Presumably out China Hackers have apparently had it for years Volkswagen-Corporation spied on. “SPIEGEL” and ZDF reported on Saturday about 40 internal documents that “reconstruct a large-scale, previously unknown cyber attack on Volkswagen.” The aim was to tap into the technological knowledge of the largest car manufacturer in the world at the time.
The CyberAccording to the report, attacks began several years ago and began in 2010. In the following years, the hackers repeatedly succeeded in gaining extensive access rights to VW’s internal data. An internal analysis by the group considers it likely that all attacks were carried out by the same perpetrators.
According to the research, the attackers targeted various technologies, from “petrol engine development” and “transmission development” to alternative drive technologies such as Electromobility and fuel cells. “They were interested in transmission control software, in technical manuals on how to program the direct-shift transmission, for example,” SPIEGEL quoted an expert familiar with the case as saying.
Hackers are said to have targeted various technologies
There is no evidence of China’s authorship, but there is plenty of evidence. The hackers’ IP addresses led to Beijing and the Chinese military, an insider said. Employees of German security authorities also believed an attack by Chinese state hackers was likely, reported “Spiegel” and ZDF.
According to reports, the Chinese embassy in Berlin reacted angrily to suspected connections to China and emphasized that the country condemns any form of cyber espionage.
Volkswagen announced that the digital security of the company’s systems, processes and products was of paramount importance then as now. “We are continually working to keep our IT landscape, products and digital ecosystems secure and operational,” said a spokesperson. According to him, this includes new technological options and constant exchange with partners, associations and authorities.