Page 58 - ATZ11 November 2019 Professional

DEVELOPMENT CYBERSECURITY

© AZT

The smartphone becomes the car key. German vehicle manufacturers are begin-
ning to offer their customers a virtual key as an application on a mobile device in
addition to the classic physical vehicle keys. AZT Automotive GmbH, the Allianz
Center for Technology (AZT), has investigated the security risks of using virtual
vehicle keys and their implementation on smartphones and other devices.

CUSTOMER ACCEPTANCE OF a vehicle user may also choose both vari- Since 2006, the number of the total
KEY APPLICATIONS ants and use a virtual key parallel to the vehicle thefts has remained relatively sta-
conventional key. ble in Germany, at less than 20,000 vehi-
Like the rapid spread of smartphones, a cles per year, despite the steady increase
quick customer acceptance of key appli- in the vehicle population, FIGURE 1. The
HIGH CLAIM COSTS
cation in private and commercial use can main reason for this is the introduction
DUE TO THEFT
be expected. It is very likely that the vir- of electronic immobilizers (Wegfahr-
tual vehicle key will replace the conven- Theft is a major topic in motor vehicle sperre, WFS) in the mid-1990s as a mea-
tional key in everyday life. The modern insurance and is characterised by high sure against the massive increase in total
vehicle can be opened and started with claims cost. This leads to significantly thefts resulting from the German reunifi-
a smartphone or, in the future, with any higher claims costs for a large number cation and the opening of borders.
wearable device. Key transfer becomes of new, premium vehicle models. Theft
a breeze. Access and driving authoriza- includes not only total theft, which is
POSITION
tions among family members and friends significantly relevant for the type class,
can be forwarded online in seconds. but also theft of vehicle parts from and The latest developments in the automo-
The conventional key set will then stay out of the vehicle, which is usually asso- tive industry make vehicles with net-
at home. Depending on the situation, ciated with high collateral damage. worked systems and permanent connec-
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