Many modern cars are equipped with a keyless entry system that makes life a little easier for car owners, allowing you to open doors without using a key and start the car engine with ease. However, this technology worsens the security of transport, when attackers, using special repeaters and signal amplification devices, easily open the car and steal vehicles without any physical and mechanical impact on the car.
Hijack technology car
If in the past the main element of car protection was its locks and keys, which could not be picked up, which prevented the opening of the car and theft of vehicles, today various automatic devices, which control the operation of the engine, preventing it from breaking and stealing vehicles.
The first keyless entry systems appeared on Mercedes cars, and soon became popular with customers, and many automakers have mastered this technology, equipping their cars with such convenient devices. In fact, such a system is a mobile tag, inside of which there is a microchip that transmits signals wirelessly to the unit built into the car.
The system recognizes data and signals from the key fob, independently unlocks the doors in the car, and the car owner does not have to use the keys to start the car engine. All that is required is just to press the appropriate button and the engine will start.
Car manufacturers have taken care of necessary security such a keyless entry system, so the high-frequency signal is transmitted encrypted, and it can be extremely difficult to hack or pick it up. However, the trouble came from where it was completely expected. No one is going to crack the control code, and there is no need to steal such key fobs. All that is needed is only a special repeater device that amplifies the signal from the native tag, which allows you to open the car and steal the car.
Thanks to such a repeater, the action of a radio-frequency key fob with a tag can reach 200-300 meters or more. Accordingly, in order to open the car, attackers need to be with a repeater in close proximity to the car owner and amplify the signal strength from the tag. At this time, the second robber simply opens the car, starts the engine with the button and leaves home. If 30 minutes or more pass before the theft is discovered, then, with a high degree of probability, such a stolen car will already be in the sump, where it will spend a month or be dismantled for parts the very next day.
The technology of stealing such cars equipped with keyless entry has been worked out by criminals today, so all cars with this option are at risk. Is it any wonder that many Insurance companies when they conclude an auto hull agreement, they either set a multiplying factor for such cars, or refuse to conclude a deal for drivers at all, since the risk of vehicle theft will be extremely high.
Until recently, repeater devices used did not differ compact size, which made it possible to provide some transport security. However, today, with the development of radio electronics, it has been possible to construct compact and powerful devices that are widely used by criminals to steal such cars. Car manufacturers have not been able to solve this problem in any way. As a result, you either have to order a car with such technology at your own peril and risk, or choose a vehicle without keyless access.
Ways to protect car owners
Effective protection car theft will be invariably integrated. The car owner needs to install a reliable alarm, it will not be superfluous to use various mechanical locks on the steering wheel and gearbox, tags and satellite tracking systems are also often installed. All this allows you to slightly increase the safety of transport, preventing theft. However, it will be impossible to completely protect your car from theft.
For every action of the car owner, the attackers are preparing their response steps. For example, a signal from satellite systems tracking jammed special devices, which are extremely effective, rendering such costly protective devices. The same applies to various mechanical locks, which are sawn and opened with the help of master keys. An expensive alarm signal can be scanned and subsequently hacked, which will allow you to open the car and steal the vehicle.
Car owners who use cars equipped with such a keyless entry system can only be advised to deactivate this system by opening and closing the car exclusively from the alarm key fob or mechanical key. To do this, you will need to remove the battery from the wireless tag, which will completely turn it off, thereby increasing the safety of the transport.
You can partially protect the car from theft and theft by concluding a motor hull insurance contract. In the event of a car being stolen, with such an insurance policy, the car owner will be able to receive a monetary compensation for the stolen vehicle, which will allow him to subsequently buy a car of the same value. Most auto experts are inclined to believe that such insurance in Russia today is the only effective way to protect yourself from financial losses when a car is stolen. In recent years, the cost of a car hull has decreased slightly, which allows each car owner to purchase such a policy, reliably protecting his car from theft, and if he is damaged in an accident, he will be able to receive a monetary compensation even if he is the culprit of the accident.
conclusions
Keyless entry is a rather interesting option that simplifies the use of the car somewhat. However, you must be aware that attackers can steal a car using the full capabilities of this technology. To protect the transport, it is necessary to use various alarms and security systems. Ideally, the car owner will need to insure the car, which will allow him to receive a solid monetary compensation from the insurance company in cases of theft.
