Will this be a security risk for its own software?
Tesla might just get into the habit of releasing source code for its in-car tech. Elon Musk has signaled his intention to post the source code for Tesla’s car security software, letting any automaker roll it into their own machines. It would be “extremely important” to ensure the safety of future self-driving cars, he argued, and that’s not without merit.
Great Q&A @defcon last night. Thanks for helping make Tesla & SpaceX more secure! Planning to open-source Tesla vehicle security software for free use by other car makers. Extremely important to a safe self-driving future for all.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 11, 2018
Musk didn’t provide a timeline for availability, and you might not want to get your hopes up when it took years for Tesla just to post any source code. And this isn’t strictly a selfless gesture. If rival brands adopt Tesla’s approach, it could set an unofficial standard for connected car security that would look good from a marketing standpoint.
The code could provide a boost to connected car security if and when it arrives.