Chief security officer to the NCC group Sultan Qasim Khan observed the Tesla access system. According to him, an “effective intrusion” into some Tesla models can give thieves control of the car. This intrusion is done by redirecting the communication between the digital key and the car. This will gives the hackers access to the car by unlocking it even without its owner’s digital key.
Tesla, on its part, swapped physical keys with digital ones, giving users quick access to their cars from their phones. This is quite convenient for most Tesla customers since they do not need to carry around an actual key when going for a ride. Digital keys also served some security features to its users since they could interact with their vehicles despite them being far away.
Now the same digital keys might start causing a menace to Tesla owners. A seemingly effortless breach in the Tesla access system and an EV might fall into the wrong hands. This security breach as tested by Sultan Qasim Khan doesn’t specifically aim to compromise Tesla’s security. It might as well work with other EVs and diesel-powered vehicles that use a digital key. The Tesla keyless entry system was only a specimen of Khan’s test.
Are there security features within the Tesla system that can protect one of the brand’s EVs should its digital key suffer compromise. Possibly turning off the car or locking it once the user gets a notification of access to their Tesla. Tracking systems available on Tesla cats will come into play if such an event should take place and the hacker makes away with the EV.
This revelation by NCC group, a Manchester-based security firm, proves that as cars get smarter, so do the risks they face. Asides from Tesla, other EV manufacturing companies should take a leave from this and work to improve the security system of their cars.
