Two-factor authentication is coming to Tesla’s accounts after being “embarrassingly late,” Chief Executive Elon Musk said in a tweet.
Musk said the security feature is undergoing “final validation” and should be released to Tesla customers soon.
Sorry, this is embarrassingly late. Two factor authentication via sms or authenticator app is going through final validation right now.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 14, 2020
Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security for online services beyond just a username and password. For example, an SMS code as an additional login requirement.
Tesla’s vehicles leverage a tremendous amount of software ranging from video games to self-driving features. Given Tesla’s software savvy, it’s a bit surprising it has taken so long to offer the basic security feature.
Not to say the company isn’t taking security seriously. Tesla sponsored earlier this year a contest to hack its automotive software, offering hackers nearly $1 million and a Model 3 as prizes.