GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

ABSTRACT

This study examined cybersecurity as a critical concern in autonomous vehicles, with emphasis on the need for protection against hacking and its implications for safety. The research explored the concepts of cybersecurity, autonomous vehicles, and hacking, highlighting their interconnections within modern intelligent transportation systems. It was established that autonomous vehicles rely heavily on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, sensor systems, and network connectivity, which significantly increase their vulnerability to cyber threats. The study identified various forms of cyberattacks, including malware injection, sensor spoofing, denial-of-service attacks, and unauthorized system access, all of which pose serious risks to vehicle functionality and passenger safety. Findings further revealed that cyberattacks on autonomous vehicles could result in loss of control, system malfunction, traffic disruptions, financial losses, and reduced public trust in autonomous technology. The study also examined key cybersecurity measures such as encryption, intrusion detection systems, secure communication protocols, and sensor fusion techniques as effective strategies for mitigating these risks. Additionally, strengthening mechanisms including fail-safe system design, real-time monitoring, over-the-air updates, and regulatory compliance were identified as essential for enhancing both safety and security. The study concluded that robust cybersecurity frameworks are indispensable for the successful deployment and sustainability of autonomous vehicles. One of the reccommendation made was that manufacturers of autonomous vehicles should integrate advanced security systems such as end-to-end encryption, intrusion detection systems, and multi-layer authentication protocols to prevent unauthorized access.