Electrifying Progress, Emerging Risks

Electric vehicles (EVs) are driving the future of transportation — cleaner, smarter, and more connected than ever before. But as connectivity and innovation accelerate, so do the cyber risks under the hood. From over-the-air updates to smart charging networks, EVs are increasingly dependent on complex software systems. That makes them vulnerable to exploitation and cyber threats, which could lead to malicious attacks, system outages, bugs, and glitches.

A Revolution on Wheels

The modern EV is essentially a computer on wheels — constantly communicating with apps, networks, and infrastructure. Each connection point, from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to public charging stations, opens a potential doorway for cyberattacks. Weak spots like unsecured charging stations, vulnerable mobile apps, and tampered over-the-air updates can expose personal data or even allow remote control of vehicle systems. A compromised system could impact driver safety, vehicle performance, or even the power grid itself. As the EV ecosystem expands to include autonomous driving, smart grids, and nationwide charging networks, it’s never been more important to secure these technologies from evolving threats.

Securing Every Connection

To protect against growing cyber risks, manufacturers are relying on trusted security standards and certifications. Frameworks like FIPS 140-3 and Common Criteria help verify that the systems inside electric vehicles — such as the software, communication tools, and encryption — are built to keep data and operations safe. These standards ensure that sensitive information, from driver credentials to vehicle diagnostics, is encrypted, authenticated, and transmitted through secure channels. They also validate that software updates and communication interfaces are protected against tampering or unauthorized access.

These certifications aren’t just boxes to check; they show that the technology inside each vehicle has been carefully tested to meet strict security standards. By earning them, manufacturers prove that they take protection seriously and that their vehicles are designed to keep drivers, data, and connections secure. In short, certifications build trust — giving everyone confidence that the EV on the road is both smart and safe.

Driving Compliance and Trust

For automotive manufacturers, earning certification is more than a regulatory requirement — it’s a competitive edge. It helps strengthen relationships with governing bodies, builds trust with consumers, and opens opportunities in high-security markets such as federal and defense. Certification proves that an organization isn’t just driving innovation but doing so responsibly, with security embedded in every phase of design and development.

The Corsec Advantage

Corsec partners with innovators across the automotive and energy sectors to streamline the certification journey. With decades of experience and over 500 successful validations — including FIPS 140, Common Criteria, CSfC, and DoDIN APL — Corsec helps organizations navigate complex requirements, coordinate testing, and accelerate product readiness. From initial design review through lab validation, Corsec ensures EV technologies meet the highest security standards without slowing innovation.

Ready to Get Started?

As electric vehicles continue to redefine mobility, ensuring their security is non-negotiable. Connect with Corsec today to protect your technology, earn trusted certifications, and power the future of safe, secure transportation.

Noteworthy Actions

Similar to the previous Executive Order, the NSM outlines specific actions that agencies must take to comply with new U.S. requirements as well as steps for reporting compliance and failures, including:

• Agencies shall be required to implement multifactor authentication and encryption for NSS data-at-rest and data-in-transit
• All agencies shall use NSA‑approved, public standards-based cryptographic protocols to ensure widespread cryptographic interoperability. An agency shall not authorize new systems to operate that do not use approved encryption algorithms and implementations.
• Agencies shall identify any instances of encryption not in compliance with NSA-approved Quantum Resistant Algorithms or CNSA, where appropriate in accordance with section 1(b)(iv)(A) and (B) of this memorandum, and shall report to the National Manager:
  • systems where non-compliant encryption is being used, to include those operating under an existing waiver or exception.
  • a timeline to transition these systems to use compliant encryption, to include quantum resistant encryption; and
  • any exception from transition to compliant encryption, pursuant to section 3 of this memorandum, which shall additionally be reviewed by the National Manager and reported quarterly to the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence for the systems within their respective jurisdictions.

What It Means for Product Vendors

The U.S. Federal Government has doubled down on ensuring the products it deploys utilize proper security functions, specifically as it applies to encryption.  Leveraging previously issued waivers and outdated encryption methods will no longer be acceptable.

To avoid potential loss of contracts as well as removal of previously deployed solutions where cryptography was not approved, a FIPS 140-3 validated solution could be the answer. Discuss your projects, products, and security plans with your engineering team and certification consultants to ensure compliance.