Cyber-CAT: Prototyping and Experimental Demonstration of Cyberattack Mitigation in Connected and Automated Traffic (CAT)

The need for research on experimental prototyping and demonstration of cyberattack mitigation strategies in Connected and Automated Traffic (CAT) is critical as modern transportation systems increasingly depend on interconnected and automated vehicle operations. With the growing adoption of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication, the interactions and cascading effects that arise within real connected traffic systems caused by cyberattacks need to be investigated in a timely manner. The proposed project will deliver an integrated experimental framework and multi-layer mitigation strategy to strengthen cybersecurity in CAT systems. Key highlights include: Cyber-CAT System Development: Establish a real and virtual hybrid testbed integrating CAVs, infrastructure, and C-V2X communication to enable realistic testing of cyber threats and countermeasures; Multi-layer Mitigation: Prototype and validate Zero-Trust-LLM-assisted mitigation and artificial intelligence (AI)-based intention sharing mitigation to maintain safety under attack conditions; and Guidance and Knowledge Transfer: Produce data and design guidelines to inform US DOT and industry on C-V2X security standards and resilient corridor deployment.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.clemson.edu/cecas/tracr/research/projects/#cybercatprototypingandexperimentaldemonstrationofcyberattackmitigationinconnectedandautomatedtrafficcat

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $204,010.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552344812

  69A3552348317

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  Clemson University

  216 Lowry Hall
  Clemson, SC, SC  United States  29634

  South Carolina State University

  300 College Street NE
  Orangeburg, South Carolina  United States  29117
• Managing Organizations:

  National Center for Transportation Cybersecurity and Resiliency (TraCR)

  Clemson University
  Clemson, SC  United States 

  Clemson University

  216 Lowry Hall
  Clemson, SC, SC  United States  29634
• Project Managers:

  Chowdhury, Mashrur

• Performing Organizations:

  Clemson University

  216 Lowry Hall
  Clemson, SC, SC  United States  29634

  South Carolina State University

  300 College Street NE
  Orangeburg, South Carolina  United States  29117
• Principal Investigators:

  Jia, Yunyi

  Vahidi, Ardalan

  Mwakalonge, Judith

  Sahoo, Jagruti

• Start Date: 20260401
• Expected Completion Date: 20270331
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Artificial intelligence; Autonomous vehicles; Computer security; Connected vehicles; Cyberattacks; Machine learning; Vehicle to everything communications
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Highways; Security and Emergencies; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01988325
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: National Center for Transportation Cybersecurity and Resiliency (TraCR)
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552344812, 69A3552348317
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Apr 29 2026 12:27PM