Owners modern cars it became possible to get into your car using keyless access. As the name implies, with the help of this system, the car is made available to the owner without using a key, in the usual sense of that. So how does this system work? And how can you protect your car when it's so easy to access?
How did the idea come about?
The ability to introduce keyless entry into a car, thereby eliminating the key as a necessary accessory for a motorist, attracted automotive engineers And ordinary motorists more than fifty years ago. Those who are older should remember how back in the days of the USSR, car lovers tried to install on their own hands on domestic cars starter push button "START/STOP" instead of a conventional ignition switch.
Interesting to know! South African law allows the use of any degree of self-defense in cases of threat to the life or property of the owner. The same applies to cars. To protect the car from theft, you can place traps around it, use shockers and even flamethrowers.
But such tuning did not solve the problem. complete failure from car keys, but only reduced their number. After all whole line cars Soviet car industry could not be fully operated without two different keys: one opened driver's door and the trunk, the second one started the car.
Automotive manufacturers, unlike garage craftsmen, approached the problem more carefully. They tried to combine the ease of use of the system with the guarantee of the safety of the car, in cases of unauthorized entry by third parties or interested intruders. Of course, such systems were installed only on concept cars.
Then every automaker tried to jump out of his skin in order to solve the task as creatively as possible, and most importantly, conveniently and efficiently. It was even created intelligent system”is a system that included fingerprint scanners, face identification and more. But such devices were very complex and very expensive to put into practice. mass production. And only when they appeared reliable systems, identifying the radio signal with a floating key, which was transmitted over a closed channel, it turned out to design the desired. And so the system of keyless access to the car was born.
One of the first vehicles on which such equipment was installed was mercedes benz W220, which was produced in the mid-nineties of the last century. Only then were the engineers able to eliminate the main technical difficulties, thereby ensuring the effective functioning of the system throughout the entire operational life of the vehicle.
Interesting! Two negligent intruders from America stole a car, but left behind a twenty-kilometer trail of donuts that fell out of the trunk of a car. According to him, the police quickly found them.
How does a car keyless entry system work?
The principle of operation of this system is both simple, but at the same time complex in terms of technical implementation. In fact, this system still assumes the presence of a key, but it can be performed in various variations, and not in the usual understanding of the key as such. A special electronic unit is mounted in this key. With its help, the owner interacts with the car at a short distance.
How does modern car keyless entry work? When the owner of the car approaches it at a certain distance, the electronics recognize the smart key code and remove the protection by opening the door locks. Once in the car, the driver will only need to press the start button and the engine will start. When the car owner leaves the car, moving a certain distance, the electronics loses the signal and automatically locks all doors, and also disconnects all electrical circuits.
As you already understood, the principle of operation of this intelligent system is very simple. And, of course, many readers familiar with the basics of electronics will wonder reasonable question regarding the appearance of such systems only twenty years ago, and not even earlier. The answer lies in the main technical challenge that prototyping developers faced a few decades ago - security. vehicle. The car must recognize only the owner's key, remaining inaccessible to other intruders.
First experiences with similar systems identified security gaps. The key signal could be easily intercepted and re-projected to the hijacker, who had a portable radio receiver and transmitter. It would be logical to equip the system with cryptoprotection, but then the code would be the same, which would also expose the car to the risk of theft.
The panacea for these troubles was the emergence of digital technologies and, subsequently, complex coding based on them. And so it appeared a system of interaction between a car and a smart key based on a floating code. In this interaction, a plural numeric value is sent. And on preliminary stage receiving a signal, an arbitrary code variant is generated from all available variants. That is, if the scammer even intercepts the sent code, he will not be able to use it, since in the next steps there will be an instant generation of new numerical values electronic code. Due to the multiplicity options, the chance that the attacker will "hit the sky with his finger" is reduced to zero.
