There have been increased concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities in internet-connected mobility systems, and the government has taken action by removing three Chinese mobile applications from app stores. These applications, namely BAT-BMS, Lossigy, and Epoch-i-ion, were allegedly used to remotely disable battery-operated vehicles in India. This comes as official sources confirmed the decision on Friday.
This move is in response to several videos that surfaced on social media showing electric rickshaws disabled via a remote shutdown function associated with the BAT-BMS app. The films made people wonder if electric vehicle battery management systems have adequate cybersecurity protections in place to prevent unauthorised apps from remotely accessing and controlling vital vehicle functions.
According to government officials, the three apps were ordered to remove from app stores after it was discovered that they might be used to remotely disable battery-operated automobiles.
Additionally, they mentioned that if any other software was discovered to be enabling similar misuse, the authorities would take action to stop it.
According to the sources, the government is also making efforts to stop apps that could compromise cybersecurity from being distributed through app marketplaces.
The BAT-BMS app, created by the Shenzhen Grenergy Technology Co. Ltd. of China, allows users to keep tabs on and manage compatible lithium battery packs using Bluetooth. Users are able to monitor and manage charging and discharging operations on batteries that are compatible with the app, as well as display data such as battery temperature, voltage, current, and charge level.
Many people are worried that unauthorised individuals within Bluetooth range could remotely deactivate low-cost e-rickshaws due to the absence of authentication in their Bluetooth-enabled battery management systems.
With a Bluetooth range of about 15 meters, BAT-BMS may link up to several batteries all at once. The app’s primary selling point is not its ability to drive vehicles, but rather its battery monitoring and management features.
There are two similar BMS applications that work with different brands of Bluetooth-enabled lithium batteries: Lossigy and Epoch-i-ion (Epoch Li-ion).
Videos went viral showing people getting close to e-rickshaws, connecting them to suitable batteries via Bluetooth, and then turning off the discharge output of the batteries, leaving the vehicles stranded. After restarting the automobiles using the same software, several stories claimed that pranksters offered to “fix” them for a charge.
Image: The QNS 24×7
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