Tesla app’s two-factor authentication ’embarrassingly’ late, says Musk

Tesla CEO Elon Musk posted on Twitter that the company was ’embarrassingly’ late in rolling out a security layer called two-factor authentication (2FA) for its mobile app.

Replying to a Twitter user, Musk posted: “Sorry, this is embarrassingly late. Two-factor authentication via SMS or authenticator app is going through final validation right now.”

The CEO had said recently that the additional security layer was coming soon.

He first mentioned that the automaker would add two-factor authentication back in May 2019. Tesla owners have stepped up their calls for two-factor authentication as the rest of the tech community embracing the security feature.

Sorry, this is embarrassingly late. Two factor authentication via sms or authenticator app is going through final validation right now.— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 14, 2020

Two-factor authentication – also called two-step verification – is a way to confirm that the actual account holder or car owner is logging in and not a hacker.

Some websites do this by sending you a code through text message. But hackers are able to intercept these. A more secure way of doing it is by sending a code through a mobile app, often called an authenticator, which security experts prefer.

The Tesla app is an important tool for owners because it provides them control over numerous functions on their vehicles.

When Bluetooth is enabled, the app permits drivers to use their phone as a key to the automaker’s newer vehicle models.

The app also lets the user remotely lock and unlock the doors, trunk and frunk, turn on the HVAC system, monitor and control charging, locate the vehicle and schedule service.