Otis Singleton
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits, reliability, and convenience. However, as these vehicles become more connected and integrated with digital technologies, they also become attractive targets for cybercriminals. In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the vulnerability of EVs to hacking attempts and cyberattacks. While real-world attacks on EVs remain rare, the potential for malicious activity has highlighted the critical need for improved cybersecurity measures in the EV industry. This raises the question: could electric vehicles be hacked, and what are the implications for the future of mobility?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric vehicles can be hacked | Yes |
| How they are hacked | Through the use of third-party software applications, dongles in diagnostic ports, intercepting wireless fob signals, malware-infected applications, and unsecured over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates |
| Why they are hacked | To steal sensitive data, seize control of vehicles, steal personal and financial information, disable vehicles, and spread malware |
| How to protect them from hacking | Being aware of software updates, protecting key fobs, removing cords when the car is not in use, disabling seldom-used wireless features, implementing system-wide end-to-end encryption, and only downloading firmware updates and apps from trusted sources |
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What You'll Learn
How to protect electric vehicles from hacking
Electric vehicles (EVs) are vulnerable to malicious hacking attacks, including remote hijacking, hacked EV chargers, and malware injections. While real-world attacks are rare, the critical need for more robust security in EVs and chargers is evident. Here are some ways to protect electric vehicles from hacking:
For EV Manufacturers:
- Implement system-wide, end-to-end encryption managed by a hardware root-of-trust to protect against physical breaches and network attacks.
- Focus on securing onboard diagnostic ports, protected software updates, better firewalls, and reliable hardware.
- Develop and implement a security-first design approach spanning hardware, software (firmware and applications), and key operational protocols.
- Conduct early vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and shielding to identify and correct vulnerabilities.
For EV Users:
- Only download official software and firmware updates from trusted brands and sources.
- Ensure that all vehicle and charger software is up to date.
- Be aware of wireless services and remove cords and dongles when the car is not in use to reduce the attack surface.
- Protect key fobs by storing them in a metal drawer when not in use, as hackers can intercept wireless fob signals.
- Report any malicious incidents at public EV chargers or anomalous vehicle behavior immediately.
- Secure residential chargers and home networks to prevent the spread of malware.
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Cybersecurity measures to safeguard electric vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) are vulnerable to malicious hacking attacks. This is due to the high level of connectivity and technology that they employ, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular connectivity. These features support essential EV systems and functions, including diagnostics, telematics, infotainment, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). As a result, cybercriminals can gain control of an EV's controller area network (CAN), targeting regenerative braking, ADAS, and critical powertrain components. This can cause sudden acceleration or stops, thermal runaway, and pedestrian detection errors. Additionally, hackers can target EV charging stations to inject malware into EV electronic systems, enabling them to steal sensitive data or seize control of vehicles.
To safeguard EVs from cyberattacks, several cybersecurity measures can be implemented:
- End-to-end encryption: Manufacturers should implement system-wide, end-to-end encryption managed by a hardware root-of-trust. This helps protect against physical breaches and network attacks.
- Secure public charging stations: Public EV chargers are vulnerable to physical attacks and remote network breaches. Manufacturers should address these security gaps and protect against malware attacks, which threaten the integrity of the charging infrastructure.
- Firmware and software updates from trusted sources: EV drivers should only download firmware updates and apps from trusted sources to prevent malware infections and system functionality alterations.
- Protect key fobs: Hackers can intercept wireless fob signals to trick the car's perception of the fob's location. Users should store the fob in a metal drawer when not in use to attenuate the signals.
- Disable unnecessary wireless features: Wireless services in a car can be entry points for attackers. Users should disable seldom-used wireless features to reduce the attack surface and limit the impact of any interference.
- Remove dongles when not in use: Dongles in the diagnostic port can be an entry point for hackers. Removing them when not driving the EV reduces the attack surface.
- Report anomalies: Drivers should report malicious incidents at public EV chargers or anomalous vehicle behavior immediately. This helps identify and address security vulnerabilities.
- Secure residential chargers and home networks: When connected to residential chargers, infected EVs can spread malware throughout home networks. Securing home chargers and networks helps prevent the spread of malware and reduces the risk of device hijacking.
- Robust security practices: The EV industry must adopt a proactive approach to cyber challenges and robust security practices. This includes addressing vulnerabilities in EV infotainment systems, which can expose personal data and vehicle functions to cybercriminals.
- Security-first design approach: EV and charger manufacturers must prioritize security in their designs, spanning hardware, software, and key operational protocols. This ensures the protection of both the technology and its users.
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Vulnerabilities in electric vehicles that make them susceptible to hacking
Electric vehicles (EVs) are vulnerable to malicious hacking attacks. This is due to the many interconnected electronic control units (ECUs), lines of code, communication protocols, and networks within the vehicles. These smart features introduce more cyber threats and make the vehicles susceptible to cyber-attacks.
