Two Tips For Keeping Your Personal Data Secure During A Car Rental
Renting a car while you are away on vacation is a very convenient way to get around town. When finished with a rental car, many adults go through it with a fine-tooth comb to make sure no personal belongings are left behind. However, did you know you could be leaving personal data behind inadvertently? As someone who is a new smartphone owner, there are two major ways to make sure your phone doesn't leave information about you in the rental car.
Don't Charge Your Phone Using A USB Port
Rental cars are normally newer models of vehicles, and one of the great things about modern cars is the ability to charge your phone while driving. There are two ways you can do this, and one involves plugging your phone charger into the cigarette lighter using a special adapter, or you can also plug your phone straight into the USB port of the vehicle.
While the USB port may seem to be the best option since you won't need to buy a special charger, it is best that you do not use this option to charge your phone. The reason is that some phones automatically start to transfer data when they are plugged into a USB port, and this data could get stored in the car's memory without you knowing about it. Rather than risk this happening, use the cigarette lighter charging option instead.
Audit Your Phone Settings When Connected To The Car
Driving around town in your new rental car is going to be doubly enjoyable thanks to the modern entertainment system on board. However, bear in mind that if you choose to sync your phone with the on-board entertainment using your Bluetooth, you are allowing the car's computer to access parts of your phone you may not want to share.
For example, supposed you decide you want to listen to the music stored on your phone via the car's stereo system. The car will ask for you to confirm permissions about what information on your phone it can access. Make sure you take notice of the permissions it is asking for so that you don't inadvertently let it have your contact information or other personal data.
At the end of your rental contract when it is time to return your car, talk to the agent about how to delete the data the car has accessed. By taking this extra step, you know that you haven't left any personal data about yourself behind in the vehicle.
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