Yellowstone Times

Researchers at Montana State University (MSU) are focusing on enhancing the safety of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure by securing charging stations against cyberattacks. This project, a collaboration with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), is funded by a $4 million, three-year interagency agreement through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate.

Ann Marie Reinhold, project leader and co-director of MSU's Software Engineering and Cybersecurity Lab (SECL), explained, “We are analyzing software threats using marquee technology developed by MSU’s Software Engineering and Cybersecurity Lab.” Reinhold emphasized the growing threat posed by cyberattacks as EV infrastructure expands, noting that it could surpass heating, ventilation and air conditioning infrastructure in terms of power draw from the grid by 2035.

The project involves multiple MSU faculty, including professors Clemente Izurieta, Brock LaMeres, and Brad Whitaker, along with graduate and undergraduate students. Collaborative efforts are enhanced by Reinhold and Izurieta's joint appointments with PNNL, allowing access to high-end equipment and expert interaction.

Reinhold warned of the potential threats posed by cyberattacks at EV charging stations: “Adversaries can launch attacks that display erroneous or inappropriate information on the charging station, fail to charge the EV or steal power from the EV.” The research aims to identify software vulnerabilities that could endanger vehicles or compromise personal data, with concerns also extending to potential disruptions in electrical distribution systems from hacked stations.

MSU's work includes research on hardware components resilient to cyberattacks, using technology co-owned by the Bozeman-based company Resilient Computing and MSU called CyberShield. “If a software vulnerability allows an adversary to reach the hardware, the technology developed by Brock’s team will allow the charging station to recover,” Reinhold explained.

The project employs a number of graduate students and professional staff, in conjunction with PNNL, which benefits from MSU’s expertise while offering crucial technical training to students. It fosters a development pipeline for future leaders in national security, as highlighted by Alison Harmon, MSU’s vice president for research and economic development.

“This project is an example of how MSU research supports national security, and specifically is working to secure the country’s electrical infrastructure as EV technology becomes more commonplace,” Harmon added. SECL is actively contributing to the newly established Institute for National Security Research and Education.