Researchers from KU Leuven University needed only $ 200 of basic equipment to learn how to hack a Model S and unlock it in a matter of seconds . The engineers were able to clone the car ’s locking signal and trick a key fob into releasing the response codes , allowing them access . Tesla quickly responded , offering a $ 10,000 reward for exposing the vulnerability and pledging to address the issue through a software update , adding the ability to enable " passive entry " . The update raises concerns that as cars become more high - tech , security will have to develop with it to combat threats .
Researchers from KU Leuven University needed only $600 of basic equipment to demonstrate how to hack a Model S and steal it in a matter of seconds. The researchers were able to clone the car’s locking signal and trick a key fob into releasing the response codes, allowing them access. Tesla quickly responded, offering a $10,000 reward for exposing the flaw and pledging to address the issue through a software update, adding the ability to disable "passive entry". The hack raises concerns that as cars become more high-tech, security will have to develop with it to combat threats.