Volkswagen has been targeted by hackers for several years

Volkswagen has been targeted by hackers for several years. The attackers are said to have stolen thousands of files from the car maker, as the company confirmed today.

A company spokesman declined to comment on the details. The company said in a statement that the incident happened ten years ago.

“Spiegel” and ZDF had previously reported on the cyber attack, citing internal VW documents. According to media reports, the attackers were targeting the areas of “gasoline engine development,” “transmission development,” and “dual clutch transmission.” Concepts for alternative drive technologies such as electric power or fuel cells were also considered. Up to 19,000 files are said to have been stolen in total, with the reports narrowing the time frame of the crime to 2010 to 2014 or 2015.

Volkswagen announced that the digital security of the company’s systems, processes and products was as important as ever. “We continue to work to keep our IT environment, products and digital ecosystems secure and functional,” said a spokesperson. According to him, this includes new technological options and frequent exchanges with partners, associations and authorities.