Enhancing CAN Bus Security Using Message Authentication

Gallagher, Corey (2024) Enhancing CAN Bus Security Using Message Authentication. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

The Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol, introduced by Robert BOSCH GmbH in 1983, is a critical component of automotive communication and other domains. This thesis aims to improve the security of the CAN bus by implementing message authentication mechanisms. With modern vehicles containing around 100 Electronic Control Units (ECUs) responsible for critical functions, a reliable communication network is essential. The CAN bus includes advantages such as high immunity to electrical interference and easy wiring, which makes it perfect for the automotive industry.

This research addresses the security challenges within the current CAN bus architecture, with a specific focus on message authentication, and explores how its implementation can improve the overall security. The study includes an extensive literature review of the CAN bus, its security challenges, and existing research on message authentication. Additionally, the methodology section details the setup of the research environment, including the tools and techniques used to investigate the research question.

The findings demonstrate that while implementing Hash-Based Message Authentication (HMAC) can significantly improve the security of the CAN bus communication in vehicles it also has a negative impact on the latency of the network. The study also highlights the need for further research into the security of the CAN bus, especially with the increasing number of ECUs and the growing communication of modern vehicles with back-end servers and other cars.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Mustafa, Raza Ul UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > Electronic computers. Computer science T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Electronic computers. Computer science Q Science > QA Mathematics > Computer software > Computer Security T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Computer software > Computer Security H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Specific Industries > Motor Industry
Divisions:	School of Computing > Master of Science in Cyber Security
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	17 Apr 2025 09:54
Last Modified:	17 Apr 2025 09:54
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/7436

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