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Protecting Driver Privacy in the Connected Age

Protecting Driver Privacy in the Connected Age

April 6, 2017

Homeland & Cyber Security, Press Releases

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) researchers have demonstrated that it is possible to compromise a driver’s private information stored in the cloud for Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) programs based on only part of the data collected.

UBI programs determine a consumer or fleet insurance premium rate based on several driving parameters that are collected, including total driving time, cornering and average speed. As part of the burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT) connected-device functionality in vehicles, driver data is gradually being stored in the cloud, rather than onboard a vehicle’s computer.

Using an algorithm, the researchers were able to demonstrate that it is possible to garner additional private data beyond what is supplied to UBI companies without the use of GPS information. The research was conducted by BGU student Vladimir Kaplun Peled as part of his master’s thesis, along with his advisor, Prof. Michael Segal, of the BGU Department of Communication Systems Engineering.

CONNECTED-CAR

BGU researchers have demonstrated that it is possible to compromise a driver’s private information stored in the cloud for UBI programs.

According to Prof. Segal, “Based on our research, an attacker only needs one part of the information provided to a UBI company to discover a driver’s whereabouts, home, work, or who they met with.

“As connected vehicle networks become more widely used to collect driver data and provide information or entertainment, the opportunity for someone to uncover private information will also increase.”

The research was supported by the IBM Cyber Security Center of Excellence at BGU. IBM (NYSE: IBM) and BGU established a Center of Excellence for Security and Protection of Infrastructure and Assets at the University in 2014. This joint venture has developed a curriculum that will help train the next generation of professionals, as well as perform leading scientific research on emerging areas, such as big data and cloud computing.

ABOUT AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY

By supporting a world-class academic institution that not only nurtures the Negev, but also shares its expertise locally and globally, Americans for Ben-Gurion University engages a community of Americans who are committed to improving the world. David Ben-Gurion envisioned that Israel’s future would be forged in the Negev. The cutting-edge research carried out at Ben-Gurion University drives that vision by sustaining a desert Silicon Valley, with the “Stanford of the Negev” at its center. The Americans for Ben-Gurion University movement supports a 21st century unifying vision for Israel by rallying around BGU’s remarkable work and role as an apolitical beacon of light in the Negev desert.

About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible.

We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere.

BGU at a glance:  

20,000 students | 800 senior faculty | 3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research.

 

For all press inquiries, please contact:

James Fattal, J Cubed Communications

516.289.1496

[email protected]