How secure is keyless entry?

Car_54

bubieyehyeh wrote: »

Apparently a work around for the problem is to store the key in a metal line bag or metal box, effectively a faraday cage for the key.

In post #1, the OP said:

"It appears that the way to avoid this is to keep your key fob in a metal box or wrap it in aluminium foil to block the signal."

We seem to have come full circle.

Crabman

Saw this video not too long ago - what happens if you throw out your key (fob) WHILE driving:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSxubcxxXS4

fourcandles

movilogo wrote: »

If you are worried, just don't buy a car with keyless entry. Simple.

We still want the car, I just wanted to ensure that I understood the article properly, and understand what we can do to reduce the risks of the car being stolen before we pick it up.

The Disklock seems to have very good reviews, so that is an option, and I have been reading up on trackers and immobilisers, which it seems can still be bypassed or disabled. I guess if someone wants the car they will get it no matter how much security is put on it.

We'll be starting by keeping the keys in a tin! Which brings me back to my first question - why don't the fobs have a simple on/off switch, or am I missing something here?

Sea_Shell

I've often wondered how key-less entry would work if you had OCD? How can you double check you've locked the car, if it then re-opens when you get near it!!!

fourcandles

Sea_Shell wrote: »

I've often wondered how key-less entry would work if you had OCD? How can you double check you've locked the car, if it then re-opens when you get near it!!!

Answer - always carry a roll of aluminium foil with you! :rotfl:

Mercdriver

fourcandles wrote: »

We still want the car, I just wanted to ensure that I understood the article properly, and understand what we can do to reduce the risks of the car being stolen before we pick it up.

The Disklock seems to have very good reviews, so that is an option, and I have been reading up on trackers and immobilisers, which it seems can still be bypassed or disabled. I guess if someone wants the car they will get it no matter how much security is put on it.

We'll be starting by keeping the keys in a tin! Which brings me back to my first question - why don't the fobs have a simple on/off switch, or am I missing something here?

Doesn't that add quite a lot of time compared to just getting in the car and driving away. How tempting will it be to not bother putting the disklok on?

Johno100

Sea_Shell wrote: »

I've often wondered how key-less entry would work if you had OCD? How can you double check you've locked the car, if it then re-opens when you get near it!!!

My Ford (don't know about other makes) either locking with the fob or via the button on the door handle, the car stays locked for a number of seconds so you can check the handle and walk away before the keyless entry goes back into 'detect mode' waiting for the key to get back into range.

unholyangel

Robisere wrote: »

My new Hyundai Tucson has keyless entry, but needs a 'foldaway' key in the key fob, to start the car. There is what looks like a standard ignition lock, but Hyundai say that any attempt to interfere with the lock, immobilises the ignition. It would need a Hyundai workshop to get it started, rectify damage and reset everything. There is no Start Button, which my previous C-Max had.

Hyundai (and any other car manufacturer) probably would say that.

However if you think about it, what would happen when their own team interfere with the lock? They'd be able to get around it.

As whatsapp pointed out when the tories were forcing them to allow a back door for authorities....if you have a weakness in your security it can be exploited by anyone - not just the "good guys".

Strider590 wrote: »

They're probably cloning the key somehow, because the car should stop if the key gets out of range.

I had to give a friend a lift a few months back to take their keyless fob to his wife - who had managed to get in & start the car while the key was sat on the windowsill in the house and only realised her mistake when she got to her destination.

GabbaGabbaHey wrote: »

Most keyless entry systems will use a rolling code to prevent replay attacks like this.

Unfortunately with computers, theyre incapable of random. They'll do exactly what they're programmed to do, follow the algorithms theyre told to etc. If it can be engineered, it can be reverse engineered.

These security features may stop your average joyrider, but its not going to stop those who are stealing to order as they will come prepared and know exactly what they're doing.