Privacy-Preserving Authentication in VANETs

Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) are transforming urban transportation by addressing challenges like traffic congestion, road safety, and vehicular pollution. They enable real-time communication between vehicles and infrastructure, improving traffic flow, reducing accidents, and lowering emissions through optimized route planning and reduced idle times. With advanced sensors and data analytics, VANETs adapt dynamically to traffic conditions and facilitate efficient navigation for emergency vehicles, enhancing urban mobility amid growing transportation demands. The continuous broadcasting of vehicle information raises privacy concerns, as this data can be exploited to track and identify drivers. These concerns become even more complex in the context of privacy-preserving vehicle rentals, where existing protocols do not adequately protect the security needs of owners and renters, especially when vehicles are shared. Addressing these privacy and security issues is crucial for the widespread adoption of VANETs. This thesis presents a comprehensive framework that enhances privacy and security in VANETs through novel authentication schemes. The proposed protocols ensure secure, privacy-preserving communications and allow vehicles to be shared among multiple drivers without compromising network security. Additionally, the thesis analyzes the underlying security requirements and proposes robust, scalable solutions compatible with future transportation advancements. These contributions lay the foundation for broader VANET adoption, supporting the transition to smarter, more efficient, and more secure urban transportation systems.