Open Access

Safeguarding Next-Generation Transportation Systems: Digital Threats in Connected Automotive Networks

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Dr. Liam Carter ¹

⁴ Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Canada

Abstract

The rapid evolution of next-generation transportation systems, characterized by interconnected automotive networks and digital infrastructures, has introduced unprecedented efficiencies and capabilities in mobility ecosystems. However, this transformation has simultaneously expanded the cyber threat landscape, exposing critical vulnerabilities within vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, embedded systems, and cloud-integrated automotive platforms. This research paper investigates the nature, scope, and implications of digital threats in connected automotive environments, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks tailored to complex, system-of-systems architectures.

Drawing upon systems engineering principles and existing competency models, this study critically analyzes how integration challenges, architectural dependencies, and data-driven functionalities contribute to emerging risks. The research synthesizes insights from transportation system development frameworks, distributed mapping technologies, and GPS-based data processing methodologies to contextualize vulnerabilities in real-world operational settings. Furthermore, it examines how large-scale integration and interoperability demands intensify exposure to cyberattacks, including data breaches, spoofing, and system manipulation.

The study proposes a multi-layered security approach grounded in systems engineering methodologies, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and lifecycle-based protection strategies. By incorporating competency-driven frameworks and process-oriented security models, the research identifies key gaps in current practices and outlines pathways for strengthening cybersecurity governance in advanced transportation ecosystems.

The findings highlight that safeguarding next-generation transportation systems requires not only technological solutions but also organizational readiness, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous adaptation to evolving threat vectors. This paper contributes to the academic discourse by bridging the gap between systems engineering and cybersecurity in the automotive domain, offering a comprehensive perspective on securing future mobility infrastructures.

How to Cite

Carter , D. L. (2026). Safeguarding Next-Generation Transportation Systems: Digital Threats in Connected Automotive Networks. Frontiers in Emerging Computer Science and Information Technology, 3(07), 08–14. Retrieved from https://irjernet.com/index.php/fecsit/article/view/493

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