A review on security enhancements in vehicular sensor networks

Vehicular Sensor Networks (VSNs) have emerged as a cornerstone in advancing intelligent transportation systems, enabling seamless communication between vehicles and infrastructure to enhance road safety, traffic management, and driving efficiency. However, the dynamic topology, high mobility, and stringent latency requirements of VSNs introduce unique challenges in ensuring robust security and optimal performance. This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in security mechanisms and performance optimization techniques tailored for VSNs. It examines threats such as unauthorized access, data tampering, denial-of-service attacks, and privacy breaches while discussing state-of-the-art cryptographic methods, authentication protocols, and intrusion detection systems to mitigate these risks. Additionally, the paper explores performance-enhancing strategies, including efficient routing protocols, congestion control algorithms, and resource management frameworks. A critical evaluation of trade-offs between security and performance is also presented, highlighting the need for integrated solutions that balance these aspects in resource-constrained VSN environments. By synthesizing recent research findings and identifying current limitations, this review aims to guide future research toward developing resilient, efficient, and scalable vehicular sensor networks.