Autonomous Vehicles: Improving Cyber Security

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to address the knowledge and implementation gap in Cyber Security within the field of autonomous vehicles. As technology progresses, the utilization of autonomous vehicles will become more mainstream. With such potential for a broader use of such technology, it is crucial that security is ensured. Previous research has indicated that there are levels to vehicle autonomy which range from zero to five. Zero indicates a vehicle with no automation, while five indicates a fully automated vehicle. The potential areas which can be targeted by cyber attackers include the network which the vehicles operate within, the sensors which the vehicle uses to detect where it is going and what actions are needed to provide a safe journey, and the vehicle GPS system. The research aims to find out where the greatest weakness is within autonomous vehicles, and what software and hardware is targeted by cyber attackers, as to provide comprehensive and long lasting solutions within the field of autonomous vehicle security. As for unit of analysis, a focus will be placed on both consumers and organizations, with greater emphasis on the organizations which produce autonomous vehicles. A qualitative approach will be utilized as to streamline the process of understanding the problem through previously done research. At the current time this research aims to provide hypothetical solutions due to lack of field testing potential at this moment, however it is hoped that research and development of greater security protocols will continue to be done to evolve and provide greater security in autonomous vehicles.