Tesla is once again in the media spotlight for hacking, hiring and hassles from customers. At the Symposium on Security for Asia Network Conference in Beijing this week (July 16 and 17), hackers can win $10,000 if they can hack a Tesla S. In the meantime, Tesla is actively seeking to hire US Military veterans. Tesla already employes 300 veterans because of the technical skills learned in the armed forces and wants to recruit 600 more, while the first successful “Lemon Law” negotiation with an unsatisfied customer was completed.
The winning Tesla hacker must use the in-car touch screen to surf the internet and manipulate the vehicle’s controls remotely through a computer.
The Tesla blog notes that Tesla didn’t endorse or provide the car. The Tesla S has a large 17″ touchscreen and HSPA+ connection from AT&T (in the U.S). The Telsa S system is rated the most easy to use by SBD and is called the “King of Smartcars.”
Tesla has been a constant target of rumors of danger. There were battery fires that led to Tesla raising the bottom of the car and adding a metal panel.
So far we have not heard of anyone hacking Tesla. There was a recent Tesla theft recently in Los Angles in which the car split into two.
Telsa offers a disclosure program, that lets user report holew or problems with the car’s system. Tesla hired ex-Apple security expert Kristin Paget to improve the car’s digital security. Tesla also responds to any problems, especially those involving safety quickly.
King of the lemon laws, Vince Megna, has reached settlement of $126,836 for his client after the Tesla was in the shop for 66 days with problems that included paint defects to power train issues. Vince Megan is an attorney who likes to make videos. The Tesla blog suggested that the car was tampered with.