So they gave an expert access tot he hardware for two weeks and they got enough access to turn the lights on and play some music. They couldn’t access the brakes, steering or engine control.

With a non smart car, given the same access and not even being an expert I can add microphones, trackers, a device that will cut the break lines and for added Hollywood spectacle an explosive device.

This is not to demise the risk of china being able to brick these vechicles. It’s been done before, remember the John deer tractors stolen by the Russian invaders in Ukraine?

You missed the point, they were not modifying the vehicle in any way. They probably could have purchased their own BYD to examine the software and then hacked his. The likely only issue would be identifying it by IP address. If you are targeting anyone you only need the subnet range.

The real danger was being able to listen in and the potential for identity theft and recording conversations. ASIO recently issued a warning that government officials should avoid having confidential conversations in any internet-linked vehicle, so not just BYD.

BYD though are having a bad day with a major recall due to the spare wheel falling off Shark 6s.

https://www.drive.com.au/news/2024-26-byd-shark-6-recalled-b...

Might have to avoid driving behind one, as I see them everywhere.