By Yuka Muto, LitePoint and Amy Neale, FiRa Consortium
As technology continues to advance and asset values rise, so does the need for more security measures. With the shift from physical keys and keyless entry using wireless, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology has emerged as a leading solution. UWB offers unparalleled security capabilities, enhancing activities in our daily lives. This blog delves into the history of security technology, the unique advantages of UWB, the impact of IEEE 802.15.4z, and the benefits of using Time of Flight (ToF) in security. We'll also explore UWB’s role in access control, digital keys, and the significance of UWB secure ranging as promoted by the FiRa® Consortium.
History of Security Technology
Security technology has come a long way since its inception. The journey began with basic mechanical locks and has evolved through several technological advancements:
- 1960s – Introduction of punch cards for building access, replacing physical keys.
- 1970s – Emergence of access control systems with keypads and magnetic stripe cards, driven by the need for enhanced commercial building security and durability.
- 1990s – Adoption of RFID technology, enabling contactless access control. Biometric systems such as facial recognition and fingerprint
- 2010s – Mobile access control leveraging smartphones and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.
Each technology has its pros and cons. For example, physical keys are simple to use and immune to electronic hacking, but they can be stolen or lost. Biometric systems are highly effective but costly, and the “key” cannot be shared, even among the trusted parties. Keypad codes and RFID cards offer convenience for key-sharing but can be stolen. NFC integrated into smartphones or watches is a significant advancement in convenience and security. Such smart devices allow easy key sharing, and access is limited to the owner of the device, whether through the facial ID, fingerprint matching, or passwords. However, NFC transactions can still be captured and replayed for unauthorized payments, and NFC transactions are not convenient as they require a “tap” from a few centimeters away.
How Does UWB’s Accuracy Enhance the Future of Security?
Each innovation has enhanced security and convenience, paving the way for today's sophisticated systems and laying the groundwork for UWB security technology. UWB advances NFC a step further by enabling users to unlock assets such as hotel doors and cars simply by approaching them within the authentication range. This passive wireless unlocking/locking occurs without the need to tap the lock with a smart device. While other wireless technologies are capable of similar features, UWB technology stands out due to its precise distance measurement capability.
Unlike traditional methods that rely on signal strength, UWB leverages ToF calculations, measuring the time it takes for a signal to travel between devices using nanosecond-long pulses. This approach is more secure because it is harder to spoof time than it is to fake signal strength. As a result, UWB’s ToF method provides highly accurate location and distance information, making it more resistant to common security threats like relay attacks when combined with the other secure elements and measures implemented in UWB.
How IEEE 802.15.4z Impacts UWB Security Technology
IEEE 802.15.4z is an amendment to the IEEE 802.15.4 standard and has significantly bolstered the security of UWB technology. IEEE 802.15.4z introduces several key features to the physical layer, enhancing UWB's resistance to external attacks:
- Cryptography – Strengthens communication security.
- Random Number Generation – Ensures unpredictability in signal patterns.
- Scrambled Timestamp Sequence (STS) – STS is part of a UWB frame and uses cryptography and pseudo-random sequences to protect the timestamp data, ensuring secure and precise distance measurements.
UWB Security in Access Control
UWB technology is crucial for wireless access control because it provides precise location tracking capabilities, ensuring that only authorized users within a specific range can access secure areas. Additionally, UWB offers strong resistance to signal interference and spoofing, making it harder for unauthorized individuals to bypass security systems.
Relay attacks exploit the vulnerabilities of passive keyless entry systems by amplifying legitimate wireless signals to unlock doors or start vehicles. UWB technology effectively combats this threat by using precise distance measurements and built-in encryption, ensuring only authorized access is granted within the allowed range.
Learn more about UWB and secure access.
Car Connectivity Consortium’s Digital Key
The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) has adopted UWB secure ranging technology to enhance its Digital Key functionalities. UWB enables vehicles to verify the proximity and authenticity of digital keys, preventing unauthorized access through relay attacks. By integrating UWB, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), and NFC to their digital key, the CCC ensures secure and seamless vehicle entry.
In 2023, FiRa and the CCC established the Joint Ultra-Wideband (UWB) MAC PHY Working Group (JUMPWG) to jointly develop and maintain the UWB technology specifications used in the CCC Digital Key. The JUMPWG aims to ensure long-term interoperability and scalability of the UWB technology developed for the CCC Digital Key, encouraging broader adoption of UWB technology for secure and accurate ranging for vehicle access.
Learn more about UWB and car key technology.
UWB Secure Ranging and FiRa
UWB technology represents a significant leap forward in the realm of security. Its ability to provide precise, secure, and reliable distance measurements makes it an ideal wireless solution for modern security challenges.
The FiRa Consortium plays a pivotal role in enhancing the security and interoperability of UWB devices. By promoting UWB secure ranging, FiRa ensures that UWB technology remains at the forefront of modern security solutions. FiRa’s efforts in standardizing and advancing UWB technology, particularly through initiatives like the JUMPWG, are crucial for fostering a secure and interconnected ecosystem. As UWB continues to revolutionize access control and digital key functionalities, FiRa’s contributions will be instrumental in shaping a safer and more reliable future for UWB applications.