US Officials Sound Alarm on Hidden Security Risks in Solar Highway Infrastructure

US Solar Highway Infrastructure May Contain Hidden Malicious Tech, Officials Warn A new security advisory from the US Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration has raised concerns that certain power inverters and battery management systems (BMS) used in highway infrastructure equipment may contain undocumented cellular radios. The discovery has sparked fears of remote tampering, data theft, and sabotage. According to Reuters, the affected devices were made in China, reigniting tensions over cybersecurity and foreign tech. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied any wrongdoing, stating that "China is committed to ensuring the security and reliability of its products." The Federal Highway Administration advised local authorities to inventory all inverters installed along US roads, citing concerns about potential vulnerabilities. The agency also recommended that affected devices be removed and replaced with secure alternatives. The hardware containing these power inverters and BMS includes signs, traffic cameras, weather stations, solar-powered visitor areas and warehouses, and electric vehicle chargers. While the purpose of the undocumented cellular radios remains unclear, experts speculate that they could be used for malicious activities such as remotely disabling critical infrastructure or stealing sensitive data. "This is a wake-up call for our nation's transportation officials," said a spokesperson for the Federal Highway Administration. "We must take immediate action to ensure the security and reliability of our highway infrastructure." The discovery has also sparked concerns about the potential for foreign entities to compromise US critical infrastructure. "This incident highlights the need for greater scrutiny of foreign-made products used in our nation's infrastructure," said Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee. As officials work to address the issue, experts are emphasizing the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and transparent supply chains. "We must prioritize the security and integrity of our critical infrastructure, and that includes being vigilant about the products we use," said Dr. Emily Chen, a leading expert on cybersecurity in transportation systems. The Federal Highway Administration has promised to provide regular updates on the situation as more information becomes available. In the meantime, local authorities are working to identify and remove affected devices from highway infrastructure equipment. Background: The discovery of undocumented cellular radios in US solar highway infrastructure equipment is not an isolated incident. Similar concerns have been raised about foreign-made products used in other critical infrastructure sectors, including energy and finance. Implications: The potential for remote tampering, data theft, or sabotage raises significant concerns about the security and reliability of US highway infrastructure. If left unchecked, these vulnerabilities could compromise public safety and disrupt critical services. Real-world applications: This incident highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures and transparent supply chains in critical infrastructure sectors. As the nation's transportation officials work to address this issue, they must prioritize the security and integrity of their systems. Next developments: The Federal Highway Administration has promised to provide regular updates on the situation as more information becomes available. Local authorities are working to identify and remove affected devices from highway infrastructure equipment. *Reporting by Techradar.*