One of the main vulnerabilities of EVs is their charging stations. Research has shown that existing systems can be compromised in multiple ways, including through physical attacks and remote network breaches. If a charging station is hacked, a customer's private information, such as the time and location of their vehicle, could be leaked. Hackers can also disrupt the charging process and damage the battery. In addition, if an EV is connected to a residential charger, it can spread malware throughout home networks, increasing the risk of device hijacking for distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
Another vulnerability is the key fob used to unlock and start the vehicle. Hackers can intercept wireless fob signals to trick the car into thinking the fob is in a different location, allowing them to unlock and steal the vehicle. This can be done through signal interception or code duplication, or by overwriting and hijacking the firmware of the fob. To prevent this type of attack, users should store their fob in a metal drawer when it is not in use, which attenuates the fob's signals.
EVs are also vulnerable to remote hijacking, malware injections, and hacked EV chargers. Malware-infected applications and unsecured over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates can be used to inject malicious code, modify vehicle software, and alter system functionality. In addition, hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in EV infotainment systems to access vehicle functions and personal data, such as contacts, call logs, and GPS history.
To protect against these threats, EV manufacturers should implement robust, system-wide security measures, including end-to-end encryption managed by a hardware root of trust. In addition, users should take proactive measures such as keeping their vehicle and charger software up to date, using a virtual private network (VPN) to shield their internet traffic, and limiting their GPS usage.
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Real-world instances of electric vehicles being hacked
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more prevalent, concerns about cybersecurity have emerged. The question of whether electric vehicles can be hacked is not just theoretical; it has practical implications for the safety of drivers, the security of personal data, and the integrity of transportation infrastructure. Here are some real-world instances of electric vehicles being hacked:
Hacking into Tesla EVs:
In 2022, a 19-year-old tech security specialist successfully hacked into 25 Tesla EVs across a dozen countries. This was achieved using a third-party software application called TeslaMate to access vehicle data and control. In another instance, a group of German hackers breached a Tesla, not to seize control of the car or access personal information, but to target its heated seats. The Tesla's heated rear seats were hidden behind a paywall, and the hackers physically tampered with the voltage supply powering the infotainment system to access this feature without paying.
Hijacking Tesla Model X key fobs:
In 2020, a researcher at KU Leuven discovered a method to overwrite and hijack the firmware of Tesla Model X key fobs. This vulnerability would allow anyone to steal any vehicle running outdated software.
Unlocking and accessing various EVs:
Last year, cybersecurity researcher Sam Curry and his team found a way to unlock, start, and access the horns of several Nissan, Honda, Infiniti, and Acura vehicles. This was possible because these vehicles used a common provider of internet-connected features, SiriusXM Connected Vehicle Services.
Hacking EV charging stations:
While not directly hacking electric vehicles, compromising EV charging stations can have a significant impact on the vehicles and their users. A bug in an Electrify America charger allowed a hacker to gain nearly unlimited access to the charger's internal system. This demonstrates the potential vulnerability of EV charging stations and the need for enhanced security measures.
These instances highlight the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures and the ongoing efforts to protect the security of electric vehicles and their associated infrastructure.
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The implications of hacking electric vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) are vulnerable to malicious hacking attacks. This is due to their high level of connectivity, which allows them to communicate wirelessly with Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth, cellular networks, and applications on their drivers' phones. While real-world attacks against EVs are rare, the implications of hacking electric vehicles can be serious and have the potential to affect a large number of people.
One of the main implications of hacking electric vehicles is the potential for cybercriminals to steal sensitive data, such as personal and financial information, contacts, call logs, and GPS history. This information can be used to commit identity theft, access online accounts, or sell on the dark web. Additionally, hackers could install ransomware on EVs, freezing the vehicles and demanding that their owners pay a fee to unlock them.
Another implication of hacking electric vehicles is the potential for remote hijacking and control of the vehicle. This could include altering charge speeds, disrupting charging cycles, or even gaining complete control over the vehicle's controller area network (CAN), resulting in sudden acceleration or stops, thermal runaway, and pedestrian detection errors. Hackers could also target emergency vehicles, such as electric ambulances, by interrupting their charging processes, which could have life-threatening consequences.
To mitigate these implications, it is important for EV manufacturers to implement robust system-wide security measures and design vehicles with security as a core consideration. Users should also be aware of proactive measures to protect their vehicles, such as keeping software up to date, protecting key fobs, and using wireless services securely.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, electric vehicles can be hacked. In 2022, a 19-year-old tech security specialist successfully hacked into 25 Tesla EVs in a dozen countries.
Electric vehicles contain chips and software that control their batteries, cruise control systems, and braking. They are vulnerable to cyberattacks through signal interception or code duplication, compromised key fobs, NFC cards, and phone-as-a-key apps.
Hackers can spread malicious software to thousands of electric vehicles, freezing these cars and demanding that their owners pay a fee to unlock them. This would be a new form of ransomware attack. Hackers are also interested in stealing personal and financial information.
EV manufacturers should implement system-wide, end-to-end encryption. Users should also be aware of basic mitigation techniques such as being aware of software updates, protecting key fobs, and removing cords when the car is not in use.
The electric vehicle sector is vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, which poses a significant threat to the industry's future. Integrating robust cybersecurity measures from the outset is vital to protecting both the technology itself and its users.
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