X

Magnetic card readers at EV chargers could be big security concern, researchers say

There's a reason charging networks are almost entirely app-based.

evgo-150kw-charger-4.jpg
Enlarge Image
evgo-150kw-charger-4.jpg

Why go backward with technology?

EVgo

If you've ever swiped your card somewhere and subsequently had your own information swiped, you know how big of a hassle it can be. That's why some researchers are warning the growing EV community away from adding simple magnetic card readers to EV chargers.

A new report from the Digital Citizens Alliance warns against installing credit card readers at public EV charging stations. In the report, DCA claims that adding magnetic swipers "would be a step backward from a consumer security standpoint because the readers are a frequent target of criminal enterprises and individual hackers."

The report notes that many EV charging stations don't have security and aren't always populated, meaning there's plenty of opportunity for an enterprising young buck to sneak up, install a machine that steals credit card data and disappear back into the night. Skimmers can be hard to discover, as many are pitch-perfect recreations of the machines to which they're attached, and most people don't realize their card information has been stolen until their bank calls, asking whether a $300 Taco Bell order is par for the course.

The problem isn't the current slate of EV chargers out there, a plurality of which rely upon either app-based payment solutions or contactless methods like RFID, both of which are much harder to skim. Instead, the report points out that the issue comes from several different states, which are considering mandating credit card readers at publicly funded EV chargers for ease of use. Making something easier has tradeoffs, though, and in this case, it's security.

So what's the solution? Well, it looks a lot like what EV charging networks are already doing. By taking the payment process away from the physical point of sale, companies can add an extra layer of security. Offering additional compatibility with Apple Pay and/or Google Pay provides the same benefits, as well.

(Hat tip to TechCrunch!)

Porsche Taycan on ice in Sweden

See all photos
Watch this: Ice drifting in Porsche's all-electric Taycan
Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Andrew Krok
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.

Article updated on June 11, 2019 at 8:28 AM PDT

Our Experts

Written by 
Andrew Krok
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid. Reviews ethics statement
Andrew Krok Reviews Editor / Cars
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Why You Can Trust CNET
174175176177178179180+
Experts Interviewed
030405060708091011121314+
Companies Reviewed
108109110111112113+
Products Reviewed

We thoroughly evaluate each company and product we review and ensure our stories meet our high editorial standards.