As The Online Security Company for 177 million active users, we’ll be listening very closely to the dozens of privacy and security-related conversations happening over the next few days.  We’ll be showcasing AVG PrivacyFix™.  It controls how you share data from social networks and is available as a web extension and on Android and iOS devices.

The concept of what the future of security will look like as it pertains to the “Connected Car” is also on the top of a lot of people’s minds.  What do I mean about the “Connected Car”?  It’s not just about Bluetooth and GPS navigation systems anymore.  We’re talking about highly sophisticated cars that transmit and collect data in the cloud.  That’s what AVG is aware of – the data.  That data is not just generating but creating content – every time we move our smart devices, when we walk into a shop - it transmits our location.  Many consumers use real time traffic systems in their car, this tracks their location to give them real-time traffic information – which of course is something you want it to do.  But do you want that information shared with other people?

Privacy and security concerns are only going to increase.

AVG believes consumers should understand what is being transmitted and in the future, we see the entertainment console in a connected car as another device. 

When it comes to managing the protection, performance and privacy in today’s connected world, we have a new application, called AVG Zen, which runs from desktop to mobile devices and provides a simple approach to managing the security of your online life.  The AVG Zen app works with a simple and private cloud service that lets you manage all your devices to help keep them safe, efficient, and private. 

What does that have to do with the Connected Car?  We aim to keep the connected car’s entertainment and navigation systems secure.  Imagine a day when your kids start driving and you can see if the engine light is on or the tire pressures are right from the AVG Zen app?

AVG is participating in the panel “The Car Hacks are Coming – How the Auto Industry Can Safeguard Connected Cars”, hosted by Waggener Edstrom Communications.  We invite anyone to attend.  It’s from 2:15pm CST – 3:00pm CST on Saturday, March 8th at the Connected Car Pavilion, 101 Red River, Austin, TX  78701.  Participants include:

·         Moderator Mike Courtney, Principal, Aperio Insights

·         Panelist Judith Bitterli, CMO, AVG Technologies

·         Panelist Karl Heimer, Senior Research Director, Cyber Innovation Unit, Battelle

·         Panelist Catherine McCullough, Executive Director Intelligent Car Coalition

·         Panelist Damon McCoy, Assistant Professor, Computer Science Department, George Mason University

AVG provides total sense of security for our customers – and now that the connected car is more of a reality, it’s important that drivers and passengers have the opportunity to enjoy the same peace of mind.  We can start taking action by talking about possible threats in an open dialogue with fellow technology innovators and car manufacturers and SXSW is the perfect arena for that.

Watch the Connected Car video on Youtube