#226 - Too much information

I read an article last week on GPS navigation that are built into cars.  Seems that people are cleaning out their glove boxes when they trade in or sell their car but not their GPS.  Lots of good information in that GPS, like your HOME address and a map to get there.  Also with the newer models you may have uploaded your phone book information to the GPS so you could make cell phone calls.  Lots of good information there also.  Information like social security numbers, credit card numbers, and lots of personal information for family, friends and business contacts.   Now most people would ignore that old information, but we aren't talking about most people when it comes to identity theft and plain old burglary. Some cars also have your garage door opening code.  Talk about giving a crook the keys to your house!  So what is a cautious person to do?


The quickest way to wipe out information in GPS is to do a system reset.  This is usually available in the tools section of the GPS menu.  Look around and then reset the system back to the factory install information. If you cannot find it, (Try to google it with the model of the GPS or car) then go to the place you bought the car/GPS and have then do it in front of you (most 12 year old boys can handle this job!).  For you garage door information look in the car user manual for its reset.  If you can't find it the car dealership should know how to do it. 

If you rent a car with a GPS you may want to be cautious with what information you put in that device.  I'm amazed at what information you can find left behind.  Also your portable GPS, Phones, Laptops and PCs should be wiped clean before they are resold or even thrown away.  If you have a question let us know and we'll advise the most safe method of protecting your information.

Your information is valuable.  Any devise that holds that information should be treated with care and should be protected like it was your driver license or a credit card.  I have worries about all the devises that have now and will have personal information.  I'm seeing refrigerators with built in PCs, home heating and air conditioning with smart displays, entertainment centers with more then just your music built in  and even bathroom facilities with computers.  Wow!  Be cautious and vigilant.