Types of keyless systems
Before moving on to enumeration possible types of these systems, we want to note that their differences, first of all, lie in their form, and not in content. All smart keyless entry systems work on a similar principle. The only difference is the execution of the smart key itself and how it is used.
For example, some keyless systems on cars that rolled off the assembly line in the late 90s and early 2000s have an additional folding key that is used “at random”. Yes, the first time automotive manufacturers reinsured the owners against the possibility of an unforeseen failure in the electronic system. Today there are no such options.
We have mentioned the smart key more than once in the article, but we did not really explain what it is. Today it can be a key fob or a smart card. In the first case, it can also serve for remote start car. When the driver gets into his car, he pushes the smart key into the slot specially designed for him, activating the ignition system. Using a smart card is somewhat different. It does not need to be put anywhere, inserted, carried anywhere, etc., it is simply with the owner: in a pocket, in a purse, in a business card holder, wherever it is more convenient. Everything is simple here. It is enough to approach the car, and the doors will unlock themselves. You just have to sit behind the wheel and press the "START" button.
Interesting! One hijacker survived a serious shock. He illegally took possession of a van that belonged to some professional pranksters. When he got into the car and drove off, he noticed bloodied corpses. He was very frightened and went to the nearest police station. But in the van were only mannequins of people made up for Halloween.
An interesting implementation of the smart key has been developed by Jaguar in her latest sports crossover F-pace. Here, a wristband acts as an identifier, which does not need batteries, and is made of waterproof material.
Of course, in terms of its convenience, this development is ahead of many, because the risk of losing a smart key is minimized. The bracelet sits firmly on the wrist, unlike the same key fob or card, which can simply be forgotten or lost somewhere. More likely, this decision will be "licked off" by other manufacturing companies. Maybe it will even be possible to integrate chips into wrist watch or even decorations, but this is only a matter of technological progress.
Advantages and disadvantages
Many motorists ask themselves how safe is keyless entry in a car and if it has obvious pros, then there must be cons. After all, there is such a pattern: the problems that arise with any device are directly proportional to the complexity of its technological implementation.
Recently, the climate in our country is joking with us in earnest. Therefore, it would be quite logical to think about how the keyless entry system will behave in extreme heat and prickly frosts. From experience service centers, you can safely refute the fears of car owners that arise on this occasion. The percentage of breakdowns of this system from the total number of all that occur in the car is very small.
As a theft protection, the keyless system is very reliable, but only if it is used in collaboration with others. anti-theft systems. Although there is already a built-in immobilizer function, which is quite enough for basic protection of the car from theft.
But friends, don't be fooled. Difficulties with keyless access to the car can still arise. Firstly, if the smart key is lost, then you will not get into the car just like that, but this is not so bad. You won't even turn it on. Unlock and register new key it will be possible only in the official dealer center . It’s not even worth poking into garage workshops, it’s unlikely that anyone will undertake such a thing. You can, of course, make a duplicate when buying, but you should store it very carefully.
It is important to know! If you lose your key, rewrite the codes immediately. Someone who saw you getting into your car might recognize your smart key. You will have one more task. But already with an asterisk - find your car.
Keyless access to the car, development prospects
What is keyless access to a car, we explained in detail, but there is one more interesting assumption left. At first glance, you might think that there is nowhere to refine these systems, since at this stage they are perfect.
In some expensive models cars, smart keyless entry systems do not only what we talked about above, but also restore settings driver's seat, up to the inclusion of a favorite track when the owner gets into the car. But progress is constantly moving somewhere forward, and automotive companies working closely with suppliers of electronic components, exploring ways further development keyless systems.
One of the current and priority areas today is the integration of an intelligent system with smartphones. But here again a long-standing problem emerges - the danger of outside interference. also in soon there may be systems that recognize the owner's fingerprints. They will be integrated into the door handle.
