Volkswagen’s Data Leak: 800,000 EV Owners’ Privacy in the Rearview Mirror
Volkswagen Group EVs had their sensitive data exposed on an unsecured cloud server, affecting 800,000 vehicles and allowing owner tracking. Thanks to a whistle-blower, the misconfiguration by Cariad was reported and addressed. However, the exposed data still poses significant privacy risks for owners, including politicians and police.

Hot Take:
So, Volkswagen’s secret sauce for a “drive of your life” involves letting anyone with a curiosity and an internet connection track your every move? Talk about taking carpool karaoke to a whole new level of creepy! It seems Cariad’s cloud security settings were looser than a goose on a trampoline, leaving the digital door wide open for anyone to peek in. Better buckle up, VW drivers, because this isn’t the kind of road trip adventure you signed up for!
Key Points:
- Volkswagen Group’s cloud server exposed sensitive data of 800,000 electric vehicles.
- Information leak included GPS data, allowing tracking of vehicle owners.
- High-profile individuals like politicians and police were among the affected.
- Data breach revealed personal routines, posing privacy risks.
- Misconfiguration in Cariad’s system was the root cause, now resolved.