Gemalto to support Daimler's smartphone-based digital vehicle key

Source: Gemalto. Smartphones enabled as smart car keys.

Gemalto, the digital security player, is providing its Trusted Services Hub (TSH) to support Daimler's new smartphone-based 'digital vehicle key' for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class range.

The premium car maker's solution gives drivers the freedom to lock, unlock and start their vehicles using nothing more than an NFC-enabled smartphone. Gemalto's TSH enables seamless and secure over-the-air deployment of the digital keys to any type of phone that supports the solution.

With the key safely downloaded to a secure element* via Gemalto's TSH, drivers can lock/unlock their cars by simply placing the smartphone against the door handle. The engine can also be turned on with the phone in the charging tray of the dashboard and pressing the start button. Capable of operating even if the phone battery** is drained, the need to carry a conventional key is eliminated.

"Digitalisation demands that companies harness their expertise to forge strong relationships with all stakeholders within the connected car ecosystem," said Christine Caviglioli, VP, New Mobility Solutions at Gemalto. "For Daimler AG, this aim is fully supported by our solutions, which enable it to offer customers innovative services through their preferred device, without compromising security."

Editor's comment: Making use of another object that is always around to unlock the car is convenient, so long as that object is not forgotten, stolen, lost or runs out of battery - all very plausible scenarios with smartphones. Smartphones are also more coveted by thieves than car keys, so relying wholly on such a system can be dangerous as the car becomes useless the moment the phone is lost. As someone who is now unable to access an overseas bank account online merely because the security token has run out of battery, I can identify with such a scenario. It is assumed that Daimler will provide a conventional car key or another means of unlocking and starting the car as a backup.

*A secure element is a tamper-resistant hardware platform, capable of securely hosting applications and storing confidential and cryptographic data. It can be found in a SIM provided by a mobile network operator and/or an eSE (embedded secure element) built into phone handset by OEMs."

**Up to 10 door locks and unlocks in the next 24 hours if the smartphone device supports this functionality

posted from Bloggeroid