Securing Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: A Penetration Testing Framework for Identifying and Mitigating Cybersecurity Threats
Abstract
Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure resides at the intersection of power and transportation networks and thus inherits a wide attack surface, from electromagnetic interference (e.g., Brokenwire) to firmware tampering. These emerging threats underscore the need for proactive cybersecurity measures in EV charging networks. In response, this thesis introduces a specialized penetration testing framework for EV charging ecosystems, aimed at identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in charging station communications. The research objectives include developing a realistic simulation testbed of modern EV charging components, formulating targeted cyber-attack scenarios, and proposing an intrusion detection mechanism to protect charging networks. This research establishes a foundational framework to inform future cybersecurity efforts in EV charging infrastructure, acting as the basis for ongoing exploration, innovation, and improvement of security practices in the domain.