Chinese automaker NIO Inc. has been hit with a ransom demand after hackers managed to steal user and car sales data, according to Bloomberg. The data has not yet been leaked, but hackers are demanding $2.25 million in bitcoin in exchange for it to remain off the dark web.
An internal investigation confirmed that NIO’s user and vehicle sales data prior to August 2021 had been compromised.
The Chinese electric vehicle maker has released a public statement on its website and in its native Shanghai, China headquarters.
“NIO deeply regrets this incident happened, and is doing everything possible to support its users. NIO continues to work with governmental authorities to investigate the incident and implement necessary measures to contain potential damages. NIO reaffirms its commitment to protecting data security and privacy of its users,” the statement reads.
China has increasingly demonstrated concern and interest in data sovereignty issues related to intelligent vehicles, per Bloomberg. China seeks to retain all user data collected and generated within China, according to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
It’s unknown what further action the Chinese government or NIO will take to respond to the hackers’ demands. No hacking group has claimed responsibility for the cyber criminal activity.
