This article delves into a unique dataset centered around Key Fob Images, a crucial component in modern vehicle security systems. This dataset, acquired using a remote controlled electronic access system from a 2016 vehicle model, focuses on the signals transmitted by Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) systems, commonly known as key fobs. The data offers valuable insights for researchers and professionals in automotive security, signal processing, and related fields.
Understanding the Key Fob Signal Dataset
The core of this dataset lies in the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) representations of signals emanating from both genuine key fobs and simulated attack devices. These key fob images are not visual photographs, but rather visual depictions of the frequency components of radio signals. Specifically, the dataset captures the signals transmitted at a Radio Frequency (RF) of 433 MHz, a common frequency band for keyless entry systems. The signals were recorded using a Software Defined Radio (SDR) RTL-SDR module, tuned to 433.427 MHz with a 2 MHz bandwidth. This technical setup allowed for precise capture and analysis of the signals.
Acquisition Methodology: Capturing Key Fob Transmissions
Data acquisition involved recording signals at varying distances – 40 cm, 1m, 2m, 3m, 4m, and 5m – and with different antenna polarizations. This comprehensive approach ensures a diverse range of signal characteristics are captured. The process further involved using GNU-Radio software to process the baseband signals. This processing step was critical for removing periods of silence in the transmission, effectively isolating the active signal components before performing the FFT. The resulting FFT transforms are what constitute the key fob images within the dataset.
Types of Key Fob Signal Images within the Dataset
The dataset is meticulously organized into three distinct categories of signals, providing a nuanced view of key fob communication and potential vulnerabilities:
- Original Key-Fob Signals (Real_Signal): This category comprises key fob images derived from signals transmitted by the authentic key fob device. These images represent the baseline, legitimate signals of the system.
- Retransmitted High-Gain Signals (Fake_Signal_High_Gain): This set of key fob images originates from signals initially transmitted by the genuine key fob but then retransmitted using a Hack RF-SDR platform configured with high RF gain. This simulates a replay attack scenario where an attacker boosts the signal to extend its range.
- Retransmitted Low-Gain Signals (Fake_Signal_Low_Gain): Similar to the high-gain set, these key fob images are generated from retransmitted genuine key fob signals, but this time using a Hack RF-SDR with low RF gain. This category allows for the study of signal degradation and the impact of lower signal strength in replay attack scenarios.
Dataset Format and File Structure
The key fob images within the dataset are stored as .bmp files. Each image has dimensions of 1288 x 421 pixels and a 24-bit color depth, resulting in a file size of approximately 1589 KBytes per image. The dataset is structured into folders corresponding to the signal types: “Real_Signal”, “Fake_Signal_High_Gain”, and “Fake_Signal_Low_Gain”. Files are named using a consistent nomenclature that encodes key parameters such as the action (e.g., unlock), frequency (433.427MHz), distance (e.g., 40 cm), and a sequential file number. This systematic naming convention facilitates easy navigation and data retrieval within the dataset.
Utilizing Key Fob Images for Security Research
This dataset of key fob images offers a valuable resource for advancing research in vehicle security. Researchers can leverage this data to:
- Develop and test algorithms for distinguishing between genuine and replayed key fob signals.
- Analyze the spectral characteristics of different signal types and identify potential vulnerabilities.
- Investigate the impact of signal gain and distance on the effectiveness of replay attacks.
- Contribute to the development of more robust and secure keyless entry systems.
By providing a structured and categorized collection of key fob images, this dataset empowers the automotive security community to deepen their understanding of RKE system vulnerabilities and work towards enhanced vehicle protection.
