AUTO LOCKSMITHS
You Auto Know ..
Victor Southern of Lockdecoders discusses this month ’ s hot topic of car keys versus smart security ( more on page 74-75 )…
» “ I AM PRETTY WELL IN AGREEMENT that there will always be a mechanical requirement when it comes to vehicle entry ( made by another auto locksmith ). I might also say that I have all along considered the introduction even of prox keys for vehicles to be a great security hazard against theft . I am not alone in that as I know that Mick Friend for one shared my doubts at the very outset and many others also by now . One hears of relay theft of expensive cars just about daily .
“ But , to the claims made that smart technology and smart phones will take over all vehicle access ; hardly so , since a great part of the world has no reliable mobile phone service until such time as there is world-wide satnav coverage and phone access . There are huge swathes
‘ even the best of biometrics will not prevent extremely violent carjacking ’
of Asia , Africa , Siberia and South America where that is the case . And , many of those have no constant electricity supply either – think on that when boosting electric cars .
“ From a pure security viewpoint , any smart phone entry or operation of cars will be very poor indeed unless the phone itself or the car is keyed biometrically to a particular user . One should then think how that would work with business pool cars and company delivery vehicles which might have any of several drivers . Even the best of biometrics will not prevent extremely violent carjacking , endemic in some parts of Africa . The thieves will be happy to take your thumb along with them !
“ Nor should one ignore the sort of hacking that takes place – avaricious or malicious which may hold an entire maker to ransom by shut-down or even denial of access . Of course , many of those problems don ’ t exist with urban homes in developed countries so front door access or the ability to switch your heating or colling on by phone are there possible . We may indeed be approaching “ Beam me up , Scotty ”. Me , I couldn ’ t care less .”
JAN / FEB 2021
71
Magazine Sponsor Issue Takeover locksmithjournal . co . uk