Vehicular cloud: Overview and security issues

Vehicular communications, from inter and intra-vehicle communications, up to the newer paradigms of Vehicular Cloud, have been a research topic which was closer to reality than many other topics. The weak implementation of Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks (VANETs) due to the lack of standardization and commercial interest have consisted a basis for future research and implementations. Vehicular Cloud applications are now a reality (Apple CarPlay, BMW Connected Drive) and are expanding at an exponential rate. Also, the power of the many sensors and components in cars nowadays, are giving the opportunity to send important data about the driving experience, road safety issues and facilitate the use of applications for the people in cars. Of course, with the more information being sent, the more the opportunities for hackers to retrieve sensitive data. Security is one of the most important features, because not only data can be lost, but human lives are at stake, because of the autonomous facilities implemented. This paper, presents a brief overview of the concepts in Vehicular Cloud, with an accent placed on security aspects. Vulnerabilities and threats are presented, as well as solutions presented in technical studies, like the usage of cryptographic principles.