(Photo: CHRIS YOUNG/AFP/Getty Images)
For two decades, vehicle locking and security have drastically evolved, moving from simple mechanical keys to complex keyless entry systems. Luxury brands like Mercedes, Audi, BMW, and Volvo have invested heavily in fortifying their systems against theft, a testament to the lucrative nature of auto crime. Yet, many car owners rarely consider the security of their key fobs, wireless access points, and smartphone apps that now interact with their vehicles, let alone the potential vulnerabilities within these interconnected systems. Even fewer realize the extent of data stored within their electronic keys, some of which can be surprisingly detailed.
Recently, I spent a day at one of Europe’s leading private forensic laboratories, located in Mayen, Germany. Run by Manfred Goth, a certified police forensic expert, this specialized lab conducts crucial investigations for major European insurance companies. Their work involves analyzing locks, safes, vehicles, and buildings in various criminal and civil cases, ranging from arson to auto theft and even murder. Remarkably, last year alone, their expertise saved a single insurance company approximately twenty million Euros in fraudulent claims, including vehicle theft. They also consult with law enforcement on covert entry and security system breaches and are affiliated with the Lockmasters Group in Bergheim, Germany. Lockmasters is a renowned specialist in developing covert entry tools and providing training for government agencies, possessing deep expertise in all types of locking systems and their vulnerabilities.
While my work often involves testing the security of physical locks, automotive security wasn’t a primary focus. Like many, I use keyless entry daily but hadn’t deeply considered the inherent security risks or privacy implications. My professional attention was mainly on high-security mechanical locks. The idea that my car key fob could store vehicle data, potentially accessible to insurance companies or law enforcement, simply hadn’t crossed my mind. This perspective shifted dramatically after my visit to the Goth laboratory and Lockmasters.
Manfred was investigating a BMW theft case, a brand known for storing extensive data on its key fobs. He demonstrated a decoder from Abrites, a Bulgarian company specializing in electronic decoding and bypass systems for a vast range of vehicles with key fobs and keyless entry. Abrites develops tools for locksmiths and, in restricted versions, for government agencies. Modern car immobilizer systems, keys, locks, and central computers are all susceptible to hacking. This allows for unauthorized vehicle entry, the planting of tracking devices or bugs, key cloning and decoding, data extraction, and, of course, vehicle theft. These tools aren’t just in the hands of locksmiths and government agencies; car thieves utilize them as well.
Plugging the BMW key fob into the Abrites decoder, Manfred retrieved a wealth of data almost instantly: the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), mileage, fuel level, and the last time the car was driven. Newer key fobs are even equipped to store GPS data, adding another layer of information.
So, what’s the relevance of this data? A significant number of stolen car insurance claims are filed annually, and unfortunately, some are fraudulent. In Europe, insurance providers often require claimants to submit their car keys for examination as part of the claim process. Unbeknownst to many car owners, the data embedded in their key fobs can be used against them, potentially leading to claim denials or even prosecution for insurance fraud. Consider this scenario: a car owner reports their vehicle stolen three days prior and hands over their keys to prove they weren’t left in the car or given to thieves. However, the key fob’s memory logs the last time the vehicle was driven and the corresponding mileage. In one case Manfred presented, the key data revealed the car had been driven just the day before the reported theft, exposing a fraudulent claim. This highlights the importance of understanding your key fob – and where to go if you need assistance with it, perhaps even a reliable Key Fob Store.
Continuing my investigation, I visited Lockmasters headquarters in Bergheim to witness further demonstrations of key decoding and techniques to intercept communication between the key fob and the car for theft purposes. Watch my interview with Enrico Wendt, Lockmaster’s Operations Manager, as he demonstrates BMW key fob decoding. In a follow-up demonstration, Sascha Wendt, Technical Manager, showed just how easily a new Audi could be driven away using similar methods.
While manufacturers claim data storage in key fobs is primarily for maintenance purposes, it’s clear that law enforcement and insurance companies are influencing the automotive industry. Key fobs are becoming increasingly data-rich, mirroring the capabilities of smartphones.
Vehicle key security is only one facet of the ongoing battle against covert entry specialists, law enforcement, criminals, and hackers. I was shown how sophisticated thieves can steal high-value cars using portable devices, also originating from Bulgaria. Furthermore, I learned how the key fob of a top-tier German luxury vehicle could be easily replicated through the infrared port in the ignition and a laptop, thanks to Polish hackers. Automakers are now actively addressing vulnerabilities in their wireless entry systems, and a Swiss inventor in Zurich has developed a promising solution, which I explored in an interview. Stay tuned for more on this evolving landscape of car security. For now, understanding the security of your key fob is the first step – and knowing where to find expert assistance, like a reputable key fob store, is crucial in today’s automotive world.
