$10,000 bounty on Model S hacks entices tinkerers, aggravates Tesla

By Peter Braun July 10, 2014

As cars become increasingly digital, vehicle security is no longer just about locks and alarms, instead the focus is on lines of code. So is it possible to “hack” into a modern car and insert malicious code? That is what a competition to hack a Tesla at the SyScan conference in Beijing aims to find out. If one of the hackers does succeed, they walk away with $10,000.

The Tesla Model S has been chosen not just because of its techie cred, but also because Tesla has actually invested real resources in digital security. In fact, as we have previously covered Tesla hired “hacker princess” Kristen Paget away from Apple. Tesla has also pioneered an open vulnerability disclosure program, so anyone can report flaws in the car’s security. A first among automakers.

Still, Tesla isn’t too excited about the contest. Forbes reports that the Palo Alto based firm is neither involved with the contest nor very supportive. That is understandable, given that any success at the SyScan conference will make Tesla look bad, even if a Model S might in fact be significantly more challenging to hack than another product.

Even so, a successful hack is pretty likely. As Forbes has previously reported DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, has already been researching inserting malicious code into cars; and the news isn’t good, because apparently it isn’t that hard.

Two researchers, Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek were able to remotely control cars from Ford and Toyota, activating the brakes and interfering with steering. Another reason to not love electric power steering.

With that in mind it is unlikely that the SyScan competition will produce good news about the Tesla’s security, but the competition itself might be the best news possible.

Digital cars aren’t going away, in fact with widespread sales of autonomous cars on the horizon cars are about to get much more dependent on computers, and potentially networking. With that in mind, digital security may end up being a major issue in the industry, and one automakers are loathe to discuss. With that in mind, any attention drawn to the issue, like that from the SyScan conference may end up being critical to ensure that cars in the digital age are safe and secure.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Peter is a freelance contributor to Digital Trends and almost a lawyer. He has loved thinking, writing and talking about cars…

Cars

Tesla Model S vs. Porsche Taycan: turning heads and snapping necks

A 2021 Tesla Model S.

The Tesla Model S kind of pioneered the concept that electric cars could be cool. When the Model S first launched in 2012, electric cars in general were considered to be slow and a little nerdy. But since then, a range of other attractive EVs have popped up -- including the ultra-cool Porsche Taycan.

If you're looking to fulfill a need for electric speed, you may be deciding between the Model S and the Porsche Taycan -- and it makes sense. They both have a lot to offer. But is one of them truly better? Here's what you need to know.
Design
The first thing to notice about these two cars is their design, as they take a slightly different approach to it. The Tesla Model S has certainly evolved a little over the years, now offering a much sleeker and more modern design than the initial bulb-nosed Model S that was released in 2012. But it also doesn't do that much to stand out, especially in a world where it has become not uncommon to see Teslas on the streets.

Cars

Tesla Model Y vs. Nissan Ariya: Can Tesla take out Nissan’s electric crossover?

Front three quarter view of the 2023 Nissan Ariya.

Nissan has been a little slow to the punch when it comes to electrification (besides the Leaf, of course). But now, it’s finally starting to electrify its lineup with the new Nissan Ariya. The Ariya is a crossover similar in size to the likes of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Kia EV6, and, of course, the Tesla Model Y.

If you’re in the market for a new electric car, you might be wondering whether you should go for the now-everywhere Tesla Model Y or stick with the newer Nissan Ariya. Both cars are seemingly more tech-focused, however, while the Ariya builds on Nissan’s decades of experience in the automotive industry, the Model Y takes a still-fresh approach to its car, at least compared to the competition.

Cars

Tesla Model S vs. Model X: Which is right for you?

Tesla Model X

The Tesla Model S was the original cool electric car, boasting a sleek and stylish design and the ability to go superfast. But there's another premium Tesla in the lineup that's also pretty darn quick -- and it offers a whole lot more space to boot. The Tesla Model X offers the same design aesthetic as other Tesla cars, along with a superpowerful electric motor and some other features that you can't find on any other Tesla.

But that doesn't mean it's better than the Model S. In fact, it's not -- it's just different. But which is the better option for your needs? Here's a look at the two cars and what makes them different -- or the same.
Design
Perhaps the most notable difference between the two cars is their design. The Model S is a smaller sedan, while the Model X is marketed as an SUV (though it's perhaps more of a crossover). Regardless of marketing, however, the Model X is basically much larger than the Model S.