The trucking industry is not immune to cyber threats as hackers are increasingly targeting these companies due to their critical role in logistics and the supply chain. As cyberattacks become more expensive, having a strategy in place is crucial. Transportation companies have embraced sophisticated technology, including telematics, mobile devices, email, and connected vehicles, to increase safety, lower costs, streamline operations and enhance productivity. However, advanced technology comes with advanced threats, increasing the potential vulnerabilities for fleets.

Even with industry standards such as those provided by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), cybersecurity risks can still occur. Connected cars and other vehicles can be exploited, especially because of their numerous potential vulnerabilities. To keep pace with digital transformation goals, fleets must evaluate and identify potential security risks proactively. Next, put forth the appropriate security solutions and protocols to mitigate these risks. By doing so, fleets will be in a better position to prevent attacks and maintain operational continuity.

Top Connected Fleet Cybersecurity Threats to Watch Out For

Cybersecurity threats like software backdoors, malware, and phishing attacks are continually evolving, and businesses must be prepared to face them. These attacks can lead to significant damages, including data loss, data breaches, system outages, and lost revenue.

Unfortunately, detecting cyber attacks and data breaches is becoming increasingly difficult and time-consuming. Recent incidents like the SolarWinds cyberattack, which went undetected for more than a year, highlight this issue.

In the unfortunate event that a cyberattack occurs, particularly a ransomware attack, experts advise against paying the ransomware blackmail. Paying the attackers only encourages them to become more aggressive and perpetuate such attacks in the future.

ELD Security Risks: What You Need to Know

Following the implementation of the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate, several companies have emerged in the market offering ELDs to fleet managers. As a result, fleet managers are now faced with the challenge of ensuring that the ELDs they deploy are safe from potential data breaches and hackers.

The importance of data security in ELDs cannot be overstated. This is because ELDs contain critical information such as driver identities, time and location of vehicle movements, and other sensitive information. Therefore, a single data breach could expose the entire fleet to significant risks, including the loss of private information and negative impacts on the company’s reputation.

To ensure data security, fleet managers should consider several measures, such as encryption and authentication standards for all their ELDs. Additionally, they must ensure that all their ELDs have access controls and periodic security updates to ensure that they can withstand new security threats.

Moreover, fleet managers must ensure that their ELD vendors follow strict data privacy regulations and compliance protocols. This means that ELD vendors have a responsibility to safeguard customer data from unauthorized access, processing, or transfer at all times.

It is important to keep in mind that ELD units can pose security risks similar to other telematics systems. However, fleets should also ensure the physical security of the device. It is crucial to ensure that the administrative access of the devices requires proper authentication. Additionally, cyber criminals can use insecure ELDs to gain access to a company’s network or install malware or ransomware, making it essential to secure the ELDs properly. Fleets should be aware of warning signs that indicate that the ELD may be compromised, which include an increase in non-reproducible equipment performance or maintenance issues, unexpected incoming remote connections on the ELD networking log, or unusual traffic or file sharing on the company network. Thus, fleets are advised to ensure that their ELD providers have third-party validation and follow cybersecurity best practices. While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) does not endorse any electronic logging devices, it provides a list of registered and revoked ELDs to help fleets make an informed decision.

Cybersecurity: Tips for Companies to Safeguard Against Threats

Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important for fleet owners and managers. Preventing cyberattacks should be a top priority to protect employees, business, and fleet. What steps can you take to prevent cyberattacks?

First and foremost, implement cybersecurity training programs to ensure employees know how to recognize and respond to potential threats. It’s essential to keep your employees informed and educated on the latest cybersecurity strategies and tactics.

Additionally, backing up data and maintaining it in a secure location, preferably the cloud, is essential to keep data safe from potential cyberattacks. Regular software, firmware, operating system, and application updates should be kept up to date to protect against potential vulnerabilities.

Conducting regular security risk assessments is necessary to identify potential gaps and vulnerabilities in the system. It will ensure protection against any potential attacks efficiently.

Moreover, keeping an eye on outgoing data and intrusion detection can enable the fleet owner to take necessary precautions before an attack happens. Embracing encryption and multi-factor authentication has become crucial in today’s digital world.

Finally, creating a robust incident response plan outlining what steps to take if a cyberattack occurs and who will be involved is essential. This allows you to contain the attack and minimize the damage caused.

Preventing cyberattacks is a critical step in protecting your employees, business, and fleet. Making sure your cybersecurity is up to date and implementing necessary steps to prevent potential breaches is necessary to ensure your organization’s safety.