But there are certain factors that can complicate the procedure for this identification: pollution car body or hands of the owner, extreme boost or lower temperatures, rain, etc. Therefore, if one is engaged in the development of identification systems, then according to more general visual or voice signs.
In addition, if all kinds of various “chips” are introduced into keyless access, then cars will cost prohibitive money. A striking example is the Audi A8 with a fingerprint detector on the door handles.
Today available to most drivers. For example, technological and functional complexes of signaling installations are not so expensive that they can save on them. In addition, you can purchase individual components that regulate access to the machine and its critical mechanisms. These include the smart car key, thanks to which the remote unlocking of the locking mechanism is implemented. In particular, it can be a door, a power unit lock, a stopper with electronic control, constipation luggage compartment or gearboxes.
General information about car keyless entry
This is a high-tech system for providing a security mechanism with the possibility of remote intelligent control. In normal mode, factory complexes of this type operate according to the program scheme. That is, the lock itself functions in conjunction with or a special controller. In other words, keyless entry to a car or immobilizer is not just a separate device for contactless entry into a car. This is often a security mechanized complex, as well as a central unit for receiving a signal from a key. The simplest standard devices suggest the possibility of locking the electric starter or engine through an electronic system. Separate models involve more radical solutions - in particular, a scheme can be implemented in which the electrical circuit connections to the power unit. Accordingly, by means of a key, an artificially open circuit is restored.
The principle of operation of the immobilizer
The use of various mechanisms for blocking the functional parts of a car is common in many anti-theft complexes. This effective remedy preventing attempts to start the movement of the car without the knowledge of the car owner. But keyless entry systems have their own characteristics. The main one is the principle of operation of the Smart Key system key itself, which involves the intelligent functioning of data reading mechanisms. In particular, recognition is provided by modern electromagnetic chips and actions, information from which is sent via an antenna to the transponder of the control unit. Such a complex key matching algorithm prevents attempts and electronic hacking security system. Moreover, the aspect of mechanical anti-theft protection, which is realized not only by stopping the engine function. Typically, experts recommend using at least three barrier sites, among which power unit, door and gearbox.
System functionality
Almost all keyless entry kits perform the basic functions of opening and closing doors, as well as starting and stopping the engine. Another thing is that the parameters of work with different parts of the car can change. For example, to activate the power unit, only a keyless entry button is required, which will work at a considerable distance, and the owner will be able to enter the salon only at a distance of 1-2 m after reading the information from the RFID key card. And vice versa, reverse actions with blocking of all serviced mechanisms can be carried out in automatic order after deleting a user with a programmable key. It is important to consider that after some time, with complete inactivity, the system can also automatically lock the same doors. But this function is initially set parameters - including the timeout. As for the additional option, the system can be combined with car alarms and their individual components, including sensors, trunk, etc.
System management
All operations are performed only with the original key, which is included in the system. The standard control algorithm involves the use of an electronic code key. But there are also devices that have the ability to manual dialing code. IN this case the owner does not need to use the buttons remote control- he must insert the key into the appropriate slot, after which the system will automatically read the information by the immobilizer system. At successful verification keyless entry will work, unlocking all locks covered by the system. There are also devices that are complicated in the privacy parameter, in which even before electronic reading of information, it may be necessary to pre-set a user code that opens access to the immobilizer system itself.
Immobilizer Vulnerabilities
Unfortunately, even such systems do not guarantee the absolute safety of the car against the actions of intruders. There are several ways to bypass the security complex. First of all, each keyless access kit provides through which, using special equipment, the operator can enter the equipment into emergency mode. Further, the same engine can be given any executive command. This bypass method is theoretically possible, but in practice only a highly qualified specialist can perform it. In addition, you can fake an intelligent car key, and the information for this is recorded even at a distance. Special photographic devices are capable of scanning the device, making an electronic impression of it. And this is not to mention the fact that any work with a car in a car service center will inevitably require the provision of the same key to employees.
