Tesla Motors Hires Hackers To Detect Flaws In Systems

Tesla Motors is recruiting hackers to detect flaws in auto software systems.

The American electric vehicle manufacturer, Tesla Motors, has taken a step to appease hackers. Tesla news exclaimed that the automaker is currently managing a big bounty program that offers $25 and $10,000 to research experts who succeed in exploring flaws in its electric vehicles or its mobile applications and web pages.

Now the enterprise is hiring hackers aimed at enhancing the software that is operating much of its electric powered car systems. Last week, Def Con Hacking Conference took place in Las Vegas in which two experts demonstrated and succeeded in accessing a Model S remotely. The hack resulted in deactivating the Model S systems and finally switching off the automobile.

Tesla news today disclosed that the researchers have disseminated the finding with the enterprise and since then, released a patch for the flaws they discovered. The Californian automaker’s Communications manager, Kobi Brooklyn, has stated that hackers belong to a group of people much significant for them. He added that the organization is interested in collaborating with the hacking community.

In a security conference at Beijing, Tesla Model S has participated in a $10,000 contest in which its capacity to protect itself from hackers was tested. One team succeeded in winning the prize even after it failed to control the electric vehicle’s functions.

Press sources highlighted that the hacking act was carried out to assess Tesla system’s ability to protect itself from hacking. Other modern producers have also failed to protect their products from such attacks. These encompass General Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Tesla Motors news stated that a hacker had previously demonstrated his ability to trespass Chevrolet Volt’s OnStar mobile service alone with access to the user’s personal details and automobile controls. After discovering that its system has been compromised, the company issued a fix.

The operations of the Fiat have been adversely affected by hacking activities, as it recalled 1,400,000 sedans last month after hackers succeeded in controlling its Jeep Cherokee, which was owned by a Journalist.

Market professionals believe that the vehicle manufacturer’s initiative to hire hackers would not only secure its systems but also promote the controversial field of hacking. It is most likely that exposure of Tesla’s flaws would add to the worries of its customers, as in today’s high-tech world, vehicles need to be secured from cyber criminals; otherwise, they could prove to be useless for their users.

Tesla’s officials should now consider its decisions. It should advertise hacking vacancies through different media platforms including electronic, social, and print media or else it might be unable to appoint flaw-detecting hacking experts. Some critiques have stated its controversies because it might promote hacking techniques and methods. The company regards it as the need of time.