‘Source of data': are electric cars vulnerable to cyber spies and hackers?
Mobile phones and desktop computers are longstanding targets for cyber spies – but how vulnerable are electric cars?
On Monday the i newspaper claimed that British defence firms working for the UK government have warned staff against connecting or pairing their phones with Chinese-made electric cars, due to fears that Beijing could extract sensitive data from the devices.
Here we look at whether there are problems with electric cars and security.
Security experts spoken to by the Guardian say electric cars – the most advanced road vehicles on the market – could be exploited by hackers.
Rafe Pilling, the director of threat intelligence at the cybersecurity firm Secureworks, says electric cars have myriad ways of generating data that is of interest to hostile states, given the microphones, cameras and wifi connectivity they contain.
'There are lots of opportunities to collect data and therefore lots of opportunities to compromise a vehicle like that,' he says.
He adds that wifi or cellular connectivity, which allows a manufacturer to update a car's operating software – known as an 'over the air' capability – could allow data to be exfiltrated.
'A modern vehicle that has over the air update capabilities – which is crawling with computers, various radios, Lidar sensors and external cameras – could well be repurposed as a surveillance platform,' he says.
A mobile phone connected to the car, whether via a charging cable or Bluetooth, is another source of data, he says.
Experts say car owners in sensitive industries or in political and government positions should exercise discretion.
'If you are an engineer who is working on a sixth-generation fighter jet and you have a work phone that you are connecting to your personal vehicle, you need to be aware that by connecting these devices you could be allowing access to data on your mobile,' says Joseph Jarnecki, a research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute thinktank.
Nate Drier, a tech lead at the cybersecurity firm Sophos, says concerned drivers or passengers can click the 'don't trust' option when they connect their phone charger with the car – but they then lose out on all the benefits that ensue, from using music streaming apps to messaging.
'I would assume most people are allowing that connection to happen so they can have all the benefits of the features on that phone,' he says.
Pilling adds that hire car users should take note as well.
'In general, it's a bad idea to sync your phone or device with a vehicle that isn't yours, as you can leave copies of contacts and other sensitive data in the car entertainment and navigation system and most people forget to wipe this after they leave a hire car,' he says.
China is a major manufacturer of electric vehicles (EVs) through brands including BYD and XPeng. This, allied with the Chinese state's use of cyber-espionage, makes those cars a source of potential concern. China's National Intelligence Law of 2017, for instance, states that all organisations and citizens shall 'support, assist and cooperate' with national intelligence efforts.
'Chinese law obliges Chinese companies to cooperate with state security, so one has to assume that if a car is capable of spying on you it may be misused to do so,' says Prof Alan Woodward, a computer security expert at the University of Surrey. There is 'no evidence' in the public domain to point to use of Chinese vehicles in such a way, he adds.
However, experts also wonder if China would risk causing serious damage to a key export sector such as EVs by making it a vector for intelligence gathering. Mobile phones, smart watches and other wearable devices are more likely targets for espionage.
A government spokesperson would not comment on specific security measures, but said: 'Protecting national security is our top priority and we have strict procedures in place to ensure that government sites and information are appropriately protected.'
A more detailed statement was made last month by the defence minister Lord Coaker, who said the Ministry of Defence (MoD) was 'working with other government departments to understand and mitigate any potential threats to national security from vehicles'. He said the work related to all types of vehicle and 'not just those manufactured in China'.
Referring to an i report that the MoD had banned EVs with Chinese components from sensitive sites and military training bases, he said there were 'no centrally mandated policy restrictions on the movement of Chinese manufactured vehicles'.
However, he said individual defence organisations – a reference to public and private entities – may have stricter EV requirements on certain sites.
BYD has been contacted for comment. XPeng said it was 'committed to continuously adhering to and complying with the applicable UK and EU privacy laws and regulations'.
The SMMT, the trade body for UK carmakers and traders, told the i: 'All manufacturers with cars on sale in the UK must adhere to relevant regulations on data privacy, and EVs are no different.