Smart Key System Manufacturers
In this segment, quite attractive offers developed by car manufacturers. This is the case when standard equipment turns out to be more technologically advanced than individual models. The advanced solutions in this area include devices implemented in Toyota Verso, WV Touareg and BMW 6 Ser. A less premium, but very solid immobilizer is offered in the model. At the same time, independent manufacturers of electronic systems for cars produce noteworthy devices. Thus, experts highly appreciate the keyless entry alarm in the BP-05 modification from StarLine. Good feedback also receives the multifunctional development of Smart Start Galaxy, covering a wide range of systems for security control. But, in choosing such devices, one should not forget about the price tag, which is also not distinguished by modesty.
How much does a keyless entry system cost?
The most primitive systems of this type from Chinese market can be purchased for 1.5-2 thousand rubles. These are models with minimal security features and dubious reliability. Even if you plan to purchase a device entry level without any special technological frills, it is recommended to turn to models with a price tag of at least 3 thousand. In this segment, by the way, some StarLine kits are also presented. More advanced structurally and functionally keyless access with the ability to automatic diagnostics and compatibility with alarms will cost 5-7 thousand rubles.
Keyless Entry Benefits
Among the primary advantages of the device, one can single out a combination of ease of use and a high degree reliability. Nevertheless, a multifactorial barrier to the actions of an intruder, which affects both the power unit and external locking mechanisms, provides a high degree of security. In addition, the functionality of such devices is also noted. The fact is that keyless entry with an immobilizer is rarely used alone. Most often, the device is introduced into the general complex of security or alarm systems. This means that from the same smart key, the user gets the ability to control other functions, except for protective ones.
Keyless Entry Disadvantages
Of course the most weakness refers to the vulnerabilities of this technology. But it is important to understand that it is in practice that hacks of intellectual protection are extremely rare. Moreover, the very idea of the same diagnostic nest is due to the need to create an opportunity for the user himself to bypass the system when it is completely blocked. In addition, keyless entry can cause some problems in the implementation of a separate control system. The fact is that the device involves close interaction with the central control unit. This nuance means providing a high load on the local power grid, and can also cause problems with the operation of other electronics.
Installation
How is keyless entry installed? Installation operations consist of two stages - the implementation of electrical wiring and the mechanical installation of equipment. As for the first part, then from the cigarette lighter or battery pack power lines are laid to security blocking systems. Next, the mechanical installation of the blockers is already carried out, and, if necessary, the installation of special sensors, which will also participate in the process of automated unlocking. In turn, the smart key is connected via a special wireless interface to the central control unit. A separate controller can also be used for this task.
Conclusion
Keyless access, of course, can only be called conditionally. The difference of this system from the usual key is caused only by the change of the physical principle of operation to the electronic one. Go to electronic means management and control of security systems has been going on for a long time and the spread of such devices is quite a logical phenomenon. In addition to the protective properties, the smart key is also valued for its ergonomics when working with locking mechanisms. If conventional alarms are almost entirely based on electronics, without the advantages of physical interlocks, then in this case the advantages of the two concepts are combined. The immobilizer user can count on the convenience of using the smart key, and on mechanical protection car blockers.
Modern electronic systems allow identification of the owner of the vehicle without the use of an unlocking device. The keyless entry system was first used in 1998. The developer of this type of access to the car was Mercedes-Benz. Such a scheme is also called an intelligent access system.
Today, an intelligent access system is not uncommon. It is included in the factory or as a functional feature on cars various classes. The access system has various names depending on the manufacturer, for example: Audi cars– Advancad Key system, on machines from Mercedes-Benz – keyless system Go, on vehicles Toyota– Smart Key system, etc.
Components of a keyless entry system
Name keyless system Smart Key has now become a household name. Regardless of the brand of the manufacturer and the name, the functionality and complex composition of the systems is the same. The presence of such a system is designed to open the car door and start the engine without using the usual unlocking device. The main components of a keyless system are:
- Transponder (represents a combination of chips with an antenna located inside the case);
- Antenna (provides communication between the transponder and the car);
- Touch sensors (usually located on door handles and are a kind of key);
- Motor start button (switch);
- Block of electronic control.
