Experts Warn of Cyber Vulnerabilities in Swedish Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Cybersecurity experts are raising alarms about the significant vulnerabilities in electric vehicle charging stations ("laddstolpar") across Sweden, where approximately 60,000 public connections exist. Researchers are particularly concerned that these weaknesses could be exploited by hackers, potentially leading to severe disruptions in power supply and financial theft from users. According to Mikael Asplund from Linköping University, the rapid deployment of charging infrastructure often neglects safety protocols, increasing the risk of cyber-attacks.

One alarming case referenced involved electric vehicle chargers in Russia, where drivers reported receiving messages like "Glory to Ukraine" while the devices became inoperable. This incident was attributed to a Ukrainian firm leveraging an exploited backdoor in technology from the Russian energy company Rosseti. In Sweden, experts fear similar attacks could occur, especially since charging stations are considered critical infrastructure that links transportation and electrical grids.

Andreas Gotthardsson, a cybersecurity expert from Fortinet, emphasized that the current trend prioritizing speed over security might lead to devastating societal disturbances. The vulnerabilities in charging stations make it relatively easy for hackers to cause multiple devices to fail simultaneously, which could have a domino effect, triggering protective shutdowns in the electrical grid.

Asplund pointed out that manufacturers often deflect accountability for security flaws, blaming either outdated software or unclear responsibilities among suppliers, further exacerbating the problem. The current landscape presents potential threats for users, including interrupted charging, extended wait times, and higher risks of data breaches.