'The industry is committed to upholding a high level of customer data protection, including proportionate use of data, including apps and paired mobile phones, which can be removed from cars according to individual manufacturer instructions, giving peace of mind to motorists.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Big blow to EVs after survey brands them 'more unreliable than fuelled cars'
British motorists that have switched to eco-friendly EVs have been snubbed after a damming new survey found they are 'more unreliable' than traditional petrol and diesel cars Brits whizzing around in electric vehicles (EVs) have been left red-faced after being snubbed in a major survey. The eco-friendly cars suffered a significant setback in the UK after new data found they are more likely to break down compared to petrol, diesel and hybrid cars. According to the latest What Car? Reliability Survey of almost 30,000 car owners, EVs recorded the highest breakdown rate of all fuel types, with 16.8 per cent of EV owners reporting one in the past two years. This is notably higher than the rates for vehicles powered by fossil fuels, with petrol at 10.7 per cent, hybrid at 14. per cent, and diesel at 15 per cent. The survey, conducted in association with MotorEasy, found 11 per cent of respondents had experienced a breakdown in the past two years in total, with EVs standing out as the most likely to leave drivers stranded. Only 25 per cent of EVs were fixed on the spot, compared with 40 per cent of petrol cars. Conversely, 40 per cent of EVs required towing to a garage, while the recovery rate for petrol vehicles was a much lower 30 per cent. I drove 242-miles from UK seaside town in an electric car and it was hell The survey backs up comments made by the AA 's chief executive Jakob Pfaudler, who warned it was a 'common misconception that EVs break down less frequently than petrol and diesel vehicles'. Back in April he said: "Currently, at least, that is not the case. The breakdown rate is, in fact, slightly higher for electric vehicles than for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles." Diesel vehicles, while having a slightly lower breakdown rate than EVs, were still reported as the most likely to develop faults overall, with 31 per cent of owners reporting they experienced an issue in the past year. This is up from from 50 per cent in 2022 — suggesting that there has been some progress in diesel reliability over the past few years. There is some good news for EV owners however. The electric-powered cars were rated as the second-best fuel type for being fixed for free, with owners revealing 89 per cent of the issues reported were rectified at no cost, while a mere three per cent had to pay more than £1,500 to get their cars back on the road. The findings sparked debate within the automotive community, with some EV advocates questioning the survey's methodology and pointing to alternative data. Ben Nelmes, chief executive of the consultancy New Automotive, suggested that the UK's MOT failure rate might be a better indicator of reliability, noting that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) generally have a lower MOT failure rate than petrol and diesel cars of similar ages — aside from three-year-old vehicles, where the rates were almost identical. Ginny Buckley, chief executive of EV advice website Electrifying argued that the survey contradicts data from Start Rescue. She also highlighted that when EVs do break down, the issues are often minor and cheaper to repair thanks to the simpler engineering and fewer moving parts in EVs, rather than costing an arm and a leg like the mechanical failures common in older ICE vehicles. Ginny said: "The What Car? survey flies in the face of data from companies like Start Rescue, who last year reported that EVs are 59 per cent less likely to break down than their petrol or diesel counterparts. But when they do, the issues are often relatively minor — things like tyres, wheels, or the 12-volt battery – much the same as traditional cars. Expensive mechanical failures, which are common in older internal combustion engine vehicles, are rare thanks to the EV's simpler engineering and fewer moving parts." So while EVs currently experience more problems than conventional vehicles, as is often the case with newer technology due to teething issues, many experts expect EV reliability to improve. And on the plus side, you are far more likely to get your EV repaired for absolutely nothing.
Daily Record
12 hours ago
- Daily Record
Motorists warned of 5 new driving scams costing Brits thousands
Fraudsters are using 5 new tactics to trick drivers out of money. Motorists are being warned to be aware of new scams targeting British drivers. Fraudsters are costing motorists thousands of pounds with five new key tactics. From tampered QR codes on parking meters to convincing fake DVLA messages - drivers are being urged stay vigilant or risk losing their hard-earned cash. In 2024, scam reports to the DVLA soared to nearly 20,000, prompting motoring experts at LeaseLoco to make drivers aware of how to spot suspicious activity and avoid being caught out. While younger drivers aged 25-34 are the most common victims of vehicle-related scams like used car fraud and bogus insurance deals, older motorists are increasingly being targeted too - with fraudsters preying on their uncertainty around online payments to issue fake parking fines. John Wilmot, CEO of car lease comparison website LeaseLoco, said: 'Unfortunately driving-related scams are really common and they work well for fraudsters because they can create a sense of urgency. 'A lot of these scams will urge you to quickly pay a fee to avoid facing bigger fines. When we see something like this we often rush to get the payment done rather than stopping and checking the legitimacy of the message or letter. 'The good news is there are ways to spot these scams which can prevent you from losing any money. 2025 scams driver should to be aware of QR codes on parking meters Scammers are placing QR code stickers onto parking meters in the hopes of tricking motorists to scan the QR code and 'pay' for their parking. To avoid being caught out, stick to using official car parking apps such as RingGo and PayByPhone. It's also worth noting that most councils won't use QR codes for payment, but will instead tend to provide a machine or stick to apps. DVLA messages Fake DVLA messages often state that your license needs updating or that your car tax has failed, forcing you to hand over sensitive information. It's important to remember that the DVLA will never ask for money or personal information via email or text. Never click on any links within these messages and only access the DVLA website through Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. PCN fines Scammers may send fake parking charge notices to your house by post, urging you to pay a fake parking charge before the fine increases. A real PCN notice will have the date, time and location of your alleged violation. If you're still unsure whether your letter is real or not you can contact the council's parking department to check if the fine is genuine. Used car sales Be wary of any car deals that look too good to be true on online marketplaces. In 2023, nearly half a million pounds was reported as lost to Facebook car scams. Scammers will often post a fake ad for a car at a very low price and ask people interested for an upfront payment via bank transfer. They avoid having anyone come and see the car in person by claiming to be abroad too. When purchasing a used car, never make a payment before seeing the car in person and check the vehicle history on the government website. Toll or congestion charge messages Drivers can receive messages claiming they owe money for crossing a toll or congestion zone followed by a 'pay now' link. Before opening any links, remember that any genuine toll notifications will come from or other verified operators such as TfL, M6 Toll and Dart Charge for Dartford Crossing.
