Emerging Cybersecurity and Privacy Threats to Electric Vehicles and Their Impact on Human and Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

With the global energy crisis, increasing demand, and a national-level emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs), numerous innovations are being witnessed throughout the EV industry. EVs are equipped with sensors that maintain a sustainable environment for the betterment of society and enhance human sustainability. However, at the same time, as is the case for any new digital technology, they are susceptible to threats to security and privacy. Recent incidents demonstrate that these sensors have been misused for car and energy theft, financial fraud, data compromise, and have caused severe health and safety problems, amongst other things. To the best of our knowledge, this paper provides a first systematic analysis of EV sustainability, digital technologies that enhance sustainability, their potential cybersecurity threats, and corresponding defense. Firstly, three robust taxonomies have been presented to identify the dangers that can affect long-term sustainability domains, including (1) life and well-being, (2) safe environment, and (3) innovation and development. Second, this research measures the impact of cybersecurity threats on EVs and correspondingly to their sustainability goals. Third, it details the extent to which specific security controls can mitigate these threats, thereby allowing for a smooth transition toward secure and sustainable future smart cities.

Securing the Future: A Comprehensive Review of Security Challenges and Solutions in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

“…Physical and remote access attacks targeting ADAS systems pose critical threats, potentially compromising the vehicle's and its occupants' safety and security. Recent incidents have revealed instances where sensors have been exploited for car and energy theft, financial fraud, and data compromise, among other illicit activities [107]. These occurrences have raised serious concerns about health and safety risks.…”

A fsQCA-Based Framework for Cybersecurity of Connected and Automated Vehicles: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

“…An attacker who gains access to an in-vehicle network can potentially control the vehicle's systems, including the brakes, steering, and acceleration [25]. There is a need for advanced intrusion detection systems and secure network architectures to mitigate the risks associated with in-vehicle network attacks [26,27]. As vehicles evolve into sophisticated interconnected systems, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures at the network level becomes paramount.…”

Cybersecurity’s Role in Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development: Bridging Technology and Sustainability Goals

“…These innovations, coupled with cybersecurity measures, ensure the protection of critical environmental data and systems, thereby enhancing the resilience and sustainability of development efforts (Chovancová et al, 2023). In the context of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Muhammad et al (2023) examine the emerging cybersecurity and privacy threats that pose risks to human and environmental sustainability. The study identifies robust taxonomies of threats affecting long-term sustainability domains, including life and well-being, safe environment, and innovation and development .…”

“…The study identifies robust taxonomies of threats affecting long-term sustainability domains, including life and well-being, safe environment, and innovation and development . By addressing these cybersecurity challenges, the research underscores the potential of digital technologies to enhance the sustainability of EVs, thereby contributing to the broader goals of sustainable and secure smart cities (Muhammad et al, 2023). Méndez-Zambrano et al (2023) delve into the application of technological innovations in agricultural production from an environmental perspective.…”