As electric vehicle (EV) sales rise globally, there is a concerning increase in cyber attacks on EV charging stations.
A recent report highlights the security challenges faced by the EV industry.
Targeting EV Charging Networks
According to a report from cyber security company Check Point Research, the increasing number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations has attracted the attention of cyber attackers.
Check Point Research states that EV charging networks, vehicles, and power grids are all susceptible to cyber threats.
These vulnerabilities pose a significant risk to the reliability of charging infrastructure and the entire energy grid.
Vulnerabilities
Security researchers have discovered vulnerabilities in EV chargers that cyber criminals could exploit.
These weaknesses could enable hackers to remotely disable chargers or pilfer electricity.
By compromising charging stations, cyber attackers can manipulate power levels, leading to disruptive outages.
According to the report by the US-based National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), which encompasses the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, relies on electronic components for charging and communication purposes. As per the report, the EVSE is susceptible to cyber security vulnerabilities and attacks.
This sudden disruption in EV charging networks poses a serious threat to the overall stability and functionality of the system.
EV Chargers
The report emphasises a significant concern, cyber security has been neglected in the development of electric vehicle chargers.
As the industry focused on bringing connected devices to market quickly, security measures were often added as an afterthought.
The integration of EV chargers with other infrastructures further increases their vulnerability.
The interconnection of these systems provides cyber attackers with opportunities to exploit weaknesses in transportation and energy sectors, resulting in severe financial, operational, and safety implications.