Keyless entry systems have revolutionized vehicle access, offering unparalleled convenience. However, this technology also introduces security vulnerabilities, particularly concerning relay attacks. For Polestar 2 owners, understanding the security features of their key fob is crucial. This article delves into the Polestar 2 Key Fob, focusing on its security mechanisms and dispelling any misconceptions surrounding its capabilities, especially in relation to motion sensor technology.
Understanding Keyless Entry and Relay Attacks
Modern cars equipped with “keyless entry” and “keyless drive” rely on radio signals for communication between the car and the key fob. When you attempt to unlock or start your Polestar 2, the car sends out a signal. If the key fob, your Polestar 2 key fob in this instance, is within range (typically a couple of meters), it responds, allowing access or ignition. This exchange involves sophisticated cryptography, making it incredibly difficult to simply copy or clone a key fob signal.
Despite these security measures, a threat known as a “relay attack” has emerged. Thieves exploit the keyless system by intercepting and relaying the signals between the car and the key fob. In a typical scenario, a thief uses equipment to amplify and transmit the car’s signal to reach a key fob inside a house. The key fob’s response is then relayed back to the car, tricking it into unlocking or starting, even if the actual key fob is far away. Once started, the vehicle can be driven away, although it may alert the driver that the key is no longer present.
The Sleeping Key Fob Solution: Enhancing Security
To counter relay attacks, automotive manufacturers have implemented “sleeping” key fobs. This technology, pioneered by Ford, puts the key fob into a low-power sleep mode after a period of inactivity. In sleep mode, the key fob becomes unresponsive to radio signals, effectively blocking relay attacks. If your Polestar 2 key fob has this feature and is inactive, even if thieves attempt a relay attack, the fob will not respond, keeping your vehicle secure.
Investigating the Polestar 2 Key Fob: Motion Sensor Confirmation
It has been a topic of debate whether Polestar 2 key fobs are equipped with this crucial “sleeping” functionality. Initial discussions and experiments within online forums led to some uncertainty. To clarify this, a comparative analysis was conducted between a Polestar 2 key fob and a Volvo key fob, given Volvo’s known implementation of sleeping key fob technology in their 2021 models.
Key Fob Comparison: Volvo vs. Polestar 2
Visually comparing the key fobs reveals similar designs but different branding and part numbers.
Volvo key fob on top, Polestar key fob on bottom, highlighting the physical similarities and branding differences.
Volvo active key fob positioned above a Polestar active key fob, showcasing design and branding distinctions.
While the Volvo key fob part numbers start with “3” (a standard Volvo identifier), the model numbers provided by the OEM (Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst) are particularly revealing:
- Main Key Volvo: HUF8423
- Polestar 2 Key Fob: HUF8423MS
- Active Key Volvo: HUF8432
- Polestar 2 Active Key Fob: HUF8432MS
Model Number Analysis: Decoding “MS”
The “MS” suffix in the Polestar 2 key fob model numbers is strikingly similar to Volvo’s key fob model numbers. Online research suggests that “MS” likely stands for “Motion Sensor.” This immediately indicates that Polestar 2 key fobs are indeed equipped with motion sensors, hinting at the presence of sleeping key fob functionality.
FCC Documentation Evidence: Unveiling the User Manuals
Further investigation into the part numbers led to the discovery of FCC (Federal Communications Commission) filing documents, including user manuals for both “MS” and non-MS key fobs.
Comparing these manuals reveals a significant addition in the “MS” version: a paragraph detailing “Relay-Station-Attack (RSA) countermeasure.” This section explicitly states that when the key fob remains stationary for a configurable period, the motion sensor deactivates the LF (Low Frequency) front end, preventing responses to keyless entry or start signals. Motion detection reactivates the LF front end for a limited time. This confirms that Polestar 2 key fobs, like their Volvo counterparts, are designed with motion sensor technology to combat relay attacks.
What This Means for Polestar 2 Owners: Enhanced Security and Convenience
The evidence strongly suggests that Polestar 2 key fobs are equipped with motion sensors and a sleep mode functionality. This is a significant security feature that provides protection against relay attacks, potentially reducing the need for additional security measures like Faraday pouches.
While the exact duration of inactivity before the Polestar 2 key fob enters sleep mode remains unclear, the presence of this feature is a positive aspect of Polestar 2 vehicle security. Contacting Polestar for specific details on the sleep mode timer would provide further clarity.
Conclusion:
Polestar 2 key fobs appear to incorporate motion sensor technology and a sleep mode to mitigate relay attack vulnerabilities. This feature enhances the security of the vehicle and provides peace of mind for Polestar 2 owners concerned about keyless entry theft. While the precise sleep mode activation time requires further confirmation from Polestar, the evidence strongly indicates that the Polestar 2 key fob is designed with modern security features in mind.
