Authentication and privacy in vehicular networks

Abstract

Vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) are composed mainly by vehicles. These communication networks allow data interchanging. In this way, more and better information is provided to drivers, thus achieving a better road safety. Information security is critical in these scenarios, as human lives are at stake. Particularly, spreading false data should be prosecuted, so sender identification and authentication is needed. However, it could allow vehicle tracking. In this way, privacy protection must also be achieved. In this work, mechanisms to fulfill this authentication-privacy compromise are analyzed.