Key Fob Disable Switch for Signal Boost Attack Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle key fob systems are vulnerable to signal boosting attacks that allow unauthorized individuals to trick vehicles into thinking the key fob is nearby, leading to potential theft, especially when the fob is left in a secure location.

Innovation Solution

A key fob with a communication disconnect switch that can be manually or automatically activated to prevent signal processing, featuring a disable switch connected to the antenna and control circuit, which disconnects the antenna from the control circuit in a second state, preventing unauthorized communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the key fob continuously monitors and responds to wireless signals from the vehicle, then keyless entry functionality is maintained, but vulnerability to signal boosting attacks increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeyless entry functionalityVSAvoidvulnerability to signal boosting attacks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of signal authenticity before responding. The control circuit checks whether received signals meet expected parameters (strength, timing, encryption) before executing keyless entry functions, preventing premature response to boosted attacks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary verification layer is introduced between signal reception and response execution. The control circuit acts as a mediator that filters and validates incoming signals, allowing legitimate keyless entry while blocking malicious boosted signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the key fob uses encrypted communication with rolling codes, then security against eavesdropping is improved, but vulnerability to signal boosting attacks remains

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencryption securityVSAvoidsignal boosting vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the control circuit continuously monitors signal characteristics and adjusts response behavior. When abnormal signal patterns (indicative of boosting) are detected, the system modifies its response or disables keyless entry functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters based on signal analysis. It adjusts sensitivity thresholds, response timing, and acceptance criteria for signals, dynamically modifying these parameters to reject boosted signals while maintaining legitimate communications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the key fob allows remote operations from greater distances, then user convenience is improved, but the window for attack exploitation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoidattack exploitation window

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on real-time conditions. It can switch between different modes (normal operation, restricted mode, disabled) and adjust signal acceptance parameters dynamically, reducing the attack window while maintaining flexibility for legitimate use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11180114B1Systems and methods for key fob communication disconnection

Publication Date: 2021.11.23 TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to controlling a key fob. In one embodiment, a key fob, associated with a vehicle, includes an antenna, a control circuit including one or more processors and a memory communicably connected to the one or more processors, and a disable switch connected to the antenna and to the control circuit. The disable switch connects the antenna with the control circuit in a first state and disconnects the antenna from the control circuit in a second state.