Onboard Wi-Fi in VTCs offers convenience and loyalty, but exposes people to cyber risks and raises questions of liability in the event of compromised data or an accident caused by distraction.
Providing on-board Wi-Fi has become a major asset for VTC drivers: internet connection, customer comfort, premium image... However, opening a public network involves security risks (hacking, malware) and civil liability issues (personal data, distracted driving). In this guide, KT VTC & TAXI analyzes the challenges of on-board Wi-Fi in VTCs, technical and legal best practices, as well as the impacts on your insurance contract.
Why offer on-board Wi-Fi?
1. A competitive advantage
Providing fast, reliable Wi-Fi improves customer experience, builds loyalty, and helps justify premium rates.
2. A productivity tool
Business passengers can work on the go , increasing your appeal to business customers.
The security challenges of the VTC network
Risks of cyberattack
Unsecured Wi-Fi can be the gateway to:
- Interception of data (identifiers, passwords)
- Malware spread to passengers' devices
- Identity theft or bank fraud via compromised hotspots
GDPR Compliance
As an access provider, you potentially process personal data : email addresses, browsing history. You must:
- Inform your passengers about data collection
- Implement a privacy policy
- Ensure security and deletion of logs after use
Civil liability and VTC Wi-Fi
Distraction and sinister
A passenger distracted by streaming or a video call can become the cause of an accident : a fall during sudden braking or a disruption to the driver. Your VTC professional liability insurance must cover:
- Damage caused to third parties
- Injuries suffered by passengers
Illegal or defamatory content
If a passenger uses your Wi-Fi for illegal activities (pirated downloads, streaming illegal content), the question arises:
- Are you held responsible?
- Your cyber risk coverage can intervene for legal defense .
How to secure your in-car Wi-Fi?
1. Choose professional equipment
Install a dedicated 4G/5G router with:
- WPA3 encryption
- Guest network isolated from the navigation system and vehicle data
- Automatic firmware updates
2. Establish rules of use
- Captive homepage informing about data collection and retention period
- Bandwidth limitation to avoid saturation
- Site filtering to block malicious URLs
3. Update your insurance contract
Check that your VTC Professional Liability Insurance covers:
- Computer damage (cyber risk option)
- Legal protection in the event of a dispute related to the use of Wi-Fi
Best practices and recommendations
- Limited connection logging and deletion after 24 hours
- Raising passenger awareness through a welcome message on the rules of use
- Periodic system audit to detect vulnerabilities
- Clear service contracts with access providers to ensure network continuity and security
Conclusion
On-board Wi-Fi in VTCs represents a competitive advantage and a high value-added service, provided that security risks are controlled and civil liability is anticipated . By deploying professional equipment, technically supervising use and adapting your VTC insurance (cyber risks and legal protection), you guarantee an optimal and secure customer experience.
KT VTC & TAXI remains at your disposal to assist you in setting up on-board Wi-Fi and updating your guarantees.