Vehicle Wireless Network Security via VIN Authentication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for securely connecting multiple devices to a single access point in a vehicle while preventing malicious users from detecting and connecting to a wireless network published on a vehicle.
Innovation Solution
The system employs encrypted wireless network configurations based on vehicle-specific data, using a connected vehicle device (CVD) with a processor, WiFi radio, BLUETOOTH radio, and a connector plug, which broadcasts a BLUETOOTH or BLUETOOTH low energy connection in a hidden mode, allowing only paired mobile devices to connect securely through a vehicle identification number (VIN) and MAC address authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless network is broadcast publicly on a vehicle, then ease of connection is improved, but network security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication actions by requiring mobile devices to present valid authentication credentials (MAC address and VIN) before allowing network connection. The CVD pre-establishes authorized device identities and validates them before granting access, preventing unauthorized connections before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The CVD acts as an intermediary between mobile devices and the wireless network. It receives authentication credentials from mobile devices, validates them against authorized vehicle data, and only then permits network access. This intermediary layer filters out unauthorized devices while allowing legitimate ones to connect easily.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are allowed to connect to a single access point, then adaptability is improved, but network security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different authentication requirements to different connecting devices based on their individual credentials. Each mobile device must present its unique MAC address and VIN combination, creating device-specific authentication barriers. This localized authentication approach allows multiple legitimate devices to connect while preventing malicious ones.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If hidden mode BLUETOOTH broadcasting is used, then network security is improved, but ease of detecting the network deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires mobile devices to perform preliminary actions by manually entering or presenting authentication credentials (MAC address and VIN) before network connection is established. This preliminary credential verification ensures security while the hidden mode BLUETOOTH broadcasting enables authorized devices to connect once authenticated.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method (600) of securely and accurately connecting mobile devices (110) to wireless networks in vehicles (210) by using encrypted wireless network configurations based on vehicle specific data is disclosed herein. The system comprises a vehicle (210) comprising an on-board computer (232) with a memory (231) having a vehicle identification number (233), a connector plug (235), and an motorized engine (234), a connected vehicle device (130) comprising a processor, a WiFi radio, a BLUETOOTH radio, a memory, and a connector for mating with the connector plug of the vehicle (210), and a mobile device (110) comprising a graphical user interface (335), a processor (310), a WiFi radio (307), a BLUETOOTH radio (306), and a cellular network interface (308).