Car Spying On You – The New Reality
With the innovative devices and software, there are many items we now call “smart.” It includes a smart TV, smart home, etc. Sure, we have not talked about smart cars before. Still, modern vehicles have a bunch of upgrades that make them quite advanced means of transportation. They can be easily connected to the Internet. This means they can share your personal data with third parties. It may sound like some science fiction movie script, but it is a new reality we live in.
A few decades ago, you needed lots of skills to operate your vehicle. These days, with lots of upgrades and advanced software, you barely feel like you are a driver. In many cases, you can drive on autopilot if needed. There are many details you cannot even anticipate about your car. Besides, you need to have some insights into the development process to appreciate the full possibilities of your vehicle. Sure, modern cars bring lots of advantages. Still, they can bring some threats as well.
Modern Cars and Possible Threats
Even if you are the owner of your car, there are still some issues you are not in control of—for example, data sharing with car manufacturers. With the installed programs and tracking codes, the manufacturers can track your online activity and collect your personal data easily. Thus, your sensitive personal information can be shared with third parties or sold to them. This is similar to internet providers tracking their users’ online activity.
With car software, it is even more dangerous. Because other people can find out about your location at any time, it can bring some dangerous stalkers to be aware of your every move. Sure, if you have some decent technical skills, it can be easier for you to figure something out. But, it is only in a case when you are dealing with your vehicle. There are many situations when you need to use a rental car. Especially when you travel a lot, in such a case, you need to be aware of whether the rental car contains some spyware.
Rental Car and Possible Spyware
The companies that provide rental cars surely can use every opportunity for monetization and improved control over the cars.
- They already use surveillance technology. Thus they can track their customers easily. This feature was initially introduced due to the need to avoid huge insurance costs, minimize the chances of the cars being stolen, and presenting new fees.
- These days, it is easy to add another opportunity. Rental car firms can collect information about their customer’s activity and locations.
- They can easily learn the customer’s behaviors.
- Some top companies announced installing cameras and microphones in their cars. Sure, customers are assured they do not turn them on without reason. But you can never know what reasons they define important ones.
Therefore, before selecting a rental car company, make sure to check its surveillance policy. In any case, any company can install surveillance equipment on any car they own. There can be even more technologically advanced technologies installed. For instance, the tools that lock your car when it leaves its designated place. No matter what innovations the car rental companies use, there is always a risk they can collect and sell you private information.
Spying Cars – New Reality
Most modern luxury vehicles have access to the Internet. Moreover, all of them have tracking devices to locate the car if it is stolen. Sure, these tracking devices help to avoid thefts, finding already stolen cars, or rescuing passengers if they get into an accident. Still, all this information is transferred via an Internet connection. Thus, it can be intercepted. Also, the servers where this information is stored also can be hacked.
It can happen with the cameras, microphones, and locking mechanisms as well. If someone takes control of your vehicle, it can become a real trap. Besides, you still have no idea whether the car manufacturers collect and share your private information or not. It can be complicated, but someday you may need to come up with an effective solution to this issue. It surely can be some tool familiar to advanced VPN. The one that will assure your personal data safety and full anonymity. Before that day, be aware of checking the security of your data constantly and learn about the capabilities of the car you rent or buy from the very beginning.
