Modern Passenger Vehicles as Cyber Threat Source: Analyses of Surveillance Options through Smart Vehicles

Abstract

In recent years, the automotive industry has witnessed a paradigm shift in the capabilities and functionalities of modern passenger vehicles. These vehicles have evolved beyond their conventional roles as modes of transportation to become complex data-generating and transmitting entities. With the integration of advanced sensors, processors, and communication technologies, contemporary automobiles continually exchange data with manufacturers and third-party entities. This intricate and ongoing communication opens up new avenues for both innovation and concern, as it involves the transmission of a diverse range of data types, such as battery status, autonomous driving functionalities, traffic information, faulty image recognitions, and more. Continuous network connectivity and data transfer provides new options for cyber threat actors. Transmitting hidden data using different covert channels can promote surveillance activities through smart vehicles. Because of the huge amount of data that has to be transferred and also due to network reliability issues, specific protocols and 5G technology are recommended using in connected vehicles such as MQTT that ensures flexible and fast data transfer. This paper aims to explore the multifaceted landscape of data exchange in modern passenger vehicles and delve into the potential security and privacy implications that arise from this practice.