A Protocol for a Secure Remote Keyless Entry System Applicable in Vehicles using Symmetric-Key Cryptography

TL;DR

This paper presents a secure protocol and a lightweight symmetric encryption algorithm designed to enhance the security of remote keyless entry systems in vehicles against wireless communication threats.

Contribution

It introduces a novel secure protocol and a lightweight symmetric encryption algorithm specifically tailored for vehicle remote keyless systems.

Findings

Proposed a secure communication protocol for vehicle keyless entry

Developed a lightweight symmetric encryption algorithm suitable for embedded systems

Addressed potential wireless attack vectors in remote keyless systems

Abstract

In our modern society comfort became a standard. This comfort, especially in cars can only be achieved by equipping the car with more electronic devices. Some of the electronic devices must cooperate with each other and thus they require a communication channel, which can be wired or wireless. In these days, it would be hard to sell a new car operating with traditional keys. Almost all modern cars can be locked or unlocked with a Remote Keyless System. A Remote Keyless System consists of a key fob that communicates wirelessly with the car transceiver that is responsible for locking and unlocking the car. However there are several threats for wireless communication channels. This paper describes the possible attacks against a Remote Keyless System and introduces a secure protocol as well as a lightweight Symmetric Encryption Algorithm for a Remote Keyless Entry System applicable in vehicles.