"software is able to completely take over a vehicle"
Electric cars may be growing in popularity in the UK but there are concerns that they could pose a threat to both drivers and national security.
Director of Information Security and Engagement at the National Cybersecurity Alliance Cliff Steinhauer revealed there are several risks associated with the growing number of electric cars.
He claimed it was possible for the software of some cars to be hacked and for the entire vehicle to be controlled remotely.
Steinhauer emphasised the need for researchers and manufacturers to remain aware of potential vulnerabilities.
We explore how electric cars could pose a risk to UK national security.
China Risk
In recent years, more drivers have been switching to electric cars from China.
This is due to their range and affordable prices.
Renowned for having their own WiFi, internet access and potential to store endless personal data, China’s cars are virtually computers on wheels.
But Steinhauer warns that motorists are at risk of sabotage attacks from China if the nation decides to use its electric cars for geopolitical gain.
As fears of World War Three continue to escalate, so do those of a cyber attack from Beijing should they look to gain an early advantage on the West.
Steinhauer told The Sun: “We have seen in research activities that software is able to completely take over a vehicle and control different functions of the vehicle, so it’s certainly a possibility that this could happen.
“Those researchers are doing that work to prove what’s possible and then bring that work back to the manufacturers so that they can make a fix for it in the vehicle itself.
“I think our hope is that it continues and that adversary simulations continue to happen against these devices.
“We have to keep testing to stay on top of these potential vulnerabilities, and continue to fix them, in advance of them being rolled out en masse.
“I have seen research reports of software taking over all of the functionalities of the vehicle, including braking, accelerating, steering and navigation – so the threat exists.”
Security author Edward Lucas echoed these concerns, warning that cheap Chinese electric cars could act as “mobile surveillance devices”.
Lucas said: “The truth is that, when it comes to Chinese EVs, our decision-makers are still asleep at the wheel.
“This is a recipe for mayhem. Hackers demonstrated years ago how easy it was to remotely disable a single vehicle.
“With the full weight of a state cyber-warfare agency behind it, such attacks would be far more devastating and widespread.”
Remotely Controlled & Privacy Breaches
Electric cars crashing into each other and doors suddenly locking drivers in their vehicles are just some of the scenarios that could soon present themselves.
It has already been depicted in the Netflix film Leave the World Behind.
A horrific scene features hundreds of EVs crashing into each other after being hijacked remotely.
Other theories claim vehicles could even put themselves in reverse or ignore traffic signals.
But the bigger worry is privacy breaches.
Steinhauer said: “The fear is that Chinese electric vehicles would enable more detailed data collection about the drivers of these vehicles.
“If you look at it from the perspective of national security and security from an adversary such as China, then you’re looking at what they could do, if they wanted to, with that access and connection into all these vehicles.
“We’re talking about fully electric vehicles, connected to the internet, made in China, communicating with potential servers in China – all things that the car needs to work but can also be used as a spying tool.”
While Steinhauer believes cyber attack threats are nothing new, he claims people buying Chinese-made products must understand the risks they are taking.
But he says there are too many things people should not be doing.
However, it is not just consumers who are to blame. Those making and designing the cars are also at fault for ignoring certain dangers that could put hundreds of thousands at risk of an attack.
In a 2023 report by Christopher Balding, he said it was possible for some systems in these cars, including the brakes, to be overridden.
He said:
“Security researchers for some time noted the risks of hacking to key components of electrical vehicles.”
“This is slightly different such that malware in a component provides not just access to the system and operational data, but control over a specific system.
“This would mean control over the braking system or on-board microphone.”
Balding highlighted that this technology could allow government officials to hear what is going on inside a car.
He added: “Government-linked groups would be able to listen into a car, or compromise the braking system, as they would have the component car code from the manufacturer and access through pre-known access points.”
However, Balding clarified that at the time he had not seen any evidence that Chinese authorities had taken control of an electric car in China or abroad.
The rise of electric cars, especially those from Chinese manufacturers, poses a multifaceted challenge to UK national security.
The growing popularity of these vehicles brings significant benefits such as reduced emissions and energy independence.
However, their reliance on advanced technology and supply chains that may be vulnerable to disruption or espionage raises concerns.
The UK must navigate this landscape carefully, balancing the benefits of electric vehicles with the need to safeguard critical infrastructure and technological know-how.