Chinese firm hacks Tesla Model S remotely

A Chinese security group effectively hacked a Tesla Model S, and showed numerous security vulnerabilities.

Indeed, they showed they could manage the vehicle remotely, whether the vehicle was parked or in motion.

The Keen Security group at Chinese company Tencent alerted Tesla of the hacks, and Tesla issued an update patching the holes in just over a week. The group discussed the hack in a blog post, and in the video above.

The hack needed a number of conditions, of course. The motorist would have to connect to a malicious WiFi hotspot, and then use the internet browser. This is how the hackers were able to gain access.

The group advised Tesla owners to make sure they have the current software upgrade, on their post: “PLEASE DO UPDATE THE FIRMWARE OF YOUR TESLA CAR TO THE LATEST VERSION TO ENSURE THAT THE ISSUES ARE FIXED AND AVOID POTENTIAL DRIVING SAFETY RISKS.”

Teslas are certainly not the only vehicles that can be hacked– Chrysler recalled 1.4 million automobiles in early 2015 after some researchers hacked into and remotely controlled a Jeep. Whereas Tesla updated the software, Chrysler owners needed to get in touch with the company for a USB stick with the upgrade on it.