EV Charger Owners Need to Think About Security

EV charging stations are now being equipped with advanced technologies that allow remote monitoring, firmware updates, and cloud-based control. However, with the increased use of these technologies, there are concerns about the security and privacy of the data being transmitted to and from these. Thinking about data security is essential when choosing an EV charging provider. EVOS, an Australian designer and manufacture of AC charging stations based in Brisbane said that Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is essential for ensuring the security of internet-connected EV charging stations.

A VPN is a secure and encrypted connection that enables users to access the internet safely and privately. A VPN creates a secure tunnel between a user’s device and the internet, allowing users to connect to the internet without revealing their identity or location. VPNs are commonly used to protect online privacy, bypass content restrictions, and protect against cyber threats.

Why use a VPN for EV charging stations?

1. Protects against cyber attacks: Internet-connected EV charging stations are vulnerable to cyber attacks, which can compromise the security of the charging station, the user’s vehicle, and the user’s personal information. A VPN encrypts the data transmitted between the charging station and the cloud-based platform, making it difficult for hackers to intercept and exploit the data. This ensures that the charging station and the user’s personal information remain secure.

2. Prevents unauthorized access: A VPN ensures that only authorized users can access the charging station and the data transmitted between the charging station and the cloud-based platform. Without a VPN, hackers can intercept and access the data transmitted between the charging station and the cloud-based platform, allowing them to control the charging station and access the user’s personal information. With a VPN, the data transmitted between the charging station and the cloud-based platform is encrypted, making it difficult for hackers to intercept and access the data.

3. Protects against data breaches: A VPN protects against data breaches by encrypting the data transmitted between the charging station and the cloud-based platform. This ensures that even if the data is intercepted, it is unusable without the encryption key. Additionally, a VPN can prevent the charging station from transmitting sensitive data, such as the user’s credit card information, over unsecured networks.

4. Enables secure firmware updates: Internet-connected EV charging stations require firmware updates to ensure that they remain up-to-date and secure. A VPN enables secure firmware updates by encrypting the data transmitted between the charging station and the cloud-based platform. This ensures that the firmware updates are not intercepted and modified by hackers, which can compromise the security of the charging station and the user’s personal information.

Data security is a critical aspect of modern business, and businesses in Australia must take it seriously to comply with legal requirements, protect their reputation, avoid financial losses, safeguard intellectual property, and defend against cybersecurity threats. Data security breaches can be costly for Australian businesses, both in terms of direct financial losses and indirect impacts such as reputational damage and legal penalties. Some estimates suggesting that the average cost of a data breach in Australia is around AUD 3.35 million.

By using a VPN, EV charging station owners can ensure that their charging stations and their customers’ personal information remain secure and private said EVOS’ - CXO Seshan Weeratunga.

”EVOS not only utilises a VPN to provide customers protection but they also implement additional steps to secure data which include, private cloud networks and other technologies to provide maximum protection” said Weeratunga.