Scottish Sun
21 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I spent years restoring a rare classic car I found at a SCRAPYARD – it's now award-winning & very valuable
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A CLASSIC car enthusiast has revealed how he rescued a worse-for-wear motor from a scrapyard and spent six years restoring it - before his hard work finally paid off. Rory Clague, from Gloucester, was recently crowned Lancaster's Pride of Ownership winner for 2025 after presenting his stunning Vauxhall Nova. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Rory Clague's six-year restoration of a scrapyard Vauxhall Nova earned him the Pride of Ownership Credit: Lancaster Insurance 5 Rescued from a scrapyard, Rory's Vauxhall Nova was transformed into an award-winning classic Credit: Lancaster Insurance 5 The Nova's custom rebuild, from race-tuned engine to bespoke metalwork, showcases Rory's dedication Credit: Lancaster Insurance 5 With only 766 left in the UK, Rory's restored 1985 Vauxhall Nova stands as a rare gem Credit: Lancaster Insurance 5 Rory's journey with his Nova is not just about cars - it's a testament to creativity and determination Credit: Lancaster Insurance Now considered a classic, the 1985 saloon - once a regular sight on British roads - has been whittled down to just a few hundred with valid MOTs, according to How Rare is My Car. In fact, the precise number is recorded at 766 - with Rory's likely one of the better ones. During its peak years, Vauxhall sold around 500,000 Nova units between 1983 and 1993 - positioning it as a strong rival to the Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 205, and Renault 5. For Rory, the Nova holds plenty of sentimental value as it was his very first car. Speaking to Lancaster Insurance, he revealed how he rescued this specific model from a scrapyard in 2016 and has since fully restored every element of it - all of which was engineered and built by himself. But for Rory, who has dyslexia and has always struggled with academics, the restoration has meant much more to him than just merely upgrading an old car. 'This Nova is more than just a car, it's a personal passion project that I've brought back to life when it thought its days were numbered,' Rory said. 'Growing up with dyslexia, I always found it easier to learn by doing and express myself through hands-on work rather than academics, which led me naturally into more practical and creative outlets. Without its badge, people are often left guessing what car it is Rory Clague 'Building this car was more than a restoration - it was a way to channel my strengths and creativity into something I'm proud of.' The extensive six-year restoration all took place at Rory's workshop and involved bespoke engineering and a full custom build - featuring upgraded metalwork, a concrete grey respray and a race-tuned 1.6-litre 8v engine. Fully restored first edition of iconic Ford motor to be auctioned for huge price after £130k spent on its renovation He added: 'From the custom engineering to the race-ready build, every detail reflects my dedication to both preserving its heritage and pushing the boundaries of innovation. 'What I love most is the intrigue it sparks. Without its badge, people are often left guessing what car it is.' Lancaster's Pride of Ownership award is highly coveted by classic car owners, as it recognises not only their craftsmanship and dedication, but the stories that make classic cars so meaningful to their owners. The award is voted for by classic car enthusiasts who visit the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show. Yvonne Gosney from Lancaster Insurance said: 'The Vauxhall Nova 1985 is a rarity on the classic car scene, especially in saloon form. 'Rory has restored this gem to such a high standard, and we'd like to congratulate him as this year's Pride of Ownership win - and for his exceptional craftsmanship to bring this 40-year-old vehicle back to life.' Not only did the Nova win the 2025 Pride of Ownership award but was also proudly showcased at the Silverstone Festival in 2023 and 2024. For those heading to this year's festival - which takes place between 22 and 24 of August - the Nova will be back there once again. SHADOWY PAST This comes as a petrolhead recently revealed the secret history of his extremely rare modern classic motor - claiming the model is infamous in some parts of the country. Car enthusiast Paul Rees is a lifelong fan of the iconic Vauxhall Carlton - a nameplate that spanned decades from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. But when he bought an ultra-rare Vauxhall Lotus Carlton, a super saloon with a top speed of 176 mph, he was unaware of its notorious past.
