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Cyber Security
Data and Cybersecurity to Fight off Cyberattacks
Highlights
- As charging networks evolve into the critical nexus between the power grid and the digital vehicle ecosystem, they represent a high-stakes frontier where cybersecurity is the primary guarantor of national energy stability.
- True resilience requires a shift from reactive perimeter defence to an adaptive Zero-Trust architecture that continuously validates every digital identity and transaction across the mobility value chain.
- By embedding AI-driven anomaly detection and hardware-level trust, organisations can transform cybersecurity from a technical obligation into a powerful driver of operational uptime and long-term consumer confidence.
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BEV risk landscape
The global shift towards sustainable energy is rapidly gaining momentum, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) leading the way. Driven by factors such as government incentives and policy changes, growing environmental awareness among consumers, and advances in battery technology, the global BEV market is expected to see significant growth.
A vital component of this growth is the vehicle charging infrastructure that keeps BEVs operational. The growth in BEV volumes brings new business opportunities for BEV charging-point infrastructure players. As the popularity of BEVs continues to soar and charging infrastructure proliferates, ensuring the security of these vehicle charging stations and their supporting systems becomes crucial for maintaining the safe and efficient mobility of vehicles. Addressing cybersecurity risks to vehicle charging infrastructure requires comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to mitigate potential threats.
Security challenges
The key challenge of securing BEV charging infrastructure: While BEV charging stations enhance convenience and sustainability, they also introduce vulnerabilities due to their internet connectivity and integration with power grids and payment systems. A compromised charging station can lead to unauthorised data access, financial fraud, or even grid instability.
We are no longer just looking at isolated technical glitches; we are facing a systemic risk to our mobility infrastructure. Modern cyber threats can affect millions of connected devices, leading to widespread privacy breaches and critical service disruptions. When these attacks render charging networks inoperable, they do not just stop a vehicle; they stall the entire transition to a sustainable future. This evolving threat landscape underscores the industry's urgent need to move beyond basic compliance toward an inherent infrastructure trust model.
Securing BEV charging infrastructure requires a comprehensive approach encompassing vendor assessment, secure deployment practices, and integrated cybersecurity operations that bridge IT and operational technology (OT) domains.
Best practices
Charge point operators (CPOs) looking to deploy or enhance BEV charging networks should adhere to the following security guidelines:
- Assess vendor security capabilities: Evaluate charging station and infrastructure suppliers against stringent cybersecurity parameters, ensuring their solutions comply with industry standards such as ISO 15118: Road vehicles—Vehicle to grid communication interface, IEC 62443: Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS), and other applicable frameworks. This includes encryption protocols, secure software development practices, and data protection measures.
- Secure device deployment: Ensure charging stations are configured with strong authentication mechanisms, such as public key infrastructure (PKI) certificates, and are updated with the latest firmware and patches.
- Monitor and respond to threats: Implement real-time, AI-driven monitoring tools capable of detecting and mitigating network and behaviour anomalies like detecting multi‑point traffic surges, identifying unauthorised charging commands, and flagging unrealistic multi‑station usage. Leverage a security operations centre (SOC) to proactively address vulnerabilities and threats.
- Data privacy and transparency: Vehicle charging stations manage sensitive user data, including payment information and usage patterns. Ensure compliance with data protection laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) by encrypting data in transit and at rest.
- Penetration testing: Regularly conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration tests tailored to the specific architecture of BEV charging systems.
Common pitfalls
Common pitfalls to avoid in BEV charging infrastructure security
- Assuming hardware immunity: Common misconception is that proprietary hardware or custom firmware is immune to cyberattacks. A dynamic threat modelling approach is vital for the discovery and neutralisation of prospective vulnerabilities.
- Overlooking integration security: BEV charging stations often integrate with energy management systems, cloud platforms, and mobile applications. Each integration point must be secured to prevent cascading vulnerabilities.
- Ignoring physical security: Charging stations in public areas are susceptible to tampering. Physical security measures, including tamper-resistant enclosures and surveillance systems, are indispensable.
Proactive approaches to ensure security
Governments and regulatory bodies play a critical role in setting security standards for BEV charging infrastructure. For instance, the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) and ISO 15118 standards provide frameworks for secure communication between chargers and vehicles.
However, the responsibility of securing BEV charging infrastructure extends across the ecosystem. Manufacturers, operators, and end-users must collaborate to maintain robust security protocols. Regular training and awareness programs for stakeholders can further enhance the resilience of charging networks.
The path forward
The future of sustainable mobility leveraging BEV depends on the secure expansion of vehicle charging infrastructure. By implementing preventative security protocols, aligning with global standards, and cultivating a culture of collective accountability, stakeholders can foster the growth of a protected and resilient BEV landscape.