IS25.2 - Securing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: A Critical Analysis of Authentication Vulnerabilities and Their Role in Power Electronics Cybersecurity

Presentation Description: This presentation delves into the critical, yet often overlooked area of cybersecurity within the infrastructure of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. While this subject may initially appear tangential to the core topics traditionally explored at APEC, its relevance is profoundly significant. Charging stations act as vital interfaces between EVs and the power grid, encompassing a broader scope of power electronics through their crucial roles in energy distribution and smart grid integration.

As EV adoption escalates globally, the imperative to secure these points of interaction becomes paramount, not only to ensure the operational reliability of electric vehicles but also to safeguard the broader electrical network. This session will highlight the specific vulnerabilities in authentication processes that pose potential risks to the security and functionality of these systems.

Through a detailed examination of current authentication mechanisms, their identified weaknesses, and the broader implications for industrial cybersecurity, the presentation aims to illuminate the pivotal role these systems play within the power electronics landscape. Furthermore, the discussion will propose robust strategies for enhancing security measures, designed to fortify the infrastructure against potential disruptions, data theft, and other cyber threats.

Attendees will gain a comprehensive overview of the cybersecurity challenges facing EV charging infrastructure and understand the crucial need for advanced, secure authentication protocols. The insights provided will be invaluable for professionals ranging from cybersecurity experts to infrastructure developers, all of whom play a role in shaping the future of electric mobility and smart grid technology.

This presentation seeks not only to address a gap in the current discourse at APEC but also to enrich the conference by broadening the understanding of how integral these systems are to the safety and efficiency of the wider power electronics field.