Providing location security in vehicular Ad Hoc networks

It is fair to say that most, if not all, VANET applications rely on accurate location information. It is therefore imperative to provide mechanisms that ensure the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of location information. In this article we present a number of location security mechanisms specifically designed for VANETs. Proposed mechanisms for location integrity range from the use of onboard radar devices and GPS to simpler methods that rely on information fusion. We also address ways to enhance the availability of location information by selecting and maintaining stable routing paths. Finally, we discuss a mechanism that promotes location confidentiality through encryption/decryption and access control using geographical information. Our location information security mechanisms meet the requirements of the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) information security model.