Security

2018.44 introduces enhanced security

After various thefts in Europe where Tela cars haven’t been recovered, Tesla owners have started requesting additional security for their cars. Tesla has reacted fast and in version 2018.44 email and password are required to disable mobile access. Way to go Tesla!

See more: TMC Forum

2FA coming to our accounts soon

Since our cars can be accessed with our username and password, having a robust system is required. After months of many owners asking Elon to implement two-factor auth, he finally said on Twitter that it’s coming soon. Hopefully, as they do this they add some real OAuth for Tesla accounts since a decent number of 3rd party apps use their API. Thanks Elon!

Read more: Twitter

2FA confirmed in Tesla Accounts (still being tested)

Our friend Tyler from @teslascope has shared an interesting finding regarding Tesla’s 2FA. We knew it was coming (and just recently Elon tweeted about this being tested), but we now have unofficial confirmation that 2FA has been implemented on Tesla Accounts. The image shared shows a valid API call using the new authentication method. I personally hope that Tesla helps owners setting 2FA when is out since it’s a great way of protecting our Teslas.

Unsolicited advice, 2FA is highly recommended in all online accounts. If you don’t have 2FA in places like Gmail, Twitter, Facebook, etc. I suggest that you set it up, hit me if you need help!

Amazon launches Ring Car Connect

Ring just launched a new device for your car that can extend Tesla’s Sentry Mode capabilities. Ring Car Connect gets plugged into your Tesla (all models) and taps into its cameras which can then be used in real-time. What kind of features are we talking about? If you’re familiar with Ring’s doorbell camera, we’re talking about similar things: motion and sound alerts, photo capture, cloud storage, etc. I believe Tesla is going to get there sooner or later, but it seems a good move on Ring’s side to win in the car security space outside the Tesla world.

Drop-Lock, a lock for your rear seats

Not the more sophisticated solution to the problem but at least it would stop thiefs from accessing your trunk.

Read more: Twitter

Enhanced anti-theft add-on

Enhanced anti-theft comes as part of the basic package in Europe since it’s mandatory by law. This is how it actually looks like.

Read more: TMC Forum

First look at Enhanced Anti-Theft system

Alvin Shen shared his experience after buying the $350 hardware upgrade with Electrek. According to the MX Tesla owner, a mobile technician was sent to do the installation, which lasted about an hour. It seems like it could potentially be problematic with ‘pet mode’, but other than that the system is working fine.

Read more: Electrek

Model 3 comes with tilt and intrusion sensor in Europe

Interior detection is required by insurances in Europe. Now we have confirmation that Model 3 brings it as well. European Model S and X had it before they offered the enhanced anti-theft in the US, so we can just assume it is just a matter of time until they offer this add-on for US Model 3s.

Read more: Reddit

Model S enhanced anti-theft

For Model S build after September 2016 and for $350 (including installation at a Service Center), Tesla is offering enhanced anti-theft system on their website. It consists of active sensor technology designed to detect motion inside the cabin as well as sense if the vehicle is moved or tilted.

See more: Tesla Shop

Multi-factor authentication is now available

Multi-factor authentication is now available on your Tesla account. Once configured, you can see the list of all devices you have authorized on your Tesla account page. I use Google Authenticator for 2FA but you can use any third-party authenticator out there. Log into your Tesla account, go to Account > Multi-factor authentication > Manage, and scan the QR code. Easy, right? If you haven’t done it yet don’t leave it for later and do it right away!

PIN to drive released in software update 2018.34

As we anticipated last week, the new PIN to drive feature has been released in version 2018.34. Photos courtesy of Philippe DeRuyter.

Read more: TMC Forum

PIN to drive security feature

Tesla has added the option of a ‘PIN to Drive’ setting to its models for added security. Aimed at combating the theft of cars through key fob hacking, the option will not allow a user to drive the car until the correct PIN (personal identification number) has been entered on the infotainment screen.

Read more: MotorArticles

Pin-to-open the glovebox available in China

Pin-to-open the glovebox just became available in China after the latest software update. It seems it may be coming to the US with version 2020.40.* which doesn’t seem to have started rolling out to the fleet just yet.

Security vulnerability in Model S key fob

Tesla left its Model S cars open to a far more straightforward form of hacking: stealthily cloning the car’s key fob in seconds, opening the car door, and driving away. (…)

Just two weeks ago, Tesla rolled out new antitheft features for the Model S that include the ability to set a PIN code that someone must enter on the dashboard display to drive the car. Tesla also says that Model S units sold after June of this year aren’t vulnerable to the attack.

Read more: Wired

Sentry mode should be out in 2 - 3 weeks

At least that is what Elon said on Twitter.

Read more: Twitter

Stolen Tesla vehicles in the US have almost all been recovered: 112 out of 115

American thieves really need to rethink their strategy when it comes to stealing Tesla vehicles because they are being caught at an alarming rate. (…) It compares to a recovery rate of just 58.4% for all vehicles in 2016 – meaning that Tesla vehicles are much easier to recover on average in the US.

Read more: Electrek

Tesla Model X hacked with $195 Raspberry Pi based board

Researchers from the COSIC team discovered a major security flaw in the keyless entry system of the Tesla Model S and detailed how the security measures implemented in the more recent Tesla Model X can be bypassed. They built a POC with a Raspberry Pi, a CAN shield, a modified key fob and ECU from a salvage vehicle, and a LiPo battery. Tesla received this information back in August and is planning on pushing changes that address these security flaws to the key fob as part of the 2020.48 software update.

Valet crashing a Model S while testing Cheetah mode

Reminder to always use Valet mode if someone else is going to be parking your car. And if you’re going to test drive a car which is not yours, make sure it doesn’t have security features such as Dashcam. Duh.

Why the frunk is the safest place in your Tesla

Remember that trick to open the frunk with the 12V power supply? After a recent update of the owner’s manual, it seems that Tesla fixed this problem and now is only possible if the 12V battery is dead- at least for the Model 3 and the Model Y. This is great news since it makes our frunk’s a really safe place. I always try not to leave valuables in the car, but if I have to, I’m definitely going to store them in the frunk.

Read more: Model Y Owner’s Manual