Smart EV Charging Stations Vulnerable to Hacking, Security Analyst Warns

At last month's Hack in the Box conference in Amsterdam, security analyst Ofer Shezaf unveiled findings indicating that smart electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are susceptible to cyberattacks. These vulnerabilities could allow hackers to access login information, steal payment data, infiltrate networks, or even disable systems. Shezaf showcased how some stations can be physically accessed, enabling Ethernet connections for direct internet browsing. Key weaknesses include inadequate RFID security, default passwords, and maintenance access points, which facilitate eavesdropping. Instances of power or payment theft have been noted, similar to issues with smart parking meters in the US. Shezaf cautioned that if EVs account for 30% of a national fleet, a single day without charging could lead to severe consequences, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures.