More powerful against cyber attacks March 19, 2023 0

Ransomware, brute force, DDoS and the like: the zoo of cybercrime pests is constantly growing, and hardly anyone cares about it until the exterminator is forced to intervene. But be careful: like any virus, computer parasites can infect anyone. Recently, a prominent German software company was forced to shut down its servers due to a cyberattack. According to the company, the damage was limited to (only) internal systems. Cloud services for customers would then be spared from the attack. However, the example shows that even software development companies are not immune from cyber attacks.

Even if data is not stolen and production operations are not compromised, each attack blocks capabilities and reduces performanceoften for months. Cyberattacks are on the rise worldwide, causing billions of dollars in damage. An international survey conducted this year showed that on average, one in two companies was the victim of a cyber attack at least once during the year. However, software is the backbone of the modern world. Everything is getting smarter and more connected, even mobility.

Electric mobility this is seen as a push towards the digitalization of individual motorized mobility. This results in always greater interconnection between cars, charging stations, network operators and energy providers. However, this inevitably increases the risk of failure, since failures in electronic systems can propagate beyond individual subsystems.

PREVENTION ALREADY IN THE DESIGN STAGE

When faced with terrible scenarios such as a power outage, there is no need to freeze like a rabbit in the face of a snake. The best way to mitigate cyber risk is one good prevention. A safety-oriented approach is important. This means that the security aspect must be firmly anchored already in the design and development phase. While this should be taken for granted, this is not always the case. As a software company, it’s important for us not only to talk about cybersecurity, but also to be a role model in the industry.

With certificates, we make it clear to everyone that information security and data protection is a top priority for Juice and that appropriate measures are constantly being implemented. ISO/IEC 27001 standard means this, and it goes without saying that charging stations must meet the highest standards of the automotive industry. For this reason, Juice has also been ISO/SAE 21434 certified since 2022. This means that all electronic systems, components, software and all external connections are treated in terms of IT security. The directive also covers IT security management throughout the supply chain. The standard was created for vehicles, but it accurately reflects our “safety by design” approach that we have always cultivated. Our charging stations, for example, are among the first to comply with the ISO 15118 standard. This ensures, for example, that the data connection between the infrastructure and the vehicle is protected from unauthorized access and external manipulation.


Generally,intelligently connected and controlled charging infrastructure plays a fundamental role for electric mobility, which has passed its initial phase. Indeed, charging stations are becoming important nodes with the growing interconnection of vehicles, home control systems and energy providers. Smart charging stations should not only offer services to drivers of electric vehicles, but also be a stabilizing element in the power grid. The key is in the software. The connectivity, security, and therefore resilience of individual devices and the entire smart grid depend on this.

However, intelligent communication must take place not only at the technical level, but also between industry, energy suppliers and authorities. All parties involved must understand that with each new participant connecting to the network and interacting with each other, the entire infrastructure becomes more vulnerable. Thus, effective defense against cyber attacks can only be achieved if e-mobility is understood by all parties as a globally connected system. This realization will not be long in coming, as the transport and energy sectors are among the most important infrastructures in need of special protection.

This column is edited by Christoph Erni, founder and CEO of Juice Technology AG, a Swiss manufacturer of charging stations and solutions. He always had a practical bent, dropping out of school shortly before completing his bachelor’s degree to take a business administration course at the university, and shortly thereafter entered computer science. But this was not enough for Christoph Erni: he wanted more! About 20 years ago he founded his own consulting company, Erni Associates AG.

In 2014, noticing the lack of suitable charging solutions, he decided to go into manufacturing and founded Juice Technology AG. In its first year of operation, the company took the lead in the segment with the 22kW Juice Booster 1 Portable Charging Station and has remained so ever since.

Christopher Erniefounder and CEO of Juice Technology

Author: Editorial team

Source: HD Motori

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