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Volvo Bus Australia ensures stringent cyber and data security for the Volvo BZL Electric chassis

2021-09-01 | 12:01

With data security becoming increasingly paramount, Volvo Bus Australia (VBA) has made digital protection a key priority across its range, especially with the soon to be released, Volvo BZL electric chassis, in ensuring that stringent data security measures continue to safeguard customer information and prevent cyber-attacks.

Whilst electric buses will be integral to the future of public transport across Australia, VBA understands the importance for the industry to be prepared for the risks that come with potential digital threats. As such, the Volvo BZL will be equipped with advanced security measures to safeguard customer vehicles and their information.

Electric vehicles will bring with them a range of new features – for example Volvo E-Zoning, which is already functional across the Volvo S-Charge hybrid range – which naturally bring new considerations into question. For example, the storage of data from the telematics remote diagnostic system, tracking bus whereabouts and driver behaviours – is not new for Volvo, as the security of this data has been paramount since the introduction of telematics as a standard offering.

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure in particular, can be vulnerable to cyber threats that can compromise vehicle security. In order to protect against these threats, Volvo is working with recognised providers with the same high standards as Volvo, that incorporate tried and tested technology to safeguard the vehicle.

VBA has consistently prioritised digital security over the years with monitored security measures across their digital services, including Volvo’s fleet management telematics system and Volvo Connect – Volvo’s web-based customer portal. VBA recognises the importance of this data being protected to ensure customer security and privacy – which is why every Volvo Bus comes with stringent data security systems to reliably store and protect customer information and information associated with public transport routes and networks.

“Providing customer security has always been at the forefront of how we have gone about responsibly designing and rolling out our digital services – ensuring that customer information and data always remains protected,” says Mitch Peden, General Manager Volvo Bus Australia.

“For many years Volvo have applied the stringent European Union General Data Protection Regulation (the GDPR) standards related to customer privacy as well as local privacy laws to ensure in all cases that customers are informed and aware before any data is tracked or provided.”

“Market trends indicate that there will be substantial growth in the market for cybersecurity solutions for connected vehicles in the coming years, and we will continue to remain on top of these demands to provide reliable and secure solutions. Volvo’s online offerings have managed to secure customer data whilst providing value to our customers with comprehensive fleet information.”

“Our high standards around maintaining data security will be extended to our Volvo BZL electric product, following its launch later this year. Whilst it is certainly an exciting time for the industry with the increased production of electric vehicles, operators need to be vigilant when looking into this new technology and its associated security risks. The Volvo BZL electric will incorporate robust European technology that prevents data breaches across our specialised charging stations, and across our digital service offerings, to ensure that our customers can continue to operate their vehicles and access our services with peace of mind.”

(ENDS)