so called security. The keys are encrypted, but when you are only transmitting signals and not manipulating it, the car does not have any clue if you are a feet away or far away.

Some of the recent commercial from car manufacturers was to enable applications on Smartphones that will allow you to remotely (across miles) to unlock the car and do anything with it. If the physical key transmitter can be hacked, it is a matter of time for the highly unsecured wireless phone keys.

If this is a feature that you want in the car, make sure it is used within close watch or make it "Open Source", so that no one has to go through the problem of unlocking it.

Author: Vinod

Source: CNET