How Hackable are Teslas?
As technology advances, so do the threats of hacking. Cars, including electric vehicles like Teslas, are not immune to these threats. So how hackable are Teslas, and what can owners do to protect themselves?
Teslas are popular among car enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals due to their advanced features, including self-driving capabilities and over-the-air software updates. However, these features also make them vulnerable to hacking attempts. Then we can decide the answer to the question “How Hackable are Teslas”?
The good news is that Tesla has taken several measures to secure its vehicles. For example, the company uses a public key infrastructure (PKI) to authenticate software updates and ensure that they come from Tesla. Additionally, Tesla has implemented a bug bounty program, which rewards individuals who discover and report security vulnerabilities in Tesla’s products.
Despite these measures, researchers have still been able to find vulnerabilities in Tesla’s systems. In 2018, a group of researchers from Keen Security Lab, a cybersecurity research group, demonstrated how they could remotely take control of a Tesla Model S by exploiting a vulnerability in the car’s software. The researchers were able to open the doors, adjust the seats, and even activate the brakes while the car was in motion.
Tesla quickly addressed the vulnerability and released a software update to fix it. However, this incident highlights the fact that even the most secure systems can have vulnerabilities, and it is important to stay vigilant and take appropriate measures to protect yourself.
One of the most common ways hackers attempt to gain access to Teslas is through social engineering. Social engineering involves manipulating individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that they would not otherwise do. For example, a hacker might send a phishing email to a Tesla owner, asking them to click on a link to update their Tesla software. The link would actually lead to a fake website designed to steal the owner’s login credentials.
To protect against social engineering attacks, Tesla owners should always be cautious when clicking on links in emails or text messages, particularly those that claim to be from Tesla. Instead of clicking on the link, the owner should go directly to the Tesla website or app to verify if an update is available.
Another way hackers attempt to gain access to Teslas is through the car’s infotainment system. In 2020, researchers from Red Balloon Security discovered a vulnerability in the infotainment system of a Tesla Model 3 that allowed them to remotely access the car’s computer system. Once they had access, the researchers were able to take control of various systems within the car, including the brakes.
Tesla quickly released a software update to fix the vulnerability, but this incident highlights the importance of keeping your car’s software up to date. Tesla regularly releases over-the-air updates to fix security vulnerabilities and add new features. Owners should make sure to install these updates as soon as they become available to ensure that their cars are as secure as possible.
In addition to keeping their software up to date, Tesla owners can take several other steps to protect themselves from hacking attempts. One of the most important steps is to use a strong password for their Tesla account. A strong password should be at least eight characters long and include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Owners should also enable two-factor authentication for their Tesla account. Two-factor authentication requires the owner to enter a code sent to their phone or email in addition to their password, making it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to their account.
Another important step is to be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi networks are often not secure, and hackers can use them to intercept traffic and gain access to devices connected to the network. Tesla owners should avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks when possible and use a virtual private network (VPN) when they need to connect to the internet.
Another important step is to be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi networks are often not secure, and hackers can use them to intercept traffic and gain access to devices connected to the network. Tesla owners should avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks when possible and use a virtual private network (VPN) when they need to connect to the internet.
Finally, Tesla owners should be cautious when installing third-party apps or making modifications to their cars. These apps or changes might not be safe and could make the car’s systems more vulnerable. Before installing any new software, owners should always do research and only install apps or changes from sources they trust.
In conclusion, hackers can try to break into Teslas, but the company has taken steps to keep its cars safe. Even with these precautions, Tesla’s systems have still been found to have flaws. This shows that Tesla owners need to take the right steps to protect themselves. Owners should be cautious when clicking on links in emails or text messages, keep their software up to date, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, and be cautious when installing third-party apps or modifications on their cars. By taking these steps, Tesla owners can help to protect their vehicles from hacking attempts and ensure that they remain safe and secure on the road.
