Driving Safely in the Digital Age: Securing Connected Cars Against Cyber Threats

The advent of connected vehicles, characterized by features such as internet connectivity, data sharing, and autonomous driving, represents a transformative shift in the automotive industry. This progression not only enhances user experiences but also signifies a pivotal advancement in vehicular technology. However, the escalating connectivity in these vehicles introduces substantial cybersecurity challenges, encompassing threats of unauthorized access, data breaches, and the potential for remote hijacking. These vulnerabilities underscore the imperative need for robust security measures to shield smart cars from cyber threats. This paper addresses these concerns through a comprehensive analysis of cybersecurity in connected vehicles, with a particular focus on identifying and mitigating risks. We advocate for a holistic approach that integrates efforts from industry, government, and academia to fortify vehicle security. Our methodology involves implementing UNEX hardware solutions in selected use cases, showcasing their effectiveness in securing communication between On-Board Units (OBU) and Roadside Units (RSU), while also enhancing intrusion detection systems. The experimental analysis specifically targets various cybersecurity aspects, employing real-world scenarios to validate the efficacy of the proposed solutions. The analysis revealed a vulnerability in OBU-RSU communication, as injected packets bypassed detection despite longer round-trip times (1.5 to 2.7 seconds). The paper establishes the high efficiency and accuracy of these solutions in safeguarding connected vehicles against cyber threats, offering a promising outlook for automotive cybersecurity.