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

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • 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.