Near to where I live is a farm shop with a significant Tesla facility (multiple chargers and a showroom),
I had wandered down to have a look and heard a conversation about the ability of Tesla to remotely disable the software on their cars.
Is this theoretically possible?

If so, that would be a triumph for a determined hacker.

Do any TM Tesla fans know the answer?

Bud
4/4 - Stanley

There is much discussion on the Tesla Forum about this.

In theory, yes. But the same is true of any car (or computer) that receives "over the air" updates as WiFi or LTE signals.
The hacker would have to get into Tesla's main server system, updates are coded to specific vehicles and verified by the receiving vehicle as "for me".
From a back of the van hack, I'm 100% confident that it would be impossible.

Sounds like an easy hack to disable all cars in a specific area, say, the UK.
You wouldn't be 100% sure it was impossible if you chatted to my client who works/consults with MOD technology side.
It's terrifying listening to him; how we are putting all our eggs in one basket in western europe.
Nick

Unless it's an air-gapped stand alone system it can (and almost certainly will) get hacked sometime .... there's a combination of clever poachers and careless gamekeepers who combine to be the downfall of every system.

K

It's theoretically possible to do a ton of things that have never actually been done, understanding women, for example.

I can't say I'm too worried.

It is a risk but I think you need to view it in the bigger context to see it. External hacking into the Tesla database is and will always remember an issue. But you can design to that issue. More worrying ? Obtain a login to the central system and do what you like. The main issue remains the weakest link in the chain, administration and the human. A disaffected employee is a very dangerous tool. Or someone looking for a bit of additional cash and doing a bad person a favour for money.

For balance I would say this is more secure than the current "smart" key approach. Every dealer has a programming machine. Look at the keyjacking software you can get to boost a car by holding a device to your house window and extending the keys range so you can start the car.

I see the benefits of the remote access, removing the high speed car chase. I think the police peeps on here will agree this is a horrible thing to deal with, risk to public, risk to police, risk to property. If you could reach into the car and hit the 10% power button to force them to pull over and debunk it would be a good thing? You don't want to stop them dead in mid chase as that is an accident waiting to happen? So a rapid series of power reduction sites with warning through the dash would be wonderful. If you were the owner you could just tap in a dash code to give you a delay whilst you sorted the issue out with the telephone support number (you can imagine that call right!).

Talking of remote access, I read today that BMW will now sell their cars fully loaded, but the owner will not be able to access the systems unless they either pay extra or set up a subscription to use the features. This can be done at any time in a cars life apparently. They were specifically talking about heated seats and steering wheel, but could make it work for other stuff too. Hmm.

PS. I didn't know there was a Tesla showroom at D**ts Farm Budster, something for me to do when my wife insists on shopping there next time, instead of going to Lidl like I do.

Don’t get your hopes up Paul. The definition of ‘showroom is Tesla’s.
If you walk down the side by Cotswold Outdoor, you’ll find it.
We don’t shop there, other than cider!
Though the café does a fantastic beef burger.


Bud
4/4 - Stanley