Bachelor and Master Theses

Modern vehicles rely on keyless entry and start systems, where key fobs use low-power wireless communication protocols for command transmission. While these systems enhance user convenience, they introduce several attack surfaces that have been exploited in real-world thefts. Common attack types include relay attacks, replay attacks, rolling-code prediction, and RF signal jamming. These attacks exploit weaknesses in authentication protocols, signal propagation characteristics, and inadequate cryptographic protection in legacy designs.

The security of automotive key fobs is a critical aspect of vehicular cybersecurity, as a compromise directly enables unauthorized access and vehicle theft. Despite advances such as challenge–response mechanisms and encrypted transponders, recent studies show that many systems remain vulnerable due to protocol flaws, side-channel leakage, and insufficient entropy in key generation.

This thesis aims to perform a comprehensive security analysis of modern key fob systems from both theoretical and experimental perspectives. It will examine communication protocols, cryptographic mechanisms, and system-level vulnerabilities to identify weak points. For the advanced level, the work will also explore attack-resilient design principles, including improved proximity verification, secure pairing, and lightweight cryptography suitable for resource-constrained embedded systems.

Thesis Tasks:

• Study the architecture and communication principles of automotive key fobs and immobilizer systems.

• Review known attacks (relay, replay, rolljam, code-grabbing, and side-channel) and analyze their mechanisms.

• For the advanced level: Experimentally evaluate one or more representative key fob systems using SDR-based tools (e.g., HackRF, USRP) under controlled lab conditions.

• For the advanced level: Develop and evaluate countermeasures such as distance bounding, cryptographic enhancements, or physical-layer fingerprints (to mitigate identified vulnerabilities).

• For the advanced level: Propose a secure protocol design framework balancing usability, cost, and security.

• Document all findings, experimental results, and design recommendations in the thesis report.

Background in embedded systems, wireless communication, and cryptography.
Ideally, experience with Python or C programming, as well as tools like SDRs or Arduino/Raspberry Pi.

The thesis offers both theoretical and practical contributions to automotive cybersecurity, aligning with current industry needs for secure-by-design vehicular systems.