The Security Risks of Keyless Car Entry Systems: A Qualitative Study on South African Drivers

Authors

Emil Namaan Reuben Murray, Independent Institute of Education Emeris, South Africa

Victor Faniran, Independent Institute of Education Emeris, South Africa

Published in

IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings

ISSN: 2576-8581

ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2

DOI: https://doi.org/10.67725/IST-Africa.2026.TBYP4802

Publisher

IST-Africa Institute and IIMC International Information Management Corporation Ltd

Published in Ireland

Abstract

This study investigates the security vulnerabilities of keyless car entry systems within the South African context, where technologically facilitated vehicle theft remains a significant concern. Guided by Protection Motivation Theory, the aim of the study was to identify key technological risks, examine documented evidence of driver awareness, and propose mitigation strategies. A qualitative desktop study was conducted using PRISMA-informed source selection and thematic analysis of thirty credible academic, industry, and policy sources. The findings highlight persistent vulnerabilities in passive keyless entry systems, awareness gaps reported in existing literature, and institutional challenges affecting effective risk mitigation. Furthermore, the study underscores the need for coordinated technological, behavioural, and regulatory interventions. While grounded in South Africa, the identified risks have broader relevance to similar high-theft environments. Also, the paper contributes practical recommendations for manufacturers, insurers, and policymakers to strengthen automotive cybersecurity and reduce emerging theft risks.

Keywords

Keyless entry system, Vehicle theft, Relay attacks, Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), Thematic analysis, Automotive cybersecurity, Behavioural responses

Cite this paper

E.N. Murray and V. Faniran (2026) "The Security Risks of Keyless Car Entry Systems: A Qualitative Study on South African Driver", IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings, Miriam Cunningham and Paul Cunningham (Eds), IST-Africa Institute and IIMC, 2026, ISSN: 2576-8581, ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2, https://doi.org/10.67725/IST-Africa.2026.TBYP4802

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