Cyber attacks on autonomous vehicles in the VANET computer network (attacks and protection)

Abstract

Autonomous vehicles represent a revolution in mobility, but they raise the issue of security challenges. With their appearance and the introduction of the 5G network, traffic systems are becoming increasingly dependent on digital communication and real-time data processing. Connectivity through 5G networks and ad-hoc communication protocols makes them vulnerable to various forms of cyber attacks, which can threaten lives, property and public safety. The paper analyzes the threats to which autonomous vehicles are exposed within the VANET network (a specialized class of ad-hoc networks in which vehicles function as nodes in the communication network) in a 5G environment. The consequences of an attack can be: complete disabling of the operation of one or more vehicles in the system, traffic accidents due to false data or errors in algorithms, compromising the privacy of passengers and vehicle owners, disruption of traffic infrastructure, as well as loss of public trust. Special emphasis in the paper is placed on the consequences for traffic safety and potential protection measures.