The Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Trade-Off: Functional Benefits versus Security Risks

Connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) are becoming increasingly commonplace. Vehicles are equipped with a range of communication mechanisms, and progress is being made toward automation. These advancements are largely driven by functional benefits that enhance the driver’s experience or quality of service. These advancements are often the priority of vehicle manufacturers. There are many well-known security risks associated with CAV technology, which have resulted in a shift toward a secure-by-design paradigm. However, it is not always possible to mitigate all risks, and there is a need to understand the relationship between functional benefit and risk to determine the most appropriate mitigation technique. In this article, both functional benefits and security risks are discussed, laying the foundation for future research exploring this important intersection.