Securing V2X Communication: DDoS Attack Implementation and Mitigation via VEINS Simulation

—Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) and Vehicle-to Everything (V2X) communication systems are increasingly vulnerable to Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which can severely disrupt network performance and compromise road safety. This research investigates the impact of DDoS attacks on V2X communication using the VEINS simulation platform, integrating real-world scenarios from Bristol city. The study analyzes key network metrics such as Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), end-to-end delay, and throughput under normal, attack, and mitigation conditions. Results show significant degradation in network performance during DDoS attacks, with effective mitigation strategies improving resilience but not fully restoring normal operations. The findings highlight the critical need for robust security measures in future intelligent transportation systems.