In the car and the engine start / stop button are very convenient things, despite the fact that they have a number of serious safety flaws. Previously, speaking of this, it was implied that cars equipped with such systems are extremely easy to steal. It is enough for a hijacker to have the necessary IT equipment with him, and any car equipped with a keyless transmitter falls into the risk zone. As it turned out, motorists risk not only their property, but also their lives.
The investigation that became the basis of the New York Times article found that the engine starting system could be responsible for the deaths of dozens of people due to its "non-intuitive" design. How can this be, and what does it mean?
The problem is this: people (at least 28 dead since 2006 and 45 injured in the US) have suffered because they didn't understand how the keyless entry system works. In other words, the victims left cars with the engine running in the closed garages of private houses, which led to the filling of premises with carbon monoxide and the death of residents.
One can, of course, wonder: how could the owner not notice that he did not turn off the engine in his car? There is an answer to this too: the engines of the majority modern cars mobiles are surprisingly quiet, and inattentive motorists simply did not notice the deadly situation.
The Society of Transportation Engineers (SAE) in the States recognized this problem in 2011, urging automakers to provide "an external audible or visual alert" if the vehicle remains running after all doors are closed but the key is not in the vehicle.
Some automakers listened and made the necessary changes. For example, GM installed automatic system shutdowns on their cars after the 2015 recall, Ford has had a similar system installed since 2013, it turns off the car after 30 minutes if it is not in the cabin.
Statistics also show that 50% of accidents that have occurred are associated with the use of Toyota cars and Lexus. This is reported by the Times newspaper. Perhaps the point is the popularity of these brands in the USA and the fact that most of the owners are adults or elderly people who have an algorithm for turning off the engine using a regular key on their subcortex.
Many modern cars equipped with a keyless entry system that makes life easier for car owners, allowing you to open doors without using a key and easily start the car engine. 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. Behind last years the cost of a car hull has slightly decreased, 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- this is a rather interesting option that somewhat simplifies the use of the car. 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.
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 the 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 is also important, 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. Conversely, reverse actions with blocking of all serviced mechanisms can be carried out automatically after the removal of the 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 remote control buttons - 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 the mechanical protection of the vehicle's blockers.
Modern electronic systems allow you to identify the owner 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.
To date intelligent system access 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
The name of the Smart Key keyless system 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 control unit 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 of 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:
In recent years, among the options offered on the market, you can find the so-called keyless entry system in the car. It is equipped with a large number of models of various price range, including even relatively affordable cars.
However, not everyone knows what is similar system and what is the principle of its work. It is logical that motorists have many questions, including its reliability, efficiency and, of course, the degree of protection of the car from unauthorized entry by intruders. It is about what a keyless car access system is and what is the principle of its operation that we will talk about in this material.
History of appearance
The ability to exclude the key from the list of accessories necessary for a motorist has attracted car engineers and ordinary motorists since the middle of the 20th century. Not without reason at the time Soviet Union motorists tried to independently install on products domestic auto industry button to drive the starter instead of the ignition switch.
However, such a "modernization" did not allow to do without keys in the literal sense of the word, but only reduced their number. It is known that on a number of Soviet cars there were two different keys at once - one for driver's door and trunk, and the second - directly for the ignition switch.
Video - how wireless access works in Kia car Sorento with Autolis Mobile:
Automakers, of course, approached the issue more seriously, trying to combine the ease of use of the system and ensure the safety of the car when trying to access it from intruders or third parties. It goes without saying that the first innovations received conceptual models.
Here, each company tried to solve the problem in its own way. There have been attempts to use fingerprint scanners for identification, photographic identification (when digital systems image capture), etc.
Alas, all such solutions turned out to be too complicated and expensive for serial implementation, and only the emergence of reliable systems for identifying a radio signal transmitted over a closed channel with a “floating” digital key made it possible to build an efficient keyless access system for a car.
The first stock cars with this system (one of them was mercedes benz W220) appeared only in the mid-90s of the twentieth century, when engineers managed to solve the main technical difficulties and ensure the efficiency of the system throughout the entire life of the car.
The principle of operation of the keyless entry system in the car
The principles underlying the keyless entry system are both simple and, at the same time, complex in terms of technical implementation. In fact, such a system (also called Keyless Go) is still the same key with a special electronic unit through which it interacts with onboard system access to the car at a relatively short distance.
The shape of the wearable unit can be any - a key, a keychain or a card like plastic bank cards. The essence lies not in the form, but in the content - a compact electronic chip with a code "wired" into it.
Having "learned" the code (when the owner of the car approaches it at a certain distance), the car's electronics unlock the security system and door locks. Sitting in the car, the owner just needs to press the starter button in order to start the engine. At the same time, when the owner of the key-tag leaves the car, the electronics, losing the signal, independently block the doors and deactivate the electrical circuits.
Video - Keyless Entry ford car Keyless Entry:
As you can see, the principle of operation of the system is very simple, and the reader who is familiar with the basics of electronics may wonder why such systems appeared only in the 90s of the last century, and not earlier. After all, the properties of radio signals were well known much earlier.
