Amid the Canadian trucking sector adopting advanced technology, the future journey is becoming more reliant on data and its collection. Trucks are equipped with GPS monitoring tools, electronic logging devices, sophisticated telematics and fleet management systems. These increased connections are opening doors to cyber threats and attacks that need to be understood, watched, and mitigated.

The trucking industry is facing the real and escalating danger of cybercrime. The Canadian Trucking Alliance reports an 80% increase in ransomware attacks within the transportation realm in a one-year period, with several months seeing drastic spikes of up to 186%.

Smaller and medium sized carriers seem to be more vulnerable as they often lack the IT systems and cybersecurity knowledge found in larger fleet operations.

Cyber criminals are drawn to opportunities presented by targeting trucks as they serve as moving hubs of assets and confidential data, such as delivery schedules and customer details, along with routing systems. A breach in this system can lead to severe operational disruptions, jeopardizing safety measures and resulting in significant financial losses for companies.

This June, there was an incident that highlighted the importance of cybersecurity in the transportation sector. Even thought the cyberattack was on a major airline, it is a case in point where internal systems were compromised leading to disruptions.

The company’s activities remained unaffected; however, the event sparked worries about the risk of revealing customer information and underscored that even reputable transportation firms are vulnerable to cyber risks. The company’s reaction involved law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals showing the necessity for preparedness.

Tampering with telematics

Even scarier is the risk of hackers tampering with a carrier’s telematics or fleet management systems. It’s easy to picture a situation where delivery orders get intercepted and rerouted. This isn’t a fantasy — it has occurred in industries before, and experts caution that trucking is at risk of similar threats.

Responding to the pressing need for action, Transport Canada has joined forces with the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security to enhance security measures within the transportation industry. In 2022, the government tabled Bill C-26 known as the Act concerning Cyber Security with the aim of fortifying defenses for transportation infrastructure.

After being put into effect, it will be necessary for assigned individuals to put in place cybersecurity protocols and address security breaches. This move towards regulation is encouraging, yet merely following the rules won’t suffice. Cybersecurity needs to be integrated into the values of the organization, spanning from executive meetings to everyday operations.

Ways to ensure safety

• Remember to keep updating your software with the latest patches and employing robust authentication methods like multi-factor authentication as a standard practice.
• Ensure your team is trained. Both drivers and dispatchers play a role as the first point of contact for security measures. Educate them about phishing scams and how to find suspicious links while emphasizing safe data handling practices.
• Segment your network by separating systems such as dispatch and telematics from secure networks in case of a security breach occurring.
• Remember to back up all your data offline as a precaution against ransomware attacks. It could be the key to recovering from a potential disaster rather than facing complete ruin.
• React promptly by employing intrusion detection systems and real-time monitoring to find threats at an early stage, along with having a well-prepared incident response blueprint in place and make sure to practice it regularly.
• Make sure to check the vendors you work with. It is important that third party suppliers who provide ELD or fleet management software adhere to cybersecurity measures.
• Keeping copies of documents can be a lifesaver in situations where digital systems do not keep operations running smoothly.

As trucks transform into computers on wheels, cybersecurity must progress in parallel. For trucking companies, the directive is clear. Safeguarding your fleet today equates to safeguarding your data.

Cybersecurity isn’t solely an IT department matter any more, it’s an aspect for businesses ensuring safety and gaining an edge. In an industry where continuous operation is paramount, prioritizing cybersecurity could be your key strategy.