Abstract
- Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) are the pinnacle of 21st Century technology. While vehicular communication via this network offers a variety of positive services, it may be susceptible to malicious attacks and threats. Due to the complexity of this system, it is a high target for cyber terrorism and hacking. To better understand these attacks, we will present threats posed to VANETs. These threats will include vehicle tracking, manipulation of GPS coordinates, impersonation of law enforcement safety devices, and petty crime such as robbery or theft. In addition, we will discuss research and statistics pertaining to General Motors OnStar and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Stingray Phone Interceptor. These two systems have helped with the development of possible VANET threats because both systems have been manipulated by various personnel resulting in the intrusion of privacy. By exploring OnStar and the Stingray, a more clear roadmap of the possibilities of attacks will be presented. We will conclude by summarizing possible defense methods that OnStar and the Stingray provide for VANETs.