EVs And Cybersecurity

 EVs And Cybersecurity

Recently it has been discovered that hackers can steal Tesla’s EVs with a newly developed relay attack. IOActive's security research team was able to demonstrate this by reverse engineering Tesla's NFC protocol. The NFC communications can then be relayed over Bluetooth and WiFi.

In January of this year, nineteen-year-old IT security specialist and ethical hacker, David Colombo from Germany found a vulnerability that gave him full remote control of over 25 Teslas- a vulnerability that he could use due to the owners' inattentiveness, not Tesla’s. He achieved this through the use of API keys and third-party software that allowed him to disable Sentry Mode, open doors and windows, and start Keyless Driving.

It is clear that as EVs continue to be developed, cybersecurity concerns are made more apparent. The dangers are far greater than a single vehicle. The Internet of Things (IoT) is implemented alongside EVs. The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a collection of connected devices and the technology that allows them to communicate with the cloud and one another. Therefore, an infected EV can communicate with devices linked to it like electronic charging stations and other EVs connected to the same server.

Manufacturers are already doing their part to secure the data of their consumers, including their EVs. It is important to realize that auto repair shops will also have to play their part in keeping their customers safe from any cybersecurity risks. Shops will have to increase the security of their networks. It will be more important than ever to have cybersecurity experts and consultants evaluate networks.