The first open digital key specification for vehicles will provide a testing ground for IoT security in applications involving not just smartphones but any device with embedded trusted elements. It comes at a time when vehicle theft is on the rise again after over two decades of decline, as thieves finally get to grips with electronic locking and immobilization technology. Automobile makers therefore need to convince consumers that, far from increasing exposure to theft, virtual car keys will actually raise the technical protective bar once again. Aware of this, the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) stressed security when announcing publication of its Digital Key Release 1.0 specification, which allows drivers to download the key onto their smart devices and use…