Tesla announces it has aired update to fix security breach exposed by

After a Wired article demonstrated how security researchers could remotely disable a new Jeep Cherokee by worming into the car’s infotainment system, automakers are under increased scrutiny over their digital security.

Moreover, being benevolent hackers – or white hats – Mahaffey and partner Marc Rogers of web performance and security firm CloudFlare have already worked with Tesla to issue an over-the-air security update the week of Def Con before publishing their findings. Getting their inspiration from previous experiments on Chrysler models, the two engineers have broken into the software of the vehicles and created special bugs, which enabled them to gain further control over the autos.

Rogers told CNN that the pair had found six other flaws in the Tesla, among them that the Model S was using an obsolete web browser susceptible to malicious code.

Tesla is having a good reputation in terms of security of its cars.

The latest exploit is really a hack in two parts. As cars become increasingly connected to the internet, they can become as vulnerable as a computer is to viruses. Kamkar posted a YouTube video revealing what he called “OwnStar”, a device that intercepts GM’s OnStar Remote Link mobile app. He claimed OwnStar can locate, unlock and even remotely start cars that come equipped with the OnStar system. For the third quarter of this calendar year, the company is looking to sell 12,000 cars (a small portion will be Model X) which is a 60% growth compared to the same period last year. Unlike the Tesla hack, it did not require any physical access to the vehicle.

Rogers said “Ironically, that means it’s the only vehicle that can protect itself against a successful cyber attack”.

Tesla’s efforts at security haven’t been overlooked. Although it suffered from some vulnerabilities, it is one of the most security-focused companies on the market. It actually made matter worse since that title was what drew the “culprits” into its Model S vehicle. “Nevertheless, due to the position taken by Virginia regulators, we are making one change to our Referral Program for our customers in Virginia”.

The company explained that while equipment installation and final testing of its new Model X “is going well, there are many dependencies that could influence our Q4 production and deliveries“.