Scuderia Toro Rosso deploys Acronis Files Advanced for secure data sharing

Some data, like telemetry, pumps through the standard channels for a live feed at the factory. Other information, race-specific calculations and sensitive data, may fall outside of the always-on telemetry stream and require extra attention. While there’s always been sufficient security in place, secure data exchange required manual setup, which prompted Scuderia Toro Rosso to deploy Acronis Files Advanced to streamline the process.

“From a user perspective, we want to be focused on data and not on how to manage the data.  We operate in an extremely competitive environment where every minute counts. If Acronis Files Advanced helps us save a few hours every month while providing a high level of security, it’s a bit of a win for us,” said Raffaele Boschetti, Scuderia Toro Rosso Head of IT.

Scuderia Toro Rosso began using Acronis Files Advanced earlier this year with the system scheduled to go fully into production in September. It is designed to become the default file sync & share solution for Toro Rosso’s staff and external contractors.

“The system is currently being tested by our trackside engineers. They’re always on the road and always need to share data. Now they can do it simply by using their work mobile phones. Getting the relevant information securely and on time helps the team to make better, informed and timely decisions,” Boschetti said.

“The key goal is security. The new solution allows us to define different security policies for different users and even make sure the shared data is only accessible for a specified period of time. And since it’s fast and easy to use, our users will be happy to use it and remain in full compliance with our corporate security policies.

“The plan is to share all data that way. Obviously, some data will continue to be sent by email, just because email is easy and messages can be sent with attachments. Email has become a default knowledge base. But we can control email, it’s not a problem. For everything else, we’ll use Files Advanced,” Boschetti added.

Acronis helped Scuderia Toro Rosso to design a system with performance in mind. It is capable of handling hundreds of users and an unlimited number of files while maintaining exceptional levels of security. After all, security is of absolute importance in Formula 1!

“At the end, this is part of the game,” Raffaele said. “If another user or an engineer from another team gets hold of our sensitive data, our performance may suffer.

“With Acronis Files Advanced, we’re in full control of our data. We can track the information path and even remote-wipe a laptop, tablet or mobile device if it is lost or stolen to prevent a competitor from accessing the data.

“There are a few more tests to do. But July is a busy month — there are three races in July — and then there is a stop imposed by the FIA. So, we’ll see the system fully utilized in September and expect to see the benefit before the end of the season,” Boschetti concluded.