The work truck fleets business for construction, public works and more is one of the freshest sectors to be exposed to smart tools technology, pushed into the spotlight by the advent of smart vehicles and other smart technology used in transportation. To maximize the advantages of smart technology in their operations, work truck businesses and operators