Security assessment in Vehicle-to-Everything communications with the integration of 5G and 6G networks

In Vehicle-to-Everything Communications (V2X-C), the integration of high throughput, reduced latency-5G and Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled-6G would add new levels to smart mobility. However, it would introduce a multitude of new vulnerabilities in the form of cyber-attacks. Therefore, a robust V2X-C cyber-safe framework that considers cross-industry information-sharing mechanisms must be proactively developed and evaluated. This study aims to provide a comprehensive security assessment in V2X-C with the integration of 5G and 6G networks. The evolution of V2X-C is outlined and vehicular connectivity in a consolidated manner is demonstrated, visualising all communication interfaces. The Quality of Service (QoS) vs. security provisions for next-generation cars is illustrated. The security and privacy challenges that would be evident after the convergence of the 5G and 6G networks in V2X-C architecture is then described. Lastly, state-of-the-art V2X-C security enhancement mechanisms for a cyber-safe ITS operation is detailed. It is believed that the findings and discussions from this study could be used for decision-making and would stimulate a roadmap for a secure V2X-C architecture.