Drivers Urged To Reset Multimedia Systems Prior To Vehicle Remarketing
While people might be inclined to wipe the hard drives of computers or smartphones they give away, many need to be reminded to do something similar for their cars. Fleet managers in the U.K. are being urged to remind company car drivers to reset in-vehicle multi-media systems ahead of remarketing amid possible security concerns.
The move towards the so-called "connected car" has prompted Activa Contracts to issue the request with company car drivers being urged to return in-vehicle multi-media systems to the "factory setting" upon divestiture.
Prior to disposal, Activa Contracts ensures all multi-media systems are ‘wiped clean’ and systems returned to their factory setting.
However, the Milton Keynes-based contract hire and leasing company believes not all of its competitors are as pro-active.
Martin Hughes, Activa Contracts’ Remarketing Manager, said: "Initially vehicles were fitted with satellite navigation devices and returned vehicles frequently contained a stream of addresses. Now drivers are plugging their smartphones into car multi-media systems and conducting a wide range of business.
"Multi-media systems are mini computers and retain a vast amount of information and much of it is likely to be private or business confidential. If systems are not wiped clean that information could end up in the wrong hands."
A British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association report published last year - "Fleet Technology White Paper" - made clear that "connected vehicles" and more integrated smartphone systems would have a huge future impact on the way fleets chose, operated, and managed their vehicles.
Hughes said: "The explosion in information and data going through in-vehicle multi-media systems will only increase as the ‘connected car’ becomes reality. Therefore, our advice to drivers when returning their company cars is to ensure the system is back to its factory setting thereby deleting all information."
It's a process worth noting on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean as vehicles -- and the fleets that run them -- become more reliant on the computing power of their various assets. With so many companies feeling the negative effects of compromised data, experts agree that any avenue into your data and data storage is a potential risk and should be taken care of.