Although the trucking industry is the foundation of American business, it's been constantly undergoing a major digital transformation. The nation's transportation of goods is undergoing a constant state of change due to technology, which includes AI-powered safety systems and advanced ELDs. Although security and productivity are improved by these significant developments in the trucking business, a new, subtle threat known as cyberattacks has also emerged.
Many truck drivers may be unaware of the growing threat posed by cybercrime. This is mostly due to their excessive attention on the road, which is understandable, but a successful cyberattack that goes unnoticed could mean a catastrophic event in several ways. Through operations disruptions, data theft, and other means, a cyberattack has the potential to financially destroy drivers and bankrupt trucking organizations. Therefore, the serious threat of cyber attacks needs to be immediately addressed.
What type of issues can arise in cyberspace for truckers?
Cybercriminals now view the trucking business as a high-priority target, and some of the most common and frequently reported cybersecurity risks include:
Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks have the ability to take over a system and render it unusable. In addition, a denial-of-service attack on a dispatch system could disrupt all communications, making it impossible for drivers to get the updates they need to finish deliveries.
Malware is malicious software that can compromise systems, steal information, interfere with operations, and, in some cases, completely take over systems, all of which pose a major risk to user safety.
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks can include cybercriminals listening in on communications between the dispatch centers and the drivers, with the intent of stealing or simply manipulating information, or even taking over the routes, which may lead to delivery delays or even major cargo theft.
Phishing attacks are fraudulent emails meant to trick unsuspecting drivers into clicking on malicious links or even revealing some very sensitive information. Once they're compromised, those login credentials can be easily stolen, which can lead to account hijacking and potential ransomware attacks.
Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts critical data, holding it hostage until the required ransom has been paid. In the trucking industry, this can completely paralyze operations, from dispatch systems to fleet management, causing significant financial losses and delays.
Innovations in the trucking space to protect cargo
The sheer number of both current and future technology improvements are expected to continue changing the trucking business, and that includes everything from aerodynamic technologies like active louvers, underbody shielding, and wheel covers to new advanced powertrains, more efficient alternators and starters, embedded diagnostics for helping schedule service and maintenance to avoid costly breakdowns, telematics technologies for trucking and transportation that's safer and more efficient than ever, and additional safety and security features to help with the reduction or even the possible elimination of accidents.
All of these can help streamline the trucking business as well as protect cargo. However, perhaps the most significant technology improvements of today involve multi-factor authentication (MFA), proper employee training on cybersecurity best practices, frequent software updates, secure communications, and incident response plans.
In conclusion, these days, it's crucial for the entire trucking industry to recognize that these threats are not just hypothetical but they pose very real and present dangers.
