V2X Cybersecurity |
at risk. The threat is severe and very
real. If traffic authorities do not take
it seriously and invest money into
developing a root and branch
approach to countering the cyber
threat, we could see those cities
grinding to a halt.”
Professor Curran says traffic light
control systems, based on wireless
communication technologies, are
particularly vulnerable. “In the
United States where these systems
are becoming increasingly
popular, cyberattackers have
demonstrated in the past how
easily it was to infiltrate this
technology largely because
of a lack of ‘cyber hygiene’.
Often engineers were using
default passwords leaving
the IP address free for
hackers to access.”
Preparing to connect
With the advent of smart cities,
underpinned by 5G, connected
vehicle and roadside infrastructure
ecosystems is becoming a reality –
a realisation not lost on Sensys-
Networks, one of the world’s leading
providers of integrated wireless
traffic data systems.
“Our sensors, servers, network
protocols. Over-the-aircommunications,
and back-haul
– all the components of our system
include security infrastructure,” says
Robert Kavaler, co-founder and
chief technology officer for
Sensys-Networks.
The company also carries out
regular third-party
penetration testing with
multiple partners to ensure
it stays at the forefront of
security and potential
vulnerabilities.
“Companies cannot rest
on their laurels and expect
the security measures of
yesterday to continue
to protect them, so continuous
testing and updating is essential,”
says Kavaler.
But as the recent Consumer
Electronics Show 2020 (CES) in Las
Vegas demonstrates, there are lots of
smaller-start-up emerging, especially
in the connected and automated
vehicle (CAV) space. With many of
the new entrants not possessing the
same R&D and testing capabilities
as Sensys-Networks, does Kavaler
worry that some could put profit
before security?
In addition, Kevaler says Sensys-
Networks has worked with the City
of Arcadia on the outskirts of Los
Angeles on a deployment project,
which is part of the ARPA-E’s
NEXTCAR Program, where he says
“AI is being used to predict signal
timing that minimizes stops or
accelerations.”
So, could AI and connectivity one
day take over from the humble traffic
light completely? Kevaler isn’t so sure.
“Even if actuation loses importance in
connected cities, traffic control
systems will still need information at
the intersection to facilitate traffic
flow, and we’re already providing that
data today,” he says. “Our wireless
Right: We take it for
granted that signals
tell us when it is safe
to cross. But what if
they’ve been hacked?
Companies cannot rest on their
laurels and expect the security
measures of yesterday to continue
to protect them, so continuous
testing and updating is essential
Robert Kavaler, co-founder and CTO, Sensys-Networks
“We don’t see there is a choice
between profit and security,” he says.
“In fact, we believe companies that
prioritise both will ultimately win
out. That said, mature and stable
companies, which have gained
experience through changes are at an
advantage in anticipating the future.”
Instead, Mr Kavaler believes the
future is one of collaboration between
a host of different players including
the automotive sector, the AI
companies, cities, and of course
traffic technology providers.
He says, “Cooperation with all
of the players will be essential to
deploying these technologies widely.
We’ve been working with Hyundai
and UC Berkeley, for instance, on a
project to broadcast signal phase and
timing to connected vehicles via
DSRC to reduce emissions.”
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Traffic Technology International March/April 2020
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