IT Forensics · Car

Forensic analysis of digital car keys (smartphone-as-key) – the forensic use of smartphone-based vehicle keys

Digital car keys allow a vehicle to be unlocked and started via a smartphone app, generating connection and access logs on both the mobile device and the vehicle.

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This data may be relevant in determining which mobile device or user account was used to unlock or start the vehicle at a particular time.

Why LanCologne?

Since its foundation, LanCologne has specialised in professional IT forensics. Our staff have decades of experience in the field of information technology and assist companies, solicitors, private individuals and, on a regular basis, the courts in the technical investigation of complex digital matters.

The examination is, as a matter of principle, carried out exclusively on a forensic copy, a forensic image or a data source captured in a technically equivalent manner that preserves the integrity of the evidence. The original evidence remains unchanged and is stored in a manner that preserves its integrity.

Our services

We analyse the available connection and access logs for the digital car key, both on the vehicle side and on the mobile device side, and document them in a manner that is forensically traceable.

Typical areas of application

•Proof of the time of access via a digital car key
•Identification of the mobile device or account used
•Investigation into vehicle theft using digital keys
•Resolving disputes over usage in cases of shared key access
•Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
•Cooperation with law enforcement agencies

This is how an analysis of a digital car key is carried out

Once the vehicle data and, where available, mobile device data have been backed up, connection and access logs are extracted and compared with one another.

Why is the analysis of a digital car key relevant from a forensic perspective?

Evidence of which account or mobile device triggered an access attempt can be crucial in resolving disputes relating to theft or usage.

Shared digital key authorisations granted to other individuals can also be documented in a manner relevant to forensic analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does sharing a digital car key with third parties work?+
This is usually done via the relevant manufacturer’s app and is tracked accordingly during the analysis.
Are all access attempts via the digital key logged?+
For most systems, yes; the exact scope is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Can a digital key be copied without authorisation?+
This will be examined as a possible explanation in the course of the investigation, without any assessment being made in advance.

LanCologne – Vehicle IT Forensics, Cologne

Do you require a professional forensic investigation into the „forensic analysis of digital car keys (smartphone-as-key)"? LanCologne can assist you in securing digital evidence in a manner that stands up in court, as well as in the transparent analysis of relevant vehicle artefacts.

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