In a recent cybersecurity event, a team of experts revealed that Tesla’s cutting-edge software and systems in their Model 3 vehicles can be easily exploited. At the Pwn2Own 2023 hacking competition, security firm Synacktiv successfully breached both Tesla’s infotainment and Gateway networks in a Model 3 car. Consequently, the researchers were awarded the vehicle and a cash prize of $350,000 for their achievements.

Security researchers win a Model 3 after demonstrating Exploits

During the event, Synacktiv’s ethical hackers managed to break into the Model 3’s Gateway system, which serves as an energy management interface between Tesla cars and Powerwalls. Although the researchers didn’t operate on a real vehicle, the hack would have theoretically enabled them to open the car’s doors and front hood. The next day, the team also exploited the infotainment system on a Tesla, gaining enough access to potentially control the car.

If combined and used maliciously, these hacks could render a Tesla Model 3 unsafe to drive. However, the vulnerabilities were exposed in a controlled, corporate-sponsored environment. Tesla willingly subjected its technology to scrutiny and will likely fix the security flaws discovered during Pwn2Own.

Despite this, it’s not the first time Tesla vehicles have been targeted by hackers. Previous incidents include a vulnerability that could lead to car theft, a teenager allegedly hacking into a global fleet of 25 Teslas, and other security flaws in key fobs and data security systems.