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3 ways to protect your data in a rental car

By Dana Fowle
Published  October 14, 2016 4:14pm EDT
News
FOX 5 Atlanta

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - When you jump into a rental car today, one of the first things you do is sync your phone to the car's navigation and information system.  But careful - when you return that car you might be leaving behind a whole lot of personal information. 

If you don't take a few security steps when you return those rental car keys, you are leaving virtual breadcrumbs that can show, not only where you've been, but your entire contact list and private messages.

Ashley Watson did us a favor and dropped by Fox 5 Atlanta in her rental car.  As a regular traveler she did what she always does, connects her cell phone to the car's infotainment system. It's smart. It allows for hands-free driving. 

Listen in to our conversation:

  • Ashley: You add a device. 
  • Dana: That's yours. 
  • Ashley: This is somebody else. 
  • Dana: Oh wait. That's not you?  
  • Ashley: That's somebody else. That is someone who connected prior. 

Yep, a smartphone from a previous driver, well, their information is still in the system.

The screen shows basic things like the  name of the phone, the number, and the service provider. But you can leave behind info that's more personal than that.

"I've gotten into cars before and people have had all of their contacts in there," Ashley told u.

And if you don't clear the navigation system, the next driver might be able to connect those numbers to the places you've traveled. But it can get ickier than that. Text messages can be left behind, too.

"Think about all of the things people text - some things they wouldn't be proud of," she said.

So how do you use the rental car's system but still keep personal things personal? Well the FTC has a few suggestions. 

         Protect Your Information in Rental Cars

  • Charge through cigarette lighter. A USB may automatically transfer your data.
  • Check permissions. Restrict information at the beginning. 
  • Delete data. Go to the system's setting, find your device and delete your data.  

If you don't, you'll have to rely on the kindness of strangers to ignore any personal information you've left behind. Or, better yet, hope that Ashley Watson rents it next. 

"Usually, what I like to do, if I find that,  delete it. As a social courtesy.  When you find them you should delete them."