The Journey to Keyless Entry in Cars: A Guide for UK Car Buyers

Published Date: 21st Mar 2023

For decades, car keys have been an essential component of car ownership, providing drivers with access to their vehicles and ensuring their security. However, with advances in technology, the traditional car key has been replaced by keyless entry systems, which have become increasingly popular among car manufacturers in recent years.

If you're a car buyer in the UK, it's important to understand the evolution of car keys, the security flaws associated with traditional keys, and how keyless entry systems have emerged as a solution. In this article, we will explore the history of car keys, the security flaws associated with traditional keys, and the emergence of keyless entry systems. We'll also discuss the benefits of keyless entry, the types of keyless entry systems available, and the potential risks associated with this technology. By the end of this article, you'll better understand the journey to keyless entry in cars and how it impacts your car-buying decision.

History of Car Keys

Car keys have come a long way since the early days of the automobile. In the early 20th century, car keys were simple and often interchangeable. These early keys typically consisted of a metal rod with a simple notch at the end, which would turn the lock cylinder and start the engine.

As cars became more sophisticated, so did their keys. In the 1980s, car manufacturers began to introduce keyless entry systems that used a remote control to unlock the car doors and disarm the alarm. These systems used radio waves to communicate with the car's onboard computer, allowing drivers to unlock their cars from a distance.

In the 1990s, car manufacturers began to introduce transponder keys, which contained a microchip that communicated with the car's computer. When the key was inserted into the ignition, the microchip would send a signal to the car's computer, allowing the engine to start.

Today, many car manufacturers have adopted keyless entry systems that use a key fob to communicate with the car's computer. These systems allow drivers to unlock their cars and start the engine without inserting a physical key into the ignition. Some keyless entry systems even allow drivers to start their cars remotely using a smartphone app.

Overall, the history of car keys has been marked by a steady progression towards more sophisticated and convenient keyless entry systems. While these systems have made it easier for drivers to access their cars, they have also introduced new security risks that must be addressed.

 

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Security Flaws in Car Keys

While car keys have evolved over the years to become more sophisticated and convenient, they have also introduced new security risks that drivers must be aware of. Here are some of the most common security flaws associated with car keys:

A. Traditional car key theft

Traditional car keys can be easily stolen or duplicated, making it relatively easy for thieves to steal a car. In fact, car theft is still a common problem in many parts of the world, with traditional car keys being a major vulnerability.

B. Electronic hacking

As car keys have become more sophisticated, they have also become more vulnerable to electronic hacking. Thieves can use electronic devices to intercept the signal between a car's key fob and its onboard computer, allowing them to unlock the car and start the engine.

C. Relay attacks

Relay attacks are a relatively new form of car theft that exploit the vulnerabilities of keyless entry systems. Thieves use two devices to amplify the signal between the car's key fob and its onboard computer, allowing them to unlock the car and start the engine without even touching the key fob.

D. Cybersecurity risks

As cars have become more connected to the internet, they have also become more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Hackers can potentially gain access to a car's onboard computer, allowing them to control the car's systems, steal data, or even cause accidents.

Overall, while keyless entry systems have made it more convenient for drivers to access their cars, they have also introduced new security risks that must be taken seriously. It's important for car buyers to be aware of these risks and take steps to protect their cars from theft and cyber attacks.

The Emergence of Keyless Entry

In response to the security flaws associated with traditional car keys, car manufacturers began to develop keyless entry systems that offered greater security and convenience. Here are some of the key developments in the emergence of keyless entry:

A. Benefits of keyless entry

Keyless entry systems offer a range of benefits over traditional car keys. They are more secure, as they use encrypted signals to communicate with the car's onboard computer. They are also more convenient, as drivers can unlock their cars and start the engine without inserting a key into the ignition. In addition, some keyless entry systems offer features such as remote start and keyless entry through a smartphone app.

B. How keyless entry works

Keyless entry systems use a key fob that communicates with the car's onboard computer using encrypted signals. When the driver approaches the car, the key fob sends a signal to the car's computer, unlocking the doors and starting the engine. Some keyless entry systems use touch sensors on the door handles to detect the presence of the key fob, while others use a push-button start system that allows the engine to be started with the touch of a button.

