© 2023 PDN Cyber Security Consultant. All rights reserved.
As we discussed in our last article, if you own an electric vehicle, it’s essential to take steps to protect yourself against cybersecurity risks. The most frequent risks we have identified are:
Even if you haven’t yet received your vehicle and are only on the waiting list, beware: pirates use waiting lists to scam future users. If you receive an e-mail saying that your car is available for purchase because you’re next in line, be wary and carry out all the necessary checks. Make sure the logo and design of the e-mail match other messages you’ve received from the company, check the domain name and e-mail address the message is sent from to make sure it’s a legitimate source so your data is safe.
So how can you protect yourself?
One of the simplest ways to protect against remote hacking is to secure the wireless communication channels used by the vehicle.
Many electric vehicles are equipped with remote control systems via mobile applications. It’s therefore essential to protect them with a strong, and above all unique, password that you don’t use anywhere else. And don’t forget to change these passwords regularly to add an extra level of security.
The authentication system will add an extra layer of protection, because even if a hacker manages to obtain your password, he or she will need another factor, such as a code sent by SMS or generated by an authentication application, to gain access to your vehicle.
Electric vehicles use various wireless connections, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, to interact with mobile applications and charging stations. If you’re not using these features, disable them. This will limit the possibilities of remote attack. For example, when you’re not charging your car, it’s best to turn off the Bluetooth connection.
Electric vehicle manufacturers often release software updates to correct security vulnerabilities. It’s crucial to keep your vehicle up to date by installing these updates as soon as they become available. This allows any security holes to be closed before a hacker can exploit them. Most EVs allow remote updating, but make sure the process is carried out in a secure environment and that the source of the update is reliable.
Electric vehicle charging stations can also be targets for hackers. These stations are often connected to management and payment systems, and if compromised, can become a gateway to attack your vehicle.
When charging your vehicle, give preference to public charging stations that offer robust security protocols. Make sure they are certified by security organizations and use encryption methods to protect your personal and financial information.
Some public charging stations allow you to connect to Wi-Fi networks to make payments or monitor charging. Only use these unsecured Wi-Fi connections if you are absolutely certain that the network is reliable. Hackers can create fake Wi-Fi networks to intercept your data. If possible, use your own mobile data connection to connect to the Internet when you’re at a public recharging station.
Electric vehicles collect a great deal of data on your driving habits, journeys, charging information and even your entertainment preferences. If this data falls into the wrong hands, it can be used for targeted attacks or scams.
Some electric cars offer the option of encrypting sensitive information stored on board. If your vehicle offers this feature, activate it. Encryption ensures that even if a hacker succeeds in accessing your data, it will be unreadable without the appropriate key.
Applications that interact with your vehicle, such as those used for charging management or remote control, can collect a great deal of personal information. Before downloading an application, review the permissions requested and limit the information shared as much as possible. Don’t give access to non-essential data such as your driving history or payment details, unless absolutely necessary.
Of course, don’t forget to physically secure your vehicle! Agence PDN wishes you a happy holiday season; we’ll be back in January for our usual 2024 retrospective; in the meantime, if you have a film, series, software or e-book to protect, don’t hesitate to call on our services by contacting one of our account managers; PDN has been a pioneer in cybersecurity and anti-piracy for over ten years, and we’re bound to have a solution to help you. Enjoy your reading, and see you soon!
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© 2023 PDN Cyber Security Consultant. All rights reserved.