Tesla in the Crosshairs of Hackers After X?

It is always amusing to compare an electric car, Tesla or otherwise, to a smartphone on wheels. But it’s also quite frightening!

Modern electric vehicles, like Teslas, are constantly connected to the cellular network and rely on online updates, called OTA (Over-The-Air). While these systems offer great convenience, they are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks. What would happen if a malicious command took control of all Teslas?

This concern is heightened by the recent cyberattack that disrupted X (formerly Twitter). On March 10, 2025, a massive attack made the platform inaccessible to millions of users worldwide. Elon Musk confirmed it was a coordinated attack, likely a DDoS, claimed by the Russian hacking group Dark Storm Team in support of the Palestinian cause. While the exact origin remains uncertain, this incident, which has all the ingredients of a technological thriller, highlights the growing risks for critical digital infrastructure.

In the case of Tesla, a similar attack could have far more serious repercussions, directly compromising user safety. Strengthening cybersecurity for connected systems is therefore an imperative necessity, but X has demonstrated that a vulnerability is always possible. Without knowing the exact figures, it is certain that X’s cybersecurity budget is significantly higher than that allocated to Tesla.

What if Tesla became a target?

A targeted attack on Tesla could cause logistical chaos by immobilizing thousands of vehicles in areas dependent on these transports. An intrusion into acceleration or braking systems could lead to mass accidents, endangering drivers, pedestrians, and road infrastructure. And we haven’t even started on autonomous cars relying on artificial intelligence!

The financial impact would be equally dramatic. Consumer confidence would erode, leading to decreased sales and a drop in stock value. In response, governments might implement stricter regulations, hindering the adoption of connected vehicles. Finally, such an attack could serve political objectives, exposing the vulnerabilities of digital infrastructure in new mobility solutions. Unfortunately, it’s true that you can’t hack a combustion engine…

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