C. Types of keyless entry systems

There are several types of keyless entry systems available on the market today. Passive keyless entry systems allow the driver to unlock the car and start the engine without having to press any buttons on the key fob. Active keyless entry systems require the driver to press a button on the key fob to unlock the car or start the engine. Some keyless entry systems also offer proximity sensors that detect when the key fob is near the car and automatically unlock the doors.

Overall, keyless entry systems have emerged as a solution to the security flaws associated with traditional car keys. While they offer greater security and convenience, they also introduce new security risks that must be addressed. Car buyers must carefully consider the type of keyless entry system they choose and take steps to protect their cars from theft and cyber attacks.

Future of Keyless Entry

As car technology continues to evolve, so too do keyless entry systems. Here are some of the trends that are shaping the future of keyless entry:

A. Biometric authentication

Some car manufacturers are exploring the use of biometric authentication for keyless entry systems. This could involve using features such as fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, or voice recognition to unlock the car and start the engine. Biometric authentication would offer an additional layer of security and make it more difficult for thieves to gain access to a car.

B. Mobile device integration

As smartphones become more ubiquitous, car manufacturers are exploring ways to integrate keyless entry systems with mobile devices. This could involve using a smartphone app to unlock the car and start the engine or using the smartphone as a key fob to communicate with the car's onboard computer. (Im not sure I like this one!)

C. Enhanced cybersecurity

Cybersecurity will become an increasingly important consideration as keyless entry systems become more connected to the internet and other devices. Car manufacturers are investing in cybersecurity measures such as encryption and firewalls to protect keyless entry systems from hacking and cyber-attacks.

D. Alternative access methods

While keyless entry systems offer a high level of convenience, they can also be vulnerable to hacking and other forms of cyber attack. Some car manufacturers are exploring alternative access methods, such as using a physical key as a backup or providing a manual override option that can be used in case of an emergency.

Overall, keyless entry systems are likely to continue to evolve in the coming years, offering greater convenience and security to drivers. As with any technology, however, it's important for car buyers to carefully consider the security risks associated with keyless entry systems and take steps to protect their cars from theft and cyber attacks.

 

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Keyless entry systems have come a long way since the early days of car keys. While traditional keys offered convenience, they also had security flaws that made them vulnerable to theft and other types of attacks. Keyless entry systems have emerged as a solution to these security flaws, offering greater security and convenience to drivers.

As car technology continues to evolve, keyless entry systems are likely to become even more advanced, with features such as biometric authentication and mobile device integration. However, it's important for car buyers to carefully consider the security risks associated with these systems and take steps to protect their cars from theft and cyber attacks.

UK Car Discount can help you find a vehicle with a keyless entry system that best meets your needs if you're in the market for a new car. Our team of experts can advise you in detail on your chosen vehicle's specific features and security considerations, so you can make an informed decision. Contact us today om 0161 946 3500 to learn more about how we can help you buy your next car.

 

• Traditional car keys had security flaws that made them vulnerable to theft and other types of attacks.
• Keyless entry systems emerged as a solution to these security flaws, offering greater security and convenience to drivers.
• Keyless entry systems use a range of technologies, including proximity sensors and remote fobs, to unlock and start the car.
• However, keyless entry systems are not immune to security risks, and thieves have found ways to exploit these systems.
• One of the main security risks associated with keyless entry systems is relay attacks, which involve intercepting and relaying signals between the key fob and the car's onboard computer.
• Car manufacturers have responded to these security risks by implementing encrypted communications and motion detection measures to detect relay attacks.
• Keyless entry systems are likely to become even more advanced in the future, with features such as biometric authentication and mobile device integration.
• Biometric authentication could involve using features such as fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, or voice recognition to unlock the car and start the engine.
• Mobile device integration could involve using a smartphone app to unlock the car and start the engine or using the smartphone as a key fob to communicate with the car's onboard computer.
• If you're in the market for a new car with a keyless entry system, it's important to carefully consider the security risks associated with these systems and take steps to protect your car from theft and cyber attacks. At UK Car Discount, our team of experts can advise you in detail on your chosen vehicle's specific features and security considerations.