EV Charging in Real Estate and Cybersecurity Risks

Zoe

So, Eric, have you noticed how, like, everywhere you go now, there’s an EV charging station? It’s crazy. Parking lots, shopping malls, even apartment complexes. It’s like, everyone’s jumping on the electric bandwagon.

Eric Marquette

Absolutely, Zoe. It’s all tied to the fact that the adoption of EVs is skyrocketing. By 2030, some forecasts suggest that more than half of all new car sales could be electric. How we charge them has turned into a major consideration—not just for drivers but for commercial real estate as well.

Zoe

Yeah, it’s like, if your building doesn’t have EV chargers now, it feels kinda behind the times. Like, who wants to rent that space?

Eric Marquette

Exactly. For property owners, EV charging stations are becoming more than just parking lot accessories. They're a value-add. An apartment complex, for example, can use them as a way to attract tenants. And businesses can market them as a workplace perk.

Zoe

Totally! Plus, it’s not just about keeping up with trends. It’s also... what’s the term? ESG goals, right? Companies wanna show they’re environmentally friendly.

Eric Marquette

Correct. ESG—Environmental, Social, and Governance. Adding EV chargers aligns perfectly with sustainability efforts. Many organizations are incorporating them into their broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting green practices. It’s also a way to signal forward-thinking to clients and investors.

Zoe

Forward-thinking, yeah. And, like, it feels good, too, right? You’re not just adding something trendy, you’re genuinely helping the environment. Oh, and I bet it adds property value too?

Eric Marquette

It does. Installing EV chargers is often seen as a capital improvement. That can make properties more attractive to tenants while increasing their overall market value. In competitive markets, it’s about creating a buzz—making your property stand out as modern and attentive to both convenience and sustainability.

Zoe

It’s honestly genius. You’re solving a real problem for drivers, making the property cooler, and helping the environment too. Win-win!

Eric Marquette

Win-win indeed. And for property owners, it's a relatively small investment compared to the immense potential benefits—if done right, of course.

Zoe

Right, because no one wants to just slap some chargers in and call it a day. There’s a lot more behind it...

Eric Marquette

Exactly, Zoe, there’s a lot more behind it than just installing chargers. A setup like this brings its own set of challenges, particularly with all the connectivity involved. One major concern that’s come up is cybersecurity—it’s something we should definitely dive into.

Zoe

Oh, cybersecurity? Didn’t see that one coming. What’s the deal with EV chargers and, like, hacking?

Eric Marquette

Well, think about it. These chargers aren’t just plugged into the grid—they’re connected to the internet. They rely on it for everything from processing payments to user authentication. That means, just like any other IoT device, they’re vulnerable if the right precautions aren’t in place.

Zoe

Okay, wait. So, we’re saying someone could hack into a charger? Like... while my car’s plugged in?

Eric Marquette

Exactly. It’s not science fiction, Zoe. There’s video proof of someone remotely taking administrative control of an EV charging station using just a smartphone.

Zoe

Shut up. That’s wild! What could they even do?

Eric Marquette

A lot, actually. They could disable chargers, block access, or worse, steal payment information. Many of these chargers use Bluetooth or NFC to communicate with your smartphone or credit card during transactions. If a hacker exploits vulnerabilities, they could grab Personal Identifiable Information—or PII—like your payment data.

Zoe

Ugh, that’s so creepy! So it’s not just about my car charging—it’s also about protecting my wallet and, you know, my identity.

Eric Marquette

Exactly. And it’s not just individual users at risk. For building owners supplying internet connections to these chargers, the stakes could be even higher. If their network isn’t properly segmented, attackers might gain access to other critical systems within the building.

Zoe

Jeez, Eric. This is sounding more and more like a thriller movie.

Eric Marquette

It definitely has elements of that, but there are preventative measures. Zero-Trust Architecture, for instance, is a highly recommended approach. It works by assuming that no device or user is trustworthy by default, and it strictly controls access to networks. This can dramatically reduce the likelihood of a breach.

Zoe

Zero-Trust? That sounds... intense. Like, you just can’t trust anyone?

Eric Marquette

Not even the devices. The idea is to treat every connection—whether it’s from an EV charger, a printer, or even a thermostat—with suspicion. That means constant verification instead of assuming the network is secure just because it was logged into once.

Zoe

Okay, I’m on board with that. But what about the companies behind these chargers? Like, are they doing anything to keep us safe?

Eric Marquette

That’s a really good question, Zoe. Many companies are stepping up their game by integrating robust security protocols into their systems, but it’s not foolproof. At the end of the day, it also comes back to being proactive. Property owners, developers, and even individual users... they all need to think critically about the technology they’re trusting and how it’s being implemented.

Zoe

Yeah, and that means it’s not just about grabbing the first EV charger on sale, right? You’ve gotta look at who made it, what their security protocols are, and—oh, and whether they’re meeting compliance standards like PCI. Did I get that right?

Eric Marquette

Exactly—you nailed it. Compliance isn’t just some bureaucratic checkbox. It’s there to protect businesses and users alike from cyber threats and potential legal trouble. If you’re dealing with PII or payment data, that’s a responsibility you can’t afford to ignore.

Zoe

Totally. And like, the trust factor, too. If tenants find out there’s been a security breach? Oof, that’s a tough one to recover from.

Eric Marquette

Absolutely. Tenants want to know that they’re in good hands and that the infrastructure in place is safe. This is the kind of thing that can make or break a building's reputation. That’s where partnering with cybersecurity experts comes in.

Zoe

Oh, like 5Q, right?

Eric Marquette

Exactly. They specialize in bridging the gap between commercial real estate tech and cybersecurity. By analyzing the risks, implementing strategies like Zero-Trust Architecture, and staying ahead of compliance standards, they offer tailored solutions that fit any budget.

Zoe

And it sounds like they kinda turn cybersecurity into something manageable, instead of, you know, this giant overwhelming thing you wanna avoid.

Eric Marquette

That’s the goal. Taking smart, informed steps now can save a lot of headaches—and money—down the road. It’s all about building a cyber-resilient foundation that supports innovation instead of stifling it.

Zoe

Okay, I love that. “Cyber-resistant foundation”—can that be my new motto?

Eric Marquette

It’s a good one. And honestly, it ties back into everything we’ve talked about today. EV chargers are more than just outlets—they’re part of a bigger ecosystem that has incredible potential, as long as we don’t overlook the risks.

Zoe

Exactly. So, if you’re a building owner out there listening, do your research, get a secure setup, and make sure you’re working with people who know how to keep you protected.

Eric Marquette

And remember, the key is staying one step ahead—because the technology and the threats are evolving every day. Together, we can embrace innovation while staying safe. To learn more about these services, visit 5qcloud.com

Zoe

Love it. And that’s all for today! Thanks for listening to Bricks Bytes. Eric, as always, such a blast chatting with you!

Eric Marquette

Same here, Zoe. Until next time, take care and stay curious. 6525 The Corners Parkway