New Delhi: These days, such news is continuously coming out that e-rickshaws can be stopped through the Chinese smartphone app BAT-BMS. According to sources, the government has directed to remove BAT-BMS, Lossigy and Epoch-i-ion apps. These apps were allegedly being used to remotely shut down battery vehicles. Sources say that other such apps being misused will also be blocked. IT Secretary S. Krishnan stressed that app stores should take utmost care. He said the government will discuss the matter with them to ensure that harmful apps are not available.
While confirming the action in this matter, S. “That’s correct… there are a few apps that came to our attention yesterday and both of them have been removed from the App Store,” Krishnan said. He was speaking during the CII Cyber Security Summit. The issue came into focus on Thursday when reports emerged that some e-rickshaws were being stopped through the remote shutdown feature linked to Chinese smartphone app BAT-BMS. These videos have raised concerns about the threats to cyber security posed by such Internet-connected vehicle management systems.
Which apps were removed?
- BAT-BMS
- Lossigy
- Epoch-i-ion
Since when are these apps on Play Store?
These apps were available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store long before the e-rickshaw controversy started. These devices were created for battery testing and management. BAT-BMS was not initially a hacking tool. Shenzhen Grenergy Technology created it to be the perfect companion app for Bluetooth-enabled lithium-ion batteries.
Why were these apps created?
Apps like BAT-BMS were initially created to know battery related information. In this, useful things like battery voltage, temperature and charge cycle can be seen. The app also allows users to perform maintenance and turn off the battery discharge function when needed.
How do these apps work?
With an app like BAT-BMS, anyone within a Bluetooth range of about 10 to 15 meters could connect to the battery without any questions. However, in the recent incident, mischievous people started taking advantage of this. They would connect to nearby e-rickshaws and switch off the battery mid-ride, leaving drivers stranded and in trouble.
However, such actions have started worrying people, and it is definitely a big risk for passengers. It also shows how connected vehicles handle security. The government wasted no time in this matter and MeitY took immediate action and said that such software would be rigorously tested before releasing them for general use.
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