AVG to Protect Automotive Apps for Renault

Renault Partners with AVG Technologies to Secure its New Automotive App Store

French auto manufacturer Renault has partnered with security firm AVG Technologies to protect applications on “R-Link”, the automaker’s new embedded and connected navigation and multimedia platform, currenty available in select late model vehicles.

According to an announcement from AVG, Renault has deployed AVG’s web-scanning service to scan all apps in the Renault R-Link store in an effort to protect drivers from having malware infect their vehicles.

There are currently more than 50 apps available on R-Link, spanning travel, entertainment, news and social media, with plans to add many more in the future, according to Renault.

R-Link features a 18cm touch screen display, steering wheel-mounted controls and speech recognition, and includes other multimedia functions including navigation and telephony, radio controls, Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming and connectivity for portable music players, as well as a other of vehicle-related services.

Of course these new in-car digital systems provide many exciting and useful experiences for users, but they also open up an opportunity for malicious actors, something that AVG is hoping to protect against.

Under the partnership, AVG will protect the R-Link store by scanning Apps before they get published onto the store and reach users’ automobiles.

“As the ‘connected car’ becomes a reality, it is vital that drivers and passengers can enjoy the same freedom from worry with their in-car devices,” John Giamatteo, COO of AVG sad in a statement. “This partnership with Renault is a natural and logical step for us, and we look forward to working together as R-Link builds momentum as a platform.”

“As a download-enabled device designed for automotive use, it is imperative that we deliver absolute safety and security,” said Jean-François Martin, Director of Renault Service International.

In addition to powering the backend security for Apps on R-Link, AVG will be getting some branding as part of the deal, and will have the AVG logo displayed on the Renault R-Link store alongside the phrase “Protected by AVG”.

The R-Link system is currently available on the Renault Clio and will be added to other models throughout the year, including the upcoming all-electric ZOE model, the Kangoo Express and the Captur.

An AVG spokesperson told SecurityWeek that it has not discovered any malicious apps in the R-Link store to date.

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