4 Reasons Why a Trucking Company Should Monitor Cybersecurity
Security of all types is very important in the trucking industry for obvious reasons but one type that is often overlooked is cybersecurity. There are many reasons why not observing best practices can be severely detrimental to a trucking company but today we’ll look at four of the biggest.
1- Compromised Financial Data
Although it isn’t always the case, most computer hackers are simply out to make money, whatever means necessary. By hacking into a trucking company’s servers, they can then access financial data, bank account numbers, and other information that puts both the company and its partners at risk.
Hackers can access credit card information, bank account numbers, transaction histories, and other financial data that will allow them to potentially steal money from either the trucking company or the companies that deposit money into their accounts. With proper cybersecurity, however, these threats can be minimized.
2- Logistical Nightmares
Sometimes hackers aren’t too interested in making money for themselves but just want to cause as much chaos as they can. These are perhaps the most dangerous types of cybercriminals, as those seeking money generally don’t intend to cause mayhem to get it. They can disrupt systems, send truckers and their goods to the wrong locations, or otherwise prevent companies from getting products to the right location at the right time.
By monitoring cybersecurity and ensuring that proper backups or auxiliary systems are in place, hackers can be prevented from achieving their goals. In addition to safeguarding the network, drivers can be given offline copies of routing instructions that aren’t vulnerable to hacking methods, like paper copies or information downloaded to their cell phones.
3- Man in the Middle Attacks
Although these are generally less common in other industries, Man in the Middle Attacks are quite common in supply chain industries. It involves someone intercepting messages between two companies or individuals and then sending their own copy to both sides. For example, a company could a message that says “The price will be $35,000, here are the payment details.” After the interception, the message the other company receives a similar message but with the hacker’s payment details instead.
4- Ransomware
Ransomware is a particularly insidious form of attack where hackers enter a system, change all the passwords, and insist on a ransom before giving access back to the company. Some of these ransom demands can be in the millions of dollars. Some companies are tempted to pay, but the problem is that there’s no guarantee that they’ll follow through after the money is sent.
Organizations like the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) have guidebooks, including one specifically for ransomware, with security tips and advice that can be used to prevent these situations from occurring or stop hackers in their tracks if their work has already begun.
These are just a few of the reasons why trucking companies should monitor their cybersecurity. Taking proactive measures now to monitor cybersecurity at a trucking company could make a large difference in the future.
