VW targeted by hackers: Thousands of files stolen, focus on e-mobility

Volkswagen has been in the crosshairs of hackers for several years. The attackers are said to have captured thousands of files from the automaker, as the company confirmed in principle on Saturday. A company spokesperson did not want to comment on details when asked. However, the company pointed out in a statement that the incident occurred ten years ago. Previously, "Spiegel" and ZDF had reported on the cyberattacks, citing internal VW documents. According to the reports, the Chinese embassy in Berlin reacted angrily to alleged connections to China, emphasizing 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," and "dual-clutch transmissions." Concepts for alternative drive technologies such as electromobility or fuel cells were also reportedly in focus. Up to 19,000 files are said to have been captured, with the reports narrowing down the period of the incidents to between 2010 and 2014 or 2015.