Tesla says it sent update for security flaws found by hackers

They said the software already had safeguards in place to contain and minimize the impact of any security breaches, including a fairly strict isolation of systems related to driving and entertainment. “All the displays go absolute, the sounds will be off and of course the handbrake occurs, lurching it onto a finish”.

Not only is Tesla’s network vulnerable to attack, but the researchers also discovered the infotainment system browser in the auto was outdated, which could be another way hackers could control the vehicle remotely. The cybersecurity experts will present their finding along with details of the hack on Friday at the Def Con hacking conference in Las Vegas.

“As we prepare to launch Model X in September, we are building more validation vehicles, executing final engineering and testing work, enabling our new manufacturing equipment and finalising arrangements with our suppliers”, explains Tesla.

“Tesla has taken a number of different measures to address the effects of all six vulnerabilities reported by [the researchers]”, a Tesla spokesperson told Wired.

One way to bolster a car’s security is by increasing the protection around individual components, and that way preventing a hacker from using one compromised system to access another.

Once full access was gained, they were able to control Tesla remotely. This is a big difference from its competitor, Chrysler, which had to recall around 1.4 million cars, or in some cases, even send the updates on a USB stick via mail.

According to a report by Automotive News, citing The Financial Times, a team of researchers from a cybersecurity firm have successfully hacked and gained control of a Tesla Model S.

In the letter, Tesla commemorated the third anniversary of the Model S and acknowledged the highly anticipated Model X sport utility vehicle that is due out in the third quarter.

A generation or two ago, young guys liked to mess around with cars, trying to make them faster, louder and generally more disreputable. The key safety feature of “over the air update” process that Tesla owners can avail in a matter of hours, earned the company considerable praise from the researchers.