Volkswagen has been targeted by hackers for several years. The attackers are said to have stolen thousands of files from the manufacturer, as the company confirmed in principle on Saturday. When asked, a spokesman declined to comment on details. However, the company pointed out in a statement that the incident happened ten years ago.
“Spiegel” and ZDF had previously reported on the cyber attacks, citing internal VW documents. 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. According to the media reports, the attackers targeted the areas of “gasoline engine development,” “transmission development,” “ “Dual clutch transmission” apart. Concepts for alternative drive technologies such as electromobility or fuel cells were also in focus. Up to 19,000 files are said to have been stolen, and overall the reports limit the period of the crime to 2010 to 2014 or 2015. 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.
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