A car key fob operates through radio frequency identification technology, RFID in short. This technology involves a unique digital signature that communicates with the car electronic control unit, ECU in short.
When a button on the fob is pressed a coded radio signal is being send to pair your car ECU which recognizes this signal and performs the requested action such as locking or unlocking the doors, opening the trunk and starting the engine.
This communication is secured through rolling codes which change every time the fob is used to prevent unauthorized access or duplication of the signal improving the car security.
How Secure Is It?
Car key fobs use advanced security encryption and rolling codes which makes each signal unique in order to prevent unauthorized access.
However they are not foolproof and there are some advanced techniques like relay attacks that can trick the system into thinking the fob is closer than it is allowing cars to be unlocked and started without the key.
Car manufacturers constantly update security to fight hackers and to eliminate as much as possible these vulnerabilities but vehicle owners should still be aware of these risks. Staying informed and adopting multi level security recommendations can help protect against potential car theft.
Integrated Features
The key fob often merges immobilizer technology ensuring the engine only starts when the correct key fob is detected.
This is achieved through a transponder chip embedded in the key fob which carries a unique code.
When inserting the key or bringing the fob close to the ignition the immobilizer system scans for this code and if the received code doesn’t match the engine wont start.
This advanced feature adds an extra layer of security in order to prevent car theft.
