Tesla smartphone app threaten app users of stealing and hacking of vehicles as the app track, unlock, locate and steal Tesla cars.
According to Forbes, the said Tesla smartphone app provides an unlimited range of conveniences for the owners of the amazing electric vehicles. However, when the smartphone get hacked, the app can be used by thieves to steal a Model S or even a Model X as confirmed by a Norwegian Cybersecurity Firm.
Reports claim that there is no sufficient level of security established with the said Tesla app that prevents smartphone hackers from locating Tesla vehicles, unlocking it and carrying it away in keyless mode. Furthermore, Keen Security Labs released a recent research that exploited flaws in the CAN bus systems of Tesla vehicles which enable to take control of the electric car, The Register reported.
Meanwhile, Tom Lysemose Hansen, the founder, and CTO of Promon defines the ways how cybercriminals can take advantage of the Tesla smartphone hack app using Wi-FI hotspot. Hansen stated that when Tesla users log in and visit a page, a page will appear offering something like incentives or coffee. Upon clicking the link, the user unknowingly downloads the app wherein the hackers gain access.
Furthermore, if the app reaches the smartphone, the user will now eventually allow the hackers to attack the Tesla app and then obtain usernames and passwords. "Our test is the first one which uses the Tesla app as the entry point and goes some steps further by showing that a compromised app can lead to the theft of the car," Hansen confirmed the app test.
The most prone venue are Tesla Supercharger stations wherein Wi-Fi hotspot exists. Additional reports said that the malware would also allow hackers to access banking apps, email accounts and other sensitive information on the user smartphone.
Hansen further stated, "We firmly believe that Tesla and the car industry need to provide a comparable level of security." However, Tesla spokesperson said that there has never been any report of a Tesla vehicle being stolen or hacked through the Tesla smartphone app. Still, it is best for users to be aware.
