EVs and Cyber Security: Securing the Road Ahead

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is a win for sustainability, reducing emissions and steering us towards a greener future. But with this shift comes a new challenge: cybersecurity. As EVs become more connected to the internet and smart networks, they also become prime targets for cybercriminals. So, how safe are these "computers on wheels," and what can be done to protect them?

Are Electric Vehicles the New Target for Cybercrime?

Modern EVs are equipped with advanced tech features like autonomous driving, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and smart charging systems. While these innovations are convenient, they also increase the risk of cyber-attacks. EVs, much like smartphones or laptops, can be hacked. In fact, research has shown that connected cars can have over 150 million lines of code, with the potential for numerous vulnerabilities.

One of the most well-known examples of car hacking happened in 2015 when security researchers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek remotely took control of a Jeep Cherokee. From 10 miles away, they were able to disable its brakes and control the steering. This incident raised serious concerns about the potential risks for electric and autonomous vehicles, sparking an industry-wide push for better cybersecurity.

But EVs face additional risks due to their reliance on charging infrastructure. Charging stations, particularly public ones, could be targeted by cybercriminals to steal data or even manipulate charging processes.

What Cyber Threats are Electric Vehicles Facing?

1. Hacking Vehicle Controls Imagine cruising down the motorway and suddenly losing control of your car. This isn’t just a sci-fi plot but a potential reality. In 2022, researchers discovered vulnerabilities in Tesla vehicles that allowed hackers to unlock doors, start the car, and control functions via a Bluetooth connection. Although Tesla quickly patched the vulnerability, it highlighted the risks of connected vehicles.
2. Ransomware on Charging Networks As the number of EVs grows, so does the demand for public charging stations. In 2020, the ChargePoint network, one of the largest EV charging networks, was identified as having potential vulnerabilities. Experts warned that a hacker could exploit these vulnerabilities to shut down entire charging networks, demanding a ransom to restore services. This could cause chaos, especially as more people depend on public chargers.
3. Data Breaches EVs collect vast amounts of data about drivers—everything from driving habits to personal information stored in infotainment systems. In 2021, a security researcher discovered that Tesla’s cars were retaining unencrypted video footage and data from users' phones. If this information were hacked, it could lead to serious privacy violations or identity theft.

The scale of potential threats is alarming. According to a report by Upstream Security, cyber-attacks on vehicles have increased by 225% over the past three years. In 2020 alone, nearly 155 million connected vehicles were affected by cyber-attacks, with a significant portion of them being electric or hybrid models.

A study by the Ponemon Institute found that 71% of car manufacturers believe their vehicles could be hacked within the next 12 months. This growing concern shows just how vulnerable EVs are as they become more integrated into smart cities and connected infrastructures.

How the Industry Is Fighting Back

Car manufacturers are now taking cybersecurity much more seriously. After high-profile hacking incidents, companies like Tesla, BMW, and Nissan have ramped up their efforts to secure their vehicles. Tesla, for instance, runs a “Bug Bounty” program that rewards hackers for finding and reporting security vulnerabilities in its cars.

Here are a few steps being taken to strengthen EV security:

1. End-to-End Encryption Manufacturers are increasingly encrypting the communication between vehicles, charging stations, and the cloud. This means that even if hackers intercept data, they won’t be able to read or use it without encryption keys.
2. Secure Over-the-Air Updates 0.OTA updates are convenient, but they’re also an entry point for hackers. Companies like Tesla have implemented more secure protocols to ensure that only authorised updates can be installed.
3. Regulation and Standards Governments are stepping in as well. The UK’s Department for Transport, for instance, has introduced a “Cyber Security for Vehicles” standard to ensure all new cars, including EVs, have baseline security measures in place. Globally, the United Nations has issued cybersecurity guidelines for smart vehicles to help protect against evolving threats.

What Can EV Owners Do?

As an EV owner, you can take a few steps to ensure your vehicle’s security:

• Please update your car's software regularly to make sure it has the latest security patches.
• Use trusted charging stations and avoid suspicious public chargers.
• Secure your home Wi-Fi network if your EV connects to it.
• Be cautious of phishing scams that target connected car apps or software.

Final Thoughts

As electric vehicles become more mainstream, the cyber security risks surrounding them will only grow. While the industry is working hard to stay ahead of cybercriminals, EV owners must also remain vigilant. From securing charging stations to protecting personal data, taking basic precautions can make all the difference.

Cyber security in electric vehicles isn't just a tech issue, it's a matter of safety. As we move towards a more connected future, keeping our cars secure will be just as important as keeping them charged.