As India moves towards an EV-driven future in 2025, the digital infrastructure behind charging stations is rapidly expanding, increasing the risk of cyber threats. Key to this system are APIs that connect chargers to central management systems, but if not properly secured, they can become major vulnerabilities. This article explores the communication architecture of EV charging—focusing on the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) —its security challenges, emerging cyber threats, and ongoing efforts to build a secure and resilient EV charging ecosystem.
The Communication Backbone: Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)
OCPP, developed by the Open Charge Alliance, is the key protocol enabling communication between EV charging stations and central management systems. It ensures interoperability, remote control, billing, diagnostics, and updates—critical for a scalable EV charging ecosystem.
OCPP 1.6 (2015): Introduced smart charging and WebSocket support but lacked strong default security.
OCPP 2.0.1 (2020): Added TLS encryption, certificate-based authentication, better device and transaction management, and ISO 15118 support for Plug & Charge.
OCPP 2.1 (2025): Enhanced V2G and DER features while strengthening security and maintaining backward compatibility.
Unpacking the Risks: Vulnerabilities in EV Charging
Despite progress, the EV charging network—especially those using older OCPP versions or poorly secured systems—remains vulnerable to several cyber risks:
OCPP Vulnerabilities: OCPP 1.6 lacks strong encryption and authentication, making it prone to token spoofing, firmware hijacking, and man-in-the-middle attacks due to unencrypted communication and weak auth mechanisms.
API & Payment Risks: Insecure APIs used for user login, payments, or control functions can be exploited. Weakly protected payment systems or exposed testing environments can lead to fraud.
Connection & Hardware Threats: Chargers using unencrypted links or lacking TLS support are exposed to data theft. Physical risks include unlocked cabinets and default credentials. These gaps highlight the need for secure protocols, hardened hardware, and robust API practices in EV infrastructure.
Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Grid Communication
Energy Management Systems (EMS) act as intelligent orchestrators within EV charging setups, optimizing power distribution and ensuring grid stability.
Core Functions of EMS in EV Charging:
- Dynamic Load Distribution: Balances power across chargers in real time to avoid peak loads and ensure reliability.
- Smart Charging Optimization: Schedules charging based on tariffs, travel plans, and grid status to cut costs and save energy.
- Building System Integration: Coordinates with building energy systems to monitor usage and reduce EV load during peak hours.
- Renewable Integration: Prioritizes solar and battery power over grid energy to lower emissions and grid dependency.
- Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Support: Enables EVs to send power back to the grid during high demand, aiding in grid stability.
- Security and Resilience: Requires strong cybersecurity as it connects to wider IT and energy networks.
Unpacking the Risks: Vulnerabilities in EV Charging
Despite advancements, the EV charging ecosystem, especially systems relying on older OCPP versions or insecure implementations, faces several cyber threats.
- OCPP Vulnerabilities: Older versions like OCPP 1.6 lack strong encryption and authentication, making them prone to token spoofing, firmware hijacking, and man-in-the-middle attacks.
- API and Payment Security: Weak APIs and poorly secured payment systems can be exploited for unauthorized access or fraudulent transactions, especially in unprotected sandbox environments.
- Connection and Physical Security: Lack of TLS support and unencrypted server links expose data, while physical risks like unlocked cabinets and default credentials leave chargers open to tampering.
Strengthening Defenses: A Multi-Pronged Approach
Upgrading to Secure OCPP Versions (2.0.1 & 2.1)
Adopting OCPP 2.0.1 and 2.1 is critical for securing EV charging infrastructure. These versions introduce mandatory TLS encryption, certificate-based authentication, and enhanced security profiles, offering a far stronger defense compared to older, less secure protocols like OCPP 1.6.
Regulatory and Research Initiatives:
India’s CERC cybersecurity rules, as reported, provide a strong regulatory foundation. Academic institutions and research publications are contributing vital knowledge on attack modeling and defense strategies, enhancing the collective understanding and response capabilities.
The Quantum Horizon: Preparing for Tomorrow’s Threats
Powerful quantum computers threaten existing encryption (like RSA & ECC), risking future decryption of today’s secure data —a scenario known as “harvest now, decrypt later.” This calls for a shift to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).
India’s National Quantum Mission is advancing quantum-resistant algorithms and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). The Defence Ministry’s use of QKD highlights the tech’s maturity. Integrating quantum-safe cryptography into EV and power grid systems is essential for long-term cybersecurity.
Security Checklist for Charge Point Operators (CPOs)
- Encrypt All Communications Enforce strong TLS encryption (as per OCPP 2.0.1/2.1 security profiles) for all chargerto-server connections.
- Secure Firmware Updates Strictly reject any firmware that is not digitally signed and verified.
- Harden Access Controls Replace default credentials, implement strong password policies, enforce multi-factor authentication, and secure physical access to charging units.
- Implement Continuous Monitoring Use Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools for real-time log analysis and threat detection.
Conduct Periodic Audits Perform regular third-party penetration testing and security audits, at least annually.
