Secure and Privacy-Preserving UAV-based Rescue Operations for Vehicles in Rugged Terrain

Traditional rescue efforts encounter difficulties in challenging terrain, hindered by obstacles and natural calamities. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) integrated with Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) present a viable solution, particularly in mountainous areas. UAVs function as airborne communication hubs, swiftly establishing temporary networks and overcoming geographical constraints. Their agility enables access to remote locations, offering vital assistance during emergencies. However, concerns regarding security and privacy emerge due to the openness of communication channels. To address this, we present a secure system for UAV-based rescue operations for vehicles. Our approach includes the application formal verification using “Scyther,” an informal analysis of other possible attacks towards the proposed scheme, and a comparative evaluation with existing solutions, ensuring security robustness in emergency scenarios.