Requirements and objectives for secure Traffic Information Systems

Early approaches for Traffic Information Systems (TISs) primarily focused on centralized systems using unidirectional downlink communication and employing wireless broadcast or similar techniques. In general, these centralized TISs were operated by public radio stations, thus there were almost no security issues related to this approach. The situation changes when new Inter Vehicle Communication (IVC) techniques are investigated. The advantages of improved timeliness and accuracy of available traffic information come with a number of security concerns. This paper reviews the requirements and objectives for secure TISs. We outline possible solutions to face the security concerns and clearly depict open issues. In conclusion, we advocate more secure TISs that benefit from recent IVC technologies in a more secure and privacy protecting way.