Integrating Threat Modelling and Mitigation Strategies for Securing Over-The-Air (OTA) Updates for Autonomous Vehicles

Bhiwapurkar, Varun Dilip (2025) Integrating Threat Modelling and Mitigation Strategies for Securing Over-The-Air (OTA) Updates for Autonomous Vehicles. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

The Over-the-Air (OTA) updates have become a vital component in automobile industry for maintaining the security, reliability and performance of the vehicle, still there are significant security risks which can compromise functionality of the vehicle. In this thesis we will look into how integration of threat modelling and mitigation strategies can secure the OTA update in autonomous vehicles. Using STRIDE methodology as the primary framework, the study finds critical threats at each stage of OTA process, this includes the firmware distribution, communication channels and the in-vehicle execution process. A secure OTA system architecture is designed and also implemented with cryptographic signatures, integrity validation, secure communication and also a fail-safe mechanism for updates. The evaluation of implementation was done through different scenario-based testing and analysing resistance towards attacks, showing improvement in confidentiality, integrity and availability. The findings emphasized that it is important to have combination of methodical threat modelling and practical security control, this offers both practical guidance and academic knowledge to the industry practitioners which are devoted in enhancing the robust software update mechanism of autonomous vehicles.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Prior, Michael UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > Computer software > Computer Security T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology > Computer software > Computer Security T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering > Telecommunications > Computer networks > Internet of things
Divisions:	School of Computing > Master of Science in Cyber Security
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	03 Sep 2026 10:21
Last Modified:	03 Sep 2026 10:21
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9790

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