Powering up security: Protecting EV charging stations from cyberthreats

The digital landscape is littered with cyberthreats that are constantly evolving in scope and sophistication. The impact of these threats extends well beyond stolen data and includes crippling attacks on critical infrastructure such as power plants and water distribution infrastructures.

This chilling reality underscores the importance of having effective safeguards, particularly in the rapidly developing area of smart cities. Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations - a key element of this trend - are becoming increasingly popular targets for cybercriminals due to their growing ubiquity, public accessibility, and connection to the power grid. A compromised station can disrupt power delivery, steal sensitive vehicle data, and create widespread disruption.

The vulnerability of EV charging stations
EV charging stations operate through three primary methods: conductive, inductive, and battery swap. Conductive charging, the most common, involves physically connecting a cable to the vehicle.

This very act presents the biggest cybersecurity vulnerability. Recent research has identified critical flaws in some stations that allow attackers to exploit Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to gain control of the station, potentially eavesdropping on communication or altering configurations.

Concerningly, the threat goes beyond individual stations as hackers could potentially target the communication network connecting stations to their central management system. This could allow them to manipulate charging costs, disrupt service for specific users, or even cause widespread outages across entire networks.

Consider a scenario where a hacker gains access to a network managing a chain of charging stations. They could manipulate charging rates during peak hours, forcing users to pay exorbitant fees. Alternatively, they could disrupt service for specific users, hindering their ability to charge their vehicles.

In a worst-case scenario, a coordinated attack could target multiple networks, causing widespread outages and disrupting the flow of electric vehicle traffic within a city.

Strategies for enhanced security
To counter these threats, organisations managing EV charging networks need to take a multi-pronged approach to security. Some key strategies include:

• Patching vulnerabilities:

Regularly updating software and firmware on all components within an EV charging network is vital. This includes individual stations, network controllers, and any connected management systems. Patching known vulnerabilities closes the door on potential exploits, making it harder for attackers to gain a foothold.

• Network segmentation:

Separating the network controlling charging stations from other critical infrastructure reduces the potential impact of a breach. This creates a ‘walled garden’ around EV charging, minimising the damage attackers can inflict if they gain access.

• Advanced monitoring and detection:

Implementing robust security monitoring tools like a SIEM can play a vital role. These tools can analyse network traffic, identify unusual activity, and alert administrators to potential threats. Techniques like anomaly detection can help identify deviations from normal patterns, pinpointing suspicious behaviour that might indicate a cyberattack. Examples include cleared security logs, invalid firmware signatures, or unexpected device startups.

• Data encryption:

Sensitive data, such as user information and charging records, should be encrypted at rest and in transit. This makes it significantly harder for attackers to steal or exploit this information even if they breach the network. Encryption acts as a digital shield, scrambling data into an unreadable format. Only authorised users with the decryption key can access the original data.

• Regular security assessments:

Conducting regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments helps organisations identify weaknesses in their infrastructure. These assessments simulate real-world attack scenarios, allowing organisations to patch vulnerabilities and tighten security protocols.

• User education and awareness:

Empowering users with knowledge about cybersecurity best practices is crucial. Users should be encouraged to utilise strong passwords for their charging accounts and avoid connecting to public charging stations with unencrypted networks. Additionally, educating users on how to identify potential phishing attempts or suspicious activity on charging stations can further enhance the overall security posture.

Building a unified front against cyberthreats
The responsibility for securing EV charging infrastructure extends beyond individual organisations. Collaboration between government agencies, industry leaders, and security researchers is also essential.

Establishing industry-wide security standards will ensure consistent protection across all EV charging networks. These standards should address vulnerability management, network segmentation, data encryption, and incident response protocols.

Open communication between stakeholders is also critical for identifying and mitigating emerging threats. Sharing information about cyberattacks, vulnerabilities, and best practices allows organisations to learn from each other and adapt their defences accordingly.

Because cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, continuous innovation in defence strategies is also needed. Collaborative research and development efforts between government agencies, private companies, and academic institutions can accelerate the development of advanced security solutions for EV charging infrastructures.

The road ahead
EV charging stations are vital for the success of electric vehicles and smart city initiatives. However, their growing presence creates a new target for cyberattacks. By prioritising cybersecurity and implementing a robust set of security measures, organisations can protect these critical components, ensuring reliable and secure charging experiences for all users.

As the EV revolution continues to gain momentum, securing charging infrastructure must be a top priority. By adopting a multi-layered approach that combines technological solutions, user education, and industry collaboration, stakeholders can create a robust defence against cyber threats.