Future Ford Vehicles Could Get Hideable Security Keys

Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for hideable security keys that may be used in future Ford vehicles, Ford Authority has learned.

The patent was filed on March 28^th, 2023, published on October 3^rd, 2024, and assigned serial number 0326739.

The Ford Authority Take

In recent months, Ford has published several patents outlining ways that it could combat security concerns over modern day key fobs and digital keys, which are becoming cloned/intercepted in various ways and then used to steal vehicles. That list includes advanced key fobs that would operate on a mesh network, a vehicle access card with a display, and a remote keyless entry method that uses NFC key cards. Now, this newly published patent introduces us to yet another, similar idea, this time, for hideable security keys that may be used in future Ford vehicles, too.

The concept here is rather simple – to create a special mechanical key for a vehicle that would be hidden out of sight and covered in a concealed “body” containing a near-field communication (NFC) antenna. The key itself would also hold an NFC controller, and the user would be able to set a password on the device so that no one else could access it, unless they have that specific code. If the code isn’t entered or isn’t entered properly, the backup key couldn’t be used to start or drive the vehicle, adding another layer of security.

As Ford notes in the patent, such an idea is designed to provide a suitable backup in the event that one doesn’t have a key fob or access to Phone-As-A-Key functionality, or if perhaps those items aren’t working properly. People have been stashing backup keys in various places for some time now, but this idea would add an extra layer or security to that process, which could be a welcome feature for some.