Securing the Future of Electric Vehicle Charging: Identifying and Mitigating Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

This paper examines the key security vulnerabilities present in modern EV charging infrastructure, with a focus on the potential threats to payment systems, communication protocols, physical security, and data privacy. In particular, it looks at the vulnerabilities associated with unencrypted communication, the risks of unauthorized access to charging stations, and the potential for denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. As the global adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) accelerates, the importance of a secure and reliable EV charging infrastructure becomes paramount. However, the expansion of charging stations and the growing integration of smart technologies introduce significant cybersecurity risks that must be addressed to ensure the safety, privacy, and reliability of the network. In addition to discussing emerging risks in relation to new technologies, such as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) systems, and outlining the necessity of industry-wide collaboration and the development of standardized security protocols, this paper highlights the critical need for robust security measures to protect the expanding EV charging ecosystem and ensure its sustainable development. It does this by analyzing current mitigation strategies, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure firmware updates, and by suggesting future security enhancements to protect the infrastructure.