The answer to this question can be the main technical difficulty faced by the developers of such systems - ensuring the safety of the car.
The machine should "learn" only the owner's key, and at the same time remain inaccessible to access attempts from third parties. The first experiments with radio tags showed that the key signal could easily be intercepted and re-simulated, and therefore a hijacker equipped with a portable radio signal receiver and transmitter could easily take possession of the car. Cryptoprotection looked like a logical way out of the situation, but once the code was received, it still made the car vulnerable.
The solution to this difficulty was the emergence of digital systems and, as a result, complex coding based on a digital signal. This made it possible to build a system of interaction between the car and the smart key based on a "floating code".
Such interaction implies the presence of a large number of options when, and at the stage of preliminary interaction of the key with the block in the car, an arbitrary code variant is generated from the available ones.
In practice, this means that even if an attacker intercepts the sent code, he will not be able to use it, since other numerical values of the electronic encoding will be generated. Since there can be a huge number of code options, the possibility of randomly choosing the desired encoding is reduced to almost zero.
What keyless car entry systems are used today and what are their differences?
Answering this question, it is immediately worth noting that the differences between the systems lie, first of all, in the form, and not in the content. The principle of operation of systems for all automakers is similar, and only the form of the smart key differs, as well as the scheme for its use.
So, some systems, especially on cars of the late 90s and early 2000s, still have a folding key that is used "just in case". So initially, automakers tried to protect the owner from a possible malfunction in the keyless entry.
Today, there are practically no such options, and a smart key is either a key fob or a smart card. In the first case, as, for example, Volkswagen cars and Audi, the key fob also plays the role of an engine start button.
Sitting in the car, the owner sinks it into a special groove and thus activates the starter. The system with a smart card (became a pioneer in its use) is somewhat different.
Video - how keyless entry to the car and the Start-Stop button work:
Cards do not need to be inserted anywhere, it is enough that it is in the owner's pocket or wallet. That is, he approached the car - the doors were unlocked, and you just need to get behind the wheel, press the button and start the engine.
An interesting variation of the smart key can be called the development Jaguar, which she implemented on her F-pace. Here, the role of the identifier is performed by a wrist bracelet, which does not require batteries and is made in a waterproof design.
Of course, at your convenience. this system keyless car access is superior to all others, because the owner does not risk losing a smart key or card. At the same time, he can safely go to the beach without thinking about where to leave the keys to his car.
Almost certainly, a similar solution will soon be copied by others, of course, in their own variations. Perhaps the chips will be integrated into watch bracelets or even jewelry, but for now this is a matter of the future.
Prospects for the development of keyless entry systems in the car
At first glance, it may seem that keyless access systems to the car are already perfect at the present stage and do not require any modifications. After all, on expensive stamps auto-like complexes can not only open a car without a key and allow it to start, but also restore individual seat settings for a particular driver and even turn on a favorite disc or radio station in a multimedia system.
However, progress does not stand still, and car manufacturers, in close cooperation with suppliers of electronic components, are looking for ways further development for such systems.
One of the priority areas in this is the integration of the system with mobile communications, primarily with smartphones. Here, however, lies the same problem that was at the dawn of the appearance keyless systems- the issue of security from outside interference.
Experts also predict the emergence of cheap systems with fingerprint sensors that can be integrated into the handle of a car. Alas, the issue of reliable identification in any conditions, in a wide range of external temperatures and in case of contamination of the car body, is still acute.
Scientists simply cannot create a sensor that would work reliably both at positive and negative temperatures, in rain, snow and slush. For this reason, the use of fingerprint systems is limited only to access to the secondary functions of the car - the same seat settings and electronic devices. In addition, the high cost of such engineering "frills" also affects, not without reason that only Audi decided to use fingerprinting in its flagship A8.
Features and disadvantages of modern systems
Many car owners are wondering how reliable systems keyless access to the car. After all, the fact is known that the more complex the device, the more it is subject to various problems.
Besides, climatic conditions in our country are far from ideal, and drivers quite logically think about how the system will work in cold weather or, conversely, in hot weather.
Experience service centers shows that the fears of motorists are, in fact, in vain. Of the total number of breakdowns in modern cars, the keyless entry system presents "surprises" extremely rarely. In terms of protection against theft, it is also very reliable, but when used in conjunction with anti-theft systems. However, in such devices there is a "default", and it is enough for the basic protection of the vehicle.
However, difficulties with the keyless entry system in the car can still arise. They are connected, first of all, with inattention. So, if you lose your key fob or card, you will not get access to the car.
Moreover, unlock the system or "register" in the block's memory new key you can only in the official dealer center, not a single "garage" service will undertake such a task. In principle, at the time of purchase, a duplicate can be foreseen in advance, but it should be stored very carefully.
Video is a device with which attackers enter a car equipped with a Keyless Go keyless entry system:
Yes, and in case of loss, it is still desirable to rewrite the codes, because a lost smart key can easily fall into the hands of intruders.
Results
As you can see, the keyless access system to the car, despite a lot of speculation, is a completely reliable and functional solution. It makes life easier for motorists and does not cause serious trouble in operation.
