Why Smartphone Apps Could Soon Replace Car Keys

Why Smartphone Apps Could Soon Replace Car Keys

Sooner or later, a smartphone app will be able to unlock your car. But what are the potential security issues that come with this new technology?

With global mobile phone usage expected to reach more than 5.5 billion users by 2022, the days without connectivity at our fingertips are long gone.

It appears that soon, the traditional car key will be extinct: firstly, replaced by contactless keys, and in the future, by smartphone apps. Here, CAT Autokeys discuss how soon this is likely to happen, and the potential security issues that come with this new technology.

How Would You Unlock Your Car via a Smartphone App?

Advancements in car connectivity technology have been ever-increasing, and it’s predicted that soon, car owners will be able to unlock – and even start their own cars – by using apps that have been downloaded on their mobile phone.

In order to lock, unlock and start their cars, owners will need a “direct link to the secure element of the device;” and this is predicted to help reduce the risk of car theft.

The information that’s sent through this link will use a secured short-range connection, which means that owners must be in close proximity of their vehicle – much like if they were to make a contactless debit or credit card payment (i.e. closer to the car than you would with a traditional car key).

The way this would work, is once next to the car, the owner would place their phone by the door handle, and scan their fingerprint to unlock their vehicle.

If the owner wants to grant someone else access, they would share a passcode with them; and that’s also a solution for anyone who wants to enter a hire car.

How Soon Is This Technology Likely to Be Rolled Out?

Plans for smartphone apps to replace traditional keys are part of new developments from the cross-industry technology body, the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC). This brings together well-known car brands such as BMW, Audi, Volkswagen and General Motors, alongside leading technology companies including Panasonic and Apple.

Right now, this contactless car key technology exists merely in a ‘Release 1.0’ phase, which “provides a generalized deployment method that allows vehicle OEMs (suppliers) to securely transfer a digital key implementation to a smart device”.

The ‘Release 2.0’ version has an anticipated launch date of early 2019, which will enable the technology to become both more scalable and affordable to implement.

Plus, the fact that so many car makers have been directly involved in the development, it’s likely that this digital key feature will be introduced to many car brands once the technology has reached the maturity stage.

Which Brands Are Already Backing the Move?

Whilst the CCC is aiming to make the technology more widespread, you may be surprised to know that it’s not the first group to try and implement this technology. That would be Volvo, who trialed a smartphone-based system back in 2016.

In fact, even now certain brands are actively using this technology with customers. For example, Tesla owners are already able to use a dedicated app as opposed to a key, to access their Model S, Model X and Model 3 vehicles. The other feature they boast is the ability for the car owner to limit the top speed and acceleration whilst someone else is driving their car.

BMW have also created an app that enables drivers to access their car, as opposed to using a traditional car key.

Should We Be Worrying About Security Issues?

New technologies always raise security concerns, but the fact is, with technology constantly evolving, companies are aware of potential issues, and can work to limit them.

The CCC have spoken out before about the technology currently used by Tesla and BMW, and have deemed it to be less safe than what they’re developing; assuring their new system will bring about “the highest state-of-the-art security level for vehicle access”.

Existing keyless entry systems have been exploited by criminals, who have been able to gain entry and even start a car by purchasing electronic devices online. In some cases, they’ve even been able to access gadgets which can programmed blank fobs to work with specific cars in seconds – that’s not at all ideal.

One aspect introduced into the CCC’s technology to reduce the risk of theft is to revoke all keys once a car has been sold. This means that if someone were to sell their car and had shared their digital pass with someone else; the new owner won’t have to worry about other people accessing their car.

To conclude, whilst there are some examples of existing smartphone apps enabling car owners to enter their cars, this technology is still very much in the developmental stage. Security concerns will naturally rise, but the CCC has the time to review these issues, and put plans into place to minimize the risk. For the motoring industry, this is certainly an exciting breakthrough, and is one to watch over the coming months and years.

Featured

  • An Inside Look From Napco at ISC West

    Get a look into the excitement at ISC West 2025 from Napco. Hear from some of their top-tech executives live from the show floor. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Upping the Ante

    I am not a betting man in terms of cards, dice, blackjack or that wheel with the black marble racing around the circumference of a spinning wheel, but I would bet on the success of ISC West this year. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • It's Show Time

    I am one of those people that likes to see things get bigger and better. As advertised, ISC West is going to be bigger (more exhibitors) and better (more attendees). It’s show time in Las Vegas. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • SIA Releases New Report on Operational Security Technology

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has released an impactful new resource – Operational Security Technology: Principles, Challenges and Achieving Mission-Critical Outcomes Leveraging OST. Read Now

New Products

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.