MCLAREN was the subject to large a cyber attack last year with a number of ‘key employees’ targeted.
The hack came via email with those responsible gaining access to confidential information.
Several staff members fell victim to the scam despite the company being well aware of such risks.
Eloy Avila, a representative of Darktrace, the company that protects McLaren, told ESPN: “McLaren Racing was attacked by cybercriminals, we already know that F1 is one of the most innovative sports and yet they are attacked.
“The method is very common, in this case, several key employees, with access to highly confidential and valuable information, were attacked with an email posing as a very reliable supplier of the brand.
“During an average week more than 34,600 malicious e-mails directed at McLaren are detected and neutralized.”
Avila added: “Not only e-mail is being protected, but the mobile networks on race day.
“Those networks that send the information of the vehicles when they are running, in the race, and that may be important for competitors, these sensors are controlling and reviewing what happens in the car.”
High-flying McLaren go into this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix in ding-dong battle with Ferrari for third spot in the constructors championship.
With five races remaining, the Woking-based team are just 3.5 points ahead.
And Brit racer Lando Norris has admitted the fight with Ferrari is getting “tense”.
He said: “We are motivated, we’re working hard but I think it’s tough.
“It’s hard to know where you’re going to be every weekend because it’s always generally been very close, even since the beginning of the season.
“It’s not like we’ve run away with it at any point. It’s been close since the beginning of the season, but it’s tense.
“We’re working hard, everyone back in the factory is working hard to try and find these last little things we need for the rest of the season.”
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
