Staying secure with connected cars

As a tech-first company from Silicon Valley, the concept of ‘Agile’ software development is baked into Tesla’s DNA, and optimising security is part and parcel of a concept that boils down to quick delivery of a product that meets the customers’ needs, followed by regular updates containing ‘nice-to-have’ features and bug fixes.

A good example of agile in practice is the Tesla version 8.0 software rolled out last autumn. This delivered over 200 new features, including temperature monitoring when the car is parked for long periods of time, a new media player and autopilot improvements. The car is no longer a product, it’s an ever-improving service.

Whilst Elon Musk’s brainchild may be evolving quickly it isn’t perfect. Back in September 2016, a research team at Chinese IT firmTencent hacked into the braking systems of a Tesla Model S using its WiFi connection. However, unlike the uncertainty Fiat Chrysler showed in the wake of 2015’s infamous Jeep hack, Tesla’s over-the-air fix was logical and came within weeks of Tencent cracking the Model S.