Search
Close this search box.
Sign up for our weekly Newsletter

Cyber security hacking threat warns Activa Contracts

Martin Hughes remarketing manager Activa Contracts 4
Martin Hughes, Activa Contracts’ remarketing manager

Share

21 July 2015

COMPANY car drivers are being warned they risk having their personal details ‘hacked’ if they don’t wipe clean their old car’s multi-media system.

Cyber security threats are on the increase as more cars are connected to the internet and personal details, including passwords and phone contacts could be used after company vehicles have been sent off to auction.

Contract hire and leasing specialist Activa Contracts has urged business users to return in-vehicle multi-media systems to the “factory setting” before jumping into a new company car.

Multi-media systems are mini computers and retain a vast amount of information

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.”

Share this article

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Reddit
Email

Want more motoring news?

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Latest news

Top