In 2014, Volkswagen, Europe’s largest car manufacturer, discovered that its global IT system had been hacked for years. This revelation came to light when internal documents were shared with media partners investigating Chinese intelligence activities in Europe. The hackers were able to steal 19,000 files from the Volkswagen Group, including information on new technological developments.
The hacking operation, which dates back to 2015, was never made public before and is said to have cost over 100 million euros to clean up. Sources familiar with the hacking dossier pointed to Chinese hackers as the perpetrators. The hacking was discovered in 2014 when the Volkswagen system was infiltrated through a branch in Puebla, Mexico.
Volkswagen initiated a major clean-up operation in April 2015, shutting down almost the entire global IT system of the automotive group. This operation, known as Operation Remediation 65, involved forensic IT experts reconstructing the files that were stolen, with a focus on technology related to engine development and e-mobility.
Audi Brussels was also involved in the global remediation operation, according to internal documents. Volkswagen emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in protecting the company’s systems, processes, and products. They stated that they continuously work to keep their IT landscape secure and ready for use.
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