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2024 Trucking Industry Challenges: Cybersecurity

posted by TrueNorth Transportation on Thursday, March 28, 2024

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Did you know there was a 400% increase in automotive cyber-attacks between 2017 and 2022?

As cyber-attacks have become an increasing concern for the transportation industry, companies have had to educate themselves on the threat and dedicate resources to cybersecurity. This continues to be a challenge, however, as the industry is a key target for attacks. 

Cybersecurity is defined by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency as “the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use and the practice of ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.”  

In this blog, we will cover what threats exist for trucking companies and what measures they can take to protect themselves. 

Cybersecurity 

Cybersecurity breaches can put trucking companies in a compromising situation where they are exposing their own data or even client data. Other ramifications can include a disruption in operations and negative financial impacts. 

There are various forms in which transportation companies have experienced cyber-attacks, including:  

• Phishing – Designed to trick the recipient into providing personal information or install malware by appearing to come from a reputable source; Can occur through text or email 
• Malware – Malicious software designed to collect and/or destroy sensitive information; there are many types of malware from spyware to a virus 
• Ransomware – Malicious software (malware) that prevents the victim from being able to access their data or device until a ransom is paid 

The trucking industry is a prime victim for cybersecurity attacks for a few reasons, including a lack of adequate security training.  Clay Swanson, Risk Management Specialist at TrueNorth, adds that, “their pivotal role in the supply chain,” also makes companies a target which “highlights the urgent need to prioritize cybersecurity beyond checking a box for an insurance policy.” 

Clay goes on to advise that cybersecurity should be approached as a business problem as a whole, not just an IT problem. He recommends that companies, “Invest the time and resources into building a program or committee to manage cyber risk proactively, test your incident response plan regularly in a simulated tabletop exercise, and lastly strengthen your first line of defense through regular workforce awareness training.” 

TrueNorth's team of cyber specialists provide solutions to our clients that include discovery of existing systems in place and identification of potential exposure to threats. Ongoing consulting is then provided with a focus on transferring cyber risk, reducing the likelihood of a breach, and increasing post-breach resilience.  

Take our Cyber Security Assessment to see if you are carrying adequate insurance limits, and how you measure up to your peers. 

Next Up 

In our fourth and final blog of the 2024 trucking challenges series, we will cover what our audience felt would be the biggest challenge of all – recruiting and retaining drivers. As a familiar challenge to the trucking industry, stay tuned to hear our take on how companies can overcome it.  

Get in touch with the TrueNorth team today.