View all newsletters
Receive our newsletter - data, insights and analysis delivered to you

Tesla rushes software update to fix flaws in model S car

The hack on Tesla follows last month's attack on Fiat Chrysler's Jeep Cherokee.

By CBR Staff Writer

Tesla has rolled out a software update for its model S car to address the vulnerabilities identified by two researchers.

The researchers, Marc Rogers of Cloudflare and Kevin Mahaffey from Lookout, discovered that the vulnerabilities could be exploited, with hackers handed the ability top shut off the car and make it suddenly stop.

Rogers and Mahaffey accessed various systems in the car after physically connecting a computer to it through an ethernet cable. A Trojan Horse was used for remote-access.

It was discovered that the car would turn off if the speed is below 5 MPH. However, if the driver turns off while traveling faster than 5 MPH, it would switch to neutral.

Tesla has been working with the researchers for several weeks on software fixes.

Tesla was quoted by the BBC as saying: "Our well-developed safeguards protect every layer of our vehicle and network security system, including for the mobile app, Tesla’s servers, and the car itself.

"Through our responsible reporting process, a dedicated team of top-notch Tesla security professionals works closely with the researcher community to ensure that we continue to protect our systems against vulnerabilities by constantly stress-testing, validating, and updating our safeguards."

Content from our partners
An evolving cybersecurity landscape calls for multi-layered defence strategies
Powering AI’s potential: turning promise into reality
Unlocking growth through hybrid cloud: 5 key takeaways

Last month, FCA US recalled about 1.4 million vehicles in order to avoid hacking by updating software for several radios, after researchers exposed flaws in the software system.

Land Rover is also recalling over 65,000 vehicles to fix a software bug that causes the vehicle’s doors to unlock on their own.

Websites in our network
Select and enter your corporate email address Tech Monitor's research, insight and analysis examines the frontiers of digital transformation to help tech leaders navigate the future. Our Changelog newsletter delivers our best work to your inbox every week.
  • CIO
  • CTO
  • CISO
  • CSO
  • CFO
  • CDO
  • CEO
  • Architect Founder
  • MD
  • Director
  • Manager
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
THANK YOU