Intelligent & Privacy-preserving security solutions for Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs)

Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs) have gained increasing popularity and significance within the broader context of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). VANETs leverage advanced communication technologies to enable seamless communication between vehicles (V2V) and between vehicles and infrastructure (V2I). This connectivity forms the foundation for a range of applications such as enhanced road safety, traffic management, infotainment services, improved emergency response and reduced traffic congestion. The continued advancement and integration of VANETs into ITS will likely revolutionize the way we perceive and utilize transportation systems. However, VANETs are vulnerable to security threats due to the open and dynamic nature of data transmission. The potential for adversaries to manipulate or intercept critical information in Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs) and disrupt their normal operations is a significant concern in the context of VANET security. Despite numerous authentication mechanisms developed for VANETs, many of them fall short of the required security standards and efficiency. This highlights the need for ongoing research efforts to overcome technical and security challenges to ensure ensure the safe and reliable operation of these networks.

This project aims to conduct cutting-edge research that goes beyond the current state of the art, focusing on the development of a novel, robust, and advanced Secure and Privacy-Preserving Authentication Mechanism. This mechanism will address the following crucial aspects of authentication in Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs):

• Design an authentication mechanism that can withstand insider threats, ensuring that malicious entities within the VANET cannot compromise the security of the communication.

• Implement a mechanism for establishing session keys securely between communicating entities in VANETs.

• Develop a mechanism that ensures mutual authentication between the participating entities in the VANET.

• Devise a suite of privacy-preserving solutions for VANETs that satisfy critical privacy requirements.

The innovative authentication mechanism to be developed in this project is expected to contribute significantly to the field of VANET security by addressing these fundamental requirements. The goal is to enhance the security, privacy, and reliability of VANETs, ultimately paving the way for safer and more efficient vehicular communication systems.

Perspective applicants are encouraged to contact the Supervisor before submitting their applications. Applications should make it clear the project you are applying for and the name of the supervisors.

Academic qualifications

A second class honour degree or equivalent qualification in Computer Science

English language requirement

If your first language is not English, comply with the University requirements for research degree programmes in terms of English language.

Application process

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, Dr. Isam Wadhaj (I.Wadhaj@napier.ac.uk) to discuss the content of the project and the fit with their qualifications and skills before preparing an application. 

The application must include: 

Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about

• Background and motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
• Research questions or
• Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
• List of references

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Recent and complete curriculum vitae. The curriculum must include a declaration regarding the English language qualifications of the candidate.
• Supporting documents will have to be submitted by successful candidates.
• Two academic references (but if you have been out of education for more than three years, you may submit one academic and one professional reference), on the form can be downloaded here.

Applications can be submitted here.

Download a copy of the project details here.