Replacement/Duplicate Key Procedures Exposed as a Weak Link in Vehicle Security.

DUBLIN, Ireland -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c34125) has announced the addition of European Security: Key and Component Management Processes to their offering.

The widespread introduction of sophisticated security systems has brought about a sharp reduction in casual car crime, but determined thieves are increasingly targeting original vehicle keys or replacement security components in order to bypass immobilisers and key transponder-controlled protection.

A new report "Key and Component Management Processes" has been issued which analyses the systems and procedures employed by seven of Europe's leading vehicle manufacturers for the management of keys and security components, identifying both their strengths and weaknesses.

Key points:

--This report exposes replacement/duplicate key procedures as weak link in vehicle security

--Investigation shows dealership staff lack training and fail to follow vital security checks

--Security levels improved since 2001 report, but all manufacturers surveyed demonstrate weaknesses

--Car makers face dilemma between providing maximum security and meeting service expectations of genuine customers

Jemmies, "slim-jims" and screwdrivers used to be the tools of the car thief's trade, but these days criminals are more likely to be armed with legitimate vehicle keys - the perfect means of bypassing the protection provided by immobilisers, alarms and reinforced locks. Car-jacking and robbery to snatch keys are on the rise, but this new report reveals the determined thief doesn't have to take such risks when duplicate keys remain relatively easy to obtain.

The procedures operated in the UK by seven of Europe's largest car makers were researched and it was found that, although key and security component measures are tougher now than when it last reported on the issue in 2001, in each case there are worrying weaknesses when it comes to verifying owner identity at the point of sale.

The report covers the systems put in place by BMW, Mercedes-Benz, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Toyota, Ford, Vauxhall-Opel and Volkswagen-Audi. The research team contacted dealerships for each brand around the UK, and were able to obtain details of key duplication procedures and identify the areas open to exploitation by criminals.

The report also highlights the issue of additional vehicle keys not being automatically deprogrammed when a new key is obtained; this leaves a risk of stolen keys later being used to steal the car. Volkswagen-Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz implement the toughest systems, but even they have some weaknesses that could be exploited by a determined thief.

It was found that all manufacturers acknowledge the need to guard against would-be thieves obtaining keys and security components and to prevent unauthorised programming. Measures taken include the use of PIN codes for customers and/or dealership staff and time-dependent codes or operations, which guard against unauthorised programming or re-programming of keys at a later date.

The report makes recommendations on how security measures could be improved, both in key and component programming and management and in tightening ownership checks at the point of sale by means of more stringent use of PINs, easier identification of forged documents and, ideally, with reference to a national database.

Companies mentioned:

--BMW

--Ford

--Mercedes-Benz

--Opel

--Peugeot-Citroen

--Toyota

--Volkwagen-Audi

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c34125