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The Unexpected Journey of a Totaled Tesla Model X from the US to Ukraine
The Mystery of the Reconnected Tesla
In a surprising turn of events, a Tesla Model X that had been totaled in the US last year suddenly reappeared online in Ukraine. The former owner, CNBC executive editor Jay Yarow, was alerted to this when he started receiving notifications on his phone from the vehicle. Using the geolocation feature on his Tesla app, Yarow discovered that the car or its computer was now online in a Southern region of Ukraine. Moreover, the new owners were using his still-connected Spotify app to listen to Drake radio playlists.
When Yarow shared this unusual occurrence on the social network X (formerly known as Twitter), his post quickly went viral. Followers were intrigued and concerned, questioning why this was happening and if it posed a security risk.
The Security Risks of Restored Totaled Cars
According to Ken Tindell, CTO of automotive security firm Canis Labs, there is indeed a security risk associated with restored totaled cars. In an email to CNBC, Tindell explained that the credentials to internet services are often left in the vehicle's electronics and can be used by whoever gains access to them. He emphasized that this is not a Tesla-specific issue. With the rise of internet-connected devices, cars, like laptops, smartphones, and even household appliances, can store personal data.
Tindell believes it's crucial for dealers and owners to understand the issue of private data within vehicles. When a car is totaled and restored, it's possible to extract data from its electronics, depending on the amount of effort invested.
From the US to Ukraine: The Journey of the Totaled Tesla
So, how did the totaled Tesla end up in Ukraine? CNBC found that after the car was totaled, it was listed for sale on the online auction site Copart. Copart, which currently has over 1,600 Tesla vehicles listed for sale, is connected to salvage yards across the US, including one in New Jersey where the car ended up.
Specializing in damaged or totaled vehicles, Copart issues a "salvage title" when an insurance company declares a vehicle a total loss. This serves as a warning to future buyers about the vehicle's significant issues. Despite not being able to legally drive on US roadways, these vehicles often find their way to countries with less stringent regulations.
Mike Dunne, a former General Motors international executive and current CEO of auto consulting firm ZoZoGo, explained that these cars often end up in repair shops or junk yards, then find their way to a second market before being shipped overseas. This practice has been ongoing for decades and has accelerated with the rise of digital auctions.
The Importance of Disconnecting Your Account from a Totaled Vehicle
In light of his experience, Tesla support staff advised Yarow to disconnect his car from his account. However, they didn't provide guidance on how to obtain the new owner's information, as Yarow hadn't sold the car himself.
According to Canis Labs' CTO Ken Tindell, disconnecting one's account from a totaled vehicle can prevent others from using connected apps, such as Spotify in Yarow's case. However, data could still be extracted from the vehicle's electronics.
Protecting Your Data: The Role of Owners and Manufacturers
Automotive cybersecurity veteran and founder of RightHook, Warren Ahner, suggested that companies like Tesla should provide a portal where users can sign in, remove all their info, disconnect their vehicle from the account, and issue a remote-wipe command to the car when it comes online.
However, Ahner also emphasized that owners can act as their own "personal risk police," purging their data after using a vehicle and limiting the amount of personal info they share with the car.
Automotive white hat hacker, Green the Only, who has been warning about data on cars for years, agreed with Tindell and Ahner. He suggested that Tesla should add a 'remote wipe and then remove from my account' option to their current 'remove from my account' option.
Implications for New Businesses: A "Hot Take"
The unexpected journey of a totaled Tesla Model X from the US to Ukraine presents a unique case study for new businesses, particularly those operating in the automotive and tech industries. This incident underscores the importance of data security in an increasingly connected world.
For businesses in the automotive sector, this highlights the need to consider data security when dealing with totaled or salvaged vehicles. As vehicles become more connected, the risk of personal data being extracted from them increases. This could lead to potential legal and reputational risks if not properly addressed.
Tech companies, particularly those offering connected services or devices, should also take note. The incident demonstrates the potential for personal data to be left on devices and accessed by others, even after the device has been discarded or sold. This underscores the importance of providing clear and easy-to-follow instructions for users to remove their data from devices, and potentially offering remote wipe capabilities.
In conclusion, this incident serves as a wake-up call for new businesses. In an era of increasing connectivity and data sharing, businesses must prioritize data security and privacy to protect their customers and themselves.
Article First Published at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/10/how-totaled-tesla-sold-for-parts-in-us-came-back-online-in-ukraine.html
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