Secure and revocable node authentication in Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks

In Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs), node authentication is an inherent problem since nodes enter and leave the network freely. In wireless networks, the management of identities becomes important because of the propagation medium, where problems such as the loss of node´s privacy, the disclosure of personal information, and particularly identity theft and impersonation should be avoided. This paper proposes a pseudonym-based identification scheme that assures security and revocation of identities protecting identity data through advanced cryptography. The presented scheme is based on the generation of a pseudonym formed by node´s real identity and an identifier assigned by a trusted third party (Identity Management Server, IMS) after an identification process. The IMS helps to achieve the privacy desired by nodes and the traceability required by law enforcement.