## 2 Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
### Cybersecurity in the Automotive Sector
#### 2.1.1 Key Automotive Assets and Interfaces  
In the context of automotive cybersecurity, several critical assets and communication interfaces are essential for understanding the cybersecurity landscape. These include:  
* Vehicles: Modern vehicles are highly integrated systems composed of electronic control units (ECUs), sensors, actuators, and software modules. These components interact to ensure vehicle functionality and safety but are also vulnerable to cyber threats because of their complexity and connectivity.
* Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): PKI is fundamental in securing communications between vehicles (V2V), and between vehicles and infrastructure (V2I). It is used for authenticating messages, securing communication channels, and preventing unauthorized access to vehicle systems.  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c} \hline \hline
**Name** & **Short Description** \\ \hline Phone-as-a-Key & Phone-as-a-Key is a technology that enables a user to operate \\ Phone-as-a-Key & a smartphone, such as a car key fob. It allows you to unlock \\  & the doors and start the vehicle \\ \hline Control Connect apps & Control Connect app lets pair the vehicle to a device, where \\ Control Connect apps & Levels, service appointments, Phone as a Key, climate control, \\  & locating the vehicle, etc. (examples are: 'My BMW','myAudi', 'Mercedes Me’, 'InControl app--Land Rover’...) \\ \hline Fingerprint (Biometric) & Fingerprint scanning sensor allows to open the door (and \\ entry systems) & unlock the vehicle) \\ \hline Advanced infotainment & Using AI to customize car Infotainment systems and user \\  & preferences (to prevent distraction on the roads) \\ \hline Onboard Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Hotspot) & Wi-Fi capability that links to the users’ devices to provide an \\  & internet connection \\ \hline Traffic Management System & Measures that influence traffic flow and improve the security, \\  & and safety of the transport system. It relies on the use of ITS \\  & (Intelligence Transportation System) systems, to gather \\  & information and make decisions. \\ \hline \multirow{3}{*}{’By-wire’ systems} & Are the replacement of classical mechanical components for \\  & cables? For example, Steer-by-wire, Brake-by-wire... These \\  & systems reduce the weight, increase the speed of response \\  & reduce the cost of maintenance of the vehicle \\ \hline The aid of AI (ML and DL) for & With the rise of autonomous and semi-autonomous systems, \\  & driving assistance \\  & the vehicle has more dependencies on Artificial Intelligence \\  & and, in particular, on ML (Machine learning) and DL (Deep \\  & Learning), to operate those systems effectively. \\ \hline Sensors and Cameras & Devices are used to capture visual, environmental, and \\  & operational data in real-time to assist with driving decisions. \\ \hline GPS and Mapping Systems & Global Positioning Systems that provide location-based \\  & services and mapping for navigation and \\  & autonomous driving. \\ \hline V2X Communication Modules & Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) modules enable communication \\  & between vehicles, infrastructure, and other road users. \\ \hline Alert and Warning Systems & Systems that provide warnings to drivers or initiate \\  & autonomous actions based on detected dangers \\  & (e.g., lane departure). \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 2: Technology/Features on Vehicles.  
* Communication Interfaces: Automotive systems rely on various communication protocols, including Controller Area Network (CAN), Ethernet, and FlexRay, to ensure seamless data exchange within the vehicle. Furthermore, external communication systems such as V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) enable connectivity with infrastructure, other vehicles, and cloud systems, increasing the potential attack surface [42].  
These assets and interfaces are key targets for cybersecurity measures, as attacks on any of these components can compromise the entire vehicle ecosystem.