A TPM-based architecture for improved security and anonymity in vehicular ad hoc networks

Vehicular ad hoc networks get increased attention by vehicle manufacturers and researchers. Their deployment requires that security and privacy issues be resolved, particularly since they rely on wireless communication. In this paper, we propose a TPM-based security architecture, where TPM are embedded in vehicles. We emphasize the management of cryptographic keys needed for security and anonymity of vehicles' communications. Compared to many existing solutions, our architecture requires no deployment of base stations along the roads. A special attention is paid to anonymity in order to prevent unauthorized tracking of a vehicle. Moreover, we provide a way for the authority to revoke the anonymity, as it is the case nowadays with the license plates. We discuss the robustness of this system against a compromised authority. We also indicate how the use of a portable storage device, like a USB memory stick, improves the quality of the anonymity by opportunistically binding the TPM to a security server.