EV security risks: Rise of connected cars brings security threats
The revolution in electric vehicles has taken tolls on the roads for cleaner, efficient transportation. But like every other technological leap, this also opens up doorways to a rather hidden vulnerability-security risks. Connected to the Internet, EVs are exposing themselves to a new breed of cyberattacks with possibly disastrous consequences.
The Connected Car Conundrum
But modern EVs are no longer just a mode of transport; they are, in fact, computers on wheels. With highly sophisticated infotainment systems, telematics to enable remote monitoring, and even autonomous driving features, EVs connect with external systems using wireless networks. While this connectivity offers a great deal of convenience at your fingertips, it also opens up the paths to digital backdoors.
Hacking Hazards: This is what’s at stake.
Mayhem caused by hackers through remote control: Imagine hackers taking control of your car’s steering, brakes, or acceleration. That would be your worst nightmare in case hackers compromise any security flaw in the connected systems that would lead to accidents and even death.
Data Theft on Wheels: The worst that could happen is when hackers siphon out the sensitive information transmitted between the vehicle and outside systems, including personal data, driving behavior data, financial information, and even location history.
DoS Deadlock: Hackers could even impose a car’s operation through denial-of-service attacks and literally make the car not move, leaving you stranded.
Beyond the Driver’s Seat: Widespread Impact
Such hacking can have far more dangerous consequences beyond just individual vehicle owners. A successful large-scale hack, for instance, affecting a fleet of EVs, could cause chaos in traffic and congestion on the roads, leading to economic upheaval. Compromised self-driving vehicles could also become a serious threat to public safety if left to the control of hackers.
Securing the Road Ahead
To navigate these security challenges, a multi-pronged approach is crucial:
Encryption En Garde: Strong encryption algorithms, like other cryptographic techniques, provide crucial protection for sensitive data sent between the vehicle and external systems.
Software Updates on Autopilot: Manufacturers’ regular software updates are very important in patching known vulnerabilities and bringing in new security features that will keep your EV protected.
Securer Hardware Under the Hood: The hardware is expected to be made in such a way that it is more secure with built-in security modules making the hardware device tamper-resistant.
Driver Education at the Charging Station: Like any other connected device, EVs call for driver awareness. Drivers will need to be informed about potential security risks and best practices, such as avoiding public Wi-Fi networks and updating software as soon as possible.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall: This requires the automotive industry, government agencies, and cybersecurity experts to work in coordination, establishing and implementing appropriate standards and best practices that ensure connected cars are secure. Its future is electric, and thus should be secure. This means that only together we can have so many EV advantages without a compromise on safety and security on the roads.
Sources:
Trend Micro: https://resources.trendmicro.com/Cybersecurity-Connected-Cars-WP.html
Cryptomathic: https://www.cryptomathic.com/news-events/blog/cybersecurity-for-connected-vehicles
Interface Magazine: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/advisory/solutions/connected-vehicle-cybersecurity.html
