October is not just a month for pumpkin spice, crisp fall foliage, and Halloween shenanigans. It also carries a far more serious role – raising awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. As we approach the 20th anniversary of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let’s delve into an important yet often overlooked topic – Mobility and EV infrastructure.
A Brief History of Cybersecurity Awareness Month
This October the US will observe the 20th annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Launched in October 2004 by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), this event was primarily designed to raise consumers’ awareness on cybersecurity and to provide resources to ensure safer and more secure online practices.
The initiative was a response to the growing integration of the internet into businesses, government operations, and our daily lives. Over the years, this initiative has expanded its scope to address different cybersecurity themes each year, reflecting the emerging trends and threats in the digital world.
The Need to Include Mobility and EV Infrastructure
Mobility and EV infrastructure is a topic that should warrant a spot in the cybersecurity discussions for several reasons:
Data Privacy: Connected vehicles, specifically EVs and other mobility solutions collect a massive amount of data about the driver’s habits and behaviours. This data, if mishandled, could lead to unauthorised access to sensitive information like locations frequented, driving habits, and Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
Increasing Attacks on EV Infrastructure: The expansion of EV infrastructure is attracting more cyberattacks. These attacks can lead to significant financial losses, and disruption to the broader power grid.
Increased Connectivity: Modern vehicles, particularly electric vehicles, are no less than computers on wheels. From steering and brakes to entertainment and navigation, every control is systemized. This heightened connectivity paves the way for potential vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
Safety Concerns: A successful cyber-attack on a vehicle could potentially lead to serious safety implications. Imagine a malicious actor gaining control of your vehicle’s system and causing accidents, or even a fatality.
Cybersecurity in Daily Life and EV Infrastructure
As we prepare for the 20th Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the importance of security within our daily routines becomes more evident. This includes our cars and the systems that keep them running. It’s a task we all share to keep our digital surroundings safe and secure.
Leveraging Security to Maximise Business Value
To stand up to these challenges, our EVSec Platform, a DevSecOps platform, is specifically designed to car makers and mobility companies. Coupled with our Generative AI infrastructure layer, EVSec empowers our customers to create powerful automations, to develop more secure products while adhering to necessary regulations and standards.
Our team will be at the annual Auto-ISAC Summit in Torrance, CA, and will be happy to meet.
