Protecting autonomous vehicle drivers from cyberattacks
ݮƵ researcher investigates how people respond when their cars’ computer systems are hacked — and what that means for road safety
By Charlotte Danby & Jack Weatherston
Faculty of Engineering
As vehicles evolve with artificial intelligence and autonomous capabilities, they also become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Fan He, a PhD candidate in Systems Design Engineering at the University of ݮƵ, is investigating how drivers respond to various types of cyberattacks to help shape the future of road safety.
Supported by the Maks Wulkan Graduate Scholarship, He’s research spans three phases, examining distraction attacks, simulated driving scenarios, and real-time support systems. Her findings suggest that most drivers lack the tools and awareness needed to effectively handle in-vehicle cyber threats. Now, in her final phase, He is exploring how to improve infrastructure so passengers can recognize attacks and receive timely support from cybersecurity experts.
“New cars are already packed with potentially exploitable technologies,” says He. “Fully autonomous vehicles will be especially vulnerable, and protecting their users is critical for future mobility.”
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