Editing Keychain (section)

== Key fob ==
[[File:keyfob.JPG|thumb|A wooden key fob made in [[Finland]]]]
A '''key fob''' is a generally decorative and at times useful item many people often carry with their [[Key (lock)|keys]], on a ring or a chain, for ease of tactile identification, to provide a better grip, or to make a personal statement. '''Key fob''' can also specifically refer to modern electronic [[Car key|car keys]], or [[Smart key|smart keys]], which serve as both a key and remote.

The word ''fob'' may be linked to the [[German dialects#Low German|low German dialect]] for the word ''Fuppe'', meaning "pocket"; however, the real origin of the word is uncertain. Fob pockets (meaning 'sneak proof' from the German word ''foppen'') were pockets meant to deter thieves. A short "fob chain" was used to attach to items, like a pocket watch, placed in these pockets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alphadictionary.com/goodword/word/fob |title=fob - alphaDictionary * Free English On-line Dictionary |publisher= Alphadictionary.com |access-date=14 August 2012}}</ref> 

Fobs vary considerably in size, style and functionality. Most commonly they are simple discs of smooth metal or plastic, typically with a message or symbol such as that of a [[logo]] (as with conference trinkets) or a sign of an important group affiliation. A fob may be symbolic or strictly aesthetic, but it can also be a small tool. Many fobs are small [[flashlight]]s, [[compass]]es, [[calculators]], [[penknives]], [[discount card]]s, [[bottle openers]], [[security token]]s, and [[USB flash drives]]. As electronic technology continues to become smaller and cheaper, miniature key-fob versions of (previously) larger devices are becoming common, such as [[digital photo frame]]s, [[remote control]] units for [[garage door opener]]s, [[barcode scanner]]s and simple [[video game]]s (e.g. [[Tamagotchi]]) or other [[gadget]]s such as [[breathalyzer]]s.

Some retail establishments such as gasoline stations keep their bathrooms locked and customers must ask for the key from the attendant. In such cases the key often has a very large fob so that customers will not automatically pocket and walk off with the key after completing their ablutions. Key fobs offering added functionalities connected to online services may require additional subscription payment to access them.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/news/43329/toyota-made-its-key-fob-remote-start-into-a-subscription-service|title = Toyota Made Its Key Fob Remote Start into a Subscription Service| date=9 December 2021 }}</ref><!-- put that on paragraph below? -->

===Access control key fobs===
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[[File:RSA-SecurID-Tokens.jpg|thumb|[[Security token]]s from [[RSA Security]] designed as key fobs.]]
[[Access control]] key fobs are [[Electronics|electronic]] key fobs that are used for controlling access to buildings or vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://natsoc.org.au/faq|title=New Zealand Reviews Directory}}{{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> They are used for activating such things as [[Keyless entry systems|remote keyless entry systems]] on [[motor vehicles]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/nation-now/2018/07/08/wrap-car-key-fob-foil/762338002/ |title=Why you might want to wrap your car key fob in foil (Why an Ex-FBI Agent Recommends Wrapping Your Keys in Tinfoil Whenever You Leave Your Car) |website=[[USA Today]] |access-date=26 June 2021 |archive-date=26 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626212707/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/nation-now/2018/07/08/wrap-car-key-fob-foil/762338002/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/car-key-in-tin-foil-fob-relay-attack_l_5db8d269e4b00d83f71ef35a |title=Does Wrapping Your Car Key In Tin Foil Really Prevent Theft?: Some have also suggested keeping keys in your refrigerator or microwave. |date=21 November 2019 |access-date=26 June 2021 |archive-date=25 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625033300/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/car-key-in-tin-foil-fob-relay-attack_l_5db8d269e4b00d83f71ef35a |url-status=live }}</ref> Early electric key fobs operated using [[infrared]] and required a clear [[Line-of-sight propagation|line-of-sight]] to function. These could be copied using a programmable [[remote control]]. More recent models use [[challenge–response authentication]] over [[radio frequency]], so these are harder to copy and do not need line-of-sight to operate. Programming these remotes sometimes requires the automotive dealership to connect a diagnostic tool, but many of them can be self-programmed by following a sequence of steps in the vehicle and usually requires at least one working key.

Key fobs are used in [[apartment buildings]] and [[Condominium (living space)|condominium]] buildings for controlling access to common areas (for example, lobby doors, storage areas, fitness room, pool). These usually contain a [[Radio-frequency identification|passive RFID]] tag. The fob operates in much the same manner as a [[proximity card]] to communicate (via a reader pad) with a central server for the building, which can be programmed to allow access only to those areas in which the tenant or owner is permitted to access, or only within certain time frames.

[[Remote work]]ers may also use a [[security token]] – an electronic device often referred to as a fob – that provides one part of a three-way match to log in over an [[Computer security|unsecure]] [[computer network]] connection to a secure network. (A well-known example is the [[RSA SecurID]] token.) This kind of key fob may have a keypad on which the user must enter a [[Personal identification number|PIN]] to retrieve an access code, or it could be a display-only device.

RFID key fobs can be easily cloned with tools like the [[Proxmark3]], and there are several companies in America that offer this service.