Tesla updates software after car hack Published duration 21 September 2016

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Tesla has updated its software after researchers from China hacked into the operating system of its electric cars.

The team from Keen Security Lab remotely manipulated the brake system on a Tesla while it was on the move, from a distance of 12 miles (19km).

Using a laptop, the hackers also managed to open a car door without using a key.

Tesla has updated its software to prevent anyone else from manipulating its cars.

The hack took place after months of research and the team from Keen Security Lab posted a video of their efforts earlier this week on YouTube.

During the experiment a hacker took control of a vehicle from the passenger seat, while someone else was behind the wheel.

Using a laptop, he was able to adjust the rear-view mirror while the driver was changing lanes. The hacker also managed to open the trunk remotely, while the car was on the move.

Analysis: Dave Lee, BBC North America technology reporter, San Francisco

This hack is notable for two reasons.

One, it was conducted far away - as far as 12 miles, researchers said. And two, the sheer amount of control it can wrest from the driver is remarkable - brakes, windscreen wipers, all sorts.

The good news is the security community is so far rising to the challenge of protecting cars from hackers. This hack was discovered by researchers who, as they should, went straight to Tesla before going public.

Tesla's cars are able to get over-the-air updates, meaning Tesla's engineers can automatically rectify the vulnerability in its cars without drivers needing to visit a dealership.