Model S Hacked: Tesla Addresses Security Loopholes Chinese Firm Discovered

Sep 22, 2016 04:10 AM EDT | Eve C.

A team of Chinese individuals was able to hack the system of the Tesla Model S. But fortunately, the automaker is able to fix the loopholes.

The Keen Security team at Chinese company Tencent hacked the brake system while it was on driving mode, from a distance of 12 miles (19km). The hackers also managed to open a car door without using a key by using a laptop.

As a result, the group warns the owners of Tesla electric cars to be proactive and to check its system regularly. The company posted this announcement on its online blog recently:

"PLEASE DO UPDATE THE FIRMWARE OF YOUR TESLA CAR TO THE LATEST VERSION TO ENSURE THAT THE ISSUES ARE FIXED AND AVOID POTENTIAL DRIVING SAFETY RISKS."

Most importantly, the group also warns Tesla and advises that the loopholes should be fixed as soon as possible. Fortunately, the car company is able to do so.

According to BBC, Tesla found a way to update its firmware without going to every dealership, which would be a relief for both the owners and the potential buyers. 

Apart from that, Elon Musk's firm also issued a statement in CNBC, reiterating that they acted quickly after the Keen Security team notified them. "Within just 10 days of receiving this report, Tesla has already deployed an over-the-air software update (v7.1, 2.36.31) that addresses the potential security issues," as written.

"The issue demonstrated is only triggered when the web browser is used, and also required the car to be physically near to and connected to a malicious wifi hotspot. Our realistic estimate is that the risk to our customers was very low, but this did not stop us from responding quickly. "

Tesla has been the leading brand when it comes to selling electric cars and one of its famous brand is the Model S.

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