The main role in the operation of this circuit is played by the transponder. It identifies the owner of the machine. This device is installed at the place where the key is installed or separately in the form of an electronic plastic card. The combination of a transponder and standard unlocking equipment into a security line is very efficient and effective.
The antenna provides direct communication between the vehicle and electronic key. Depending on the vehicle model, the range of the signal may vary. The standard coverage distance is 1.5 meters. Touch sensors are mounted on the outside door handles. Identification occurs due to a change in volume.
The Smart Key system allows you to start the car engine by pressing the "Start" button. It is located at the place where the ignition switch is installed.
Depending on the vehicle model, a switch may be installed in place of the start button. The electronic unit control is a kind of node that directly performs the function of keyless entry. The central lock, the control unit and the engine are interconnected.
The picture shows the Smart Key system How the keyless entry system works
The Smart Key access system has an established operation algorithm. It consists in the fact that the driver, touching the handle of the car door, starts the operation of the inductive sensor. The sensor, in turn, transmits a signal and read information to the control unit. The control unit transmits information to the transponder using an antenna. The latter performs the function of a recognizer, since the position relative to the vehicle is determined from the received signal.
The key is outside the car. Based on the decision made by the transponder, a signal is transmitted to the central locking (receiving antenna) and anti-theft alarm. Thus, without a key, the alarm is de-energized, and the central lock opens the door. The engine is started by pressing a special button.
After pressing the "Start" button, the signal is transmitted to the control unit and via antennas to the Smart Key key. It indicates its location inside the car and transmits information to the central locking and anti-theft alarm. After the signal is transmitted, the anti-theft lock is turned off.
After these steps have been taken, a start request is sent to the engine control unit. Upon receipt of a positive result, the engine starts automatically.
The video shows the launch of the Kia Rio car:
The keyless entry scheme works in a two-way direction. If the driver leaves the vehicle, the anti-theft alarm is activated and the doors are locked with the central lock. different ways. The method of control depends on specifications car. Depending on the types of system, the following methods are distinguished:
- Pressing the button on the door handle;
- Simple touch door handle(the button plays the role of a key for opening / closing the central lock);
- Exit from the car.
Modern technologies allow using an electronic key to carry out settings for car subsystems. For example, when opening the central lock, the programmed position of the driver's seat, steering wheel, side and rear-view mirrors is set. Automatic adjustment of the climate control system in the passenger compartment can be carried out. There are manufacturers who have developed the implementation of tuning the frequencies of the radio receiver, adjusting its volume, controlling the speed limit.
Functional Features of Keyless Access Control
The absence of a key to open / close the vehicle door and start the engine is the greatest achievement of progress. Creating a keyless system has a number of functionalities:
- The presence of a convenient one-step interface, consisting of a single button that controls the switching of terminals and engine start;
- Relay control to change the position of the terminals and start the starter without using the ignition mechanism;
- Steering column lock;
- Obtaining information about the state of the car;
- Indicative notification of the state of the vehicle;
- Establishing an established connection between the electronic key fob and the engine start / stop button;
- Availability of a low-speed communication network;
- Relay power management;
- The presence of an immobilizer;
- Possibility to manage warning functions.
Control systems for central locking and keyless ignition began to be created under pressure from insurance companies. Manufacturers were forced to look for reliable anti-theft ways to protect the car. Initially, such a system was introduced by manufacturers expensive cars. To date, this technical achievement used by many leading trademarks. Initially, cars were equipped with immobilizers. As demand changes, supply changes.
Significant changes have taken place in the configuration of the car. The absence of a key allows you to encode the relationship of an electronic identification device and on-board computer. If the information does not match, all important subsystems of the vehicle are blocked as a result of identification. In some cases, the anti-theft alarm may be triggered.
On video - Automatic start Volvo S-60 engine:
