A Multi-Factor Authenticated Blockchain-Based OTA Update Framework for Connected Autonomous Vehicles

Abstract

The Connected Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) are embedded with dozens of electronic units and sensors heavily reliant on vehicle's software systems for their secure and reliable operations. This software system must always stay updated for providing a secure and uninterrupted service to CA V. While the automated OTA (Over-The-Air) software and firmware updates for autonomous vehicles is essential for their safe operation, the potential system failure and cybersecurity threats remain a major concern for secure OTA update. This paper introduces a blockchain-based, highly adaptable solution for keeping the CA V OTA software systems updated in real-time while offering faster processing speed and a high level of security against possible cyber-attacks. Our proposed scheme ensures that only authorized OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) can upload new software and updated versions in the cloud, and only the certified vehicles download and install the updates. Our framework guarantees a faster, scalable, and multi-factor authentication system for a secure real-time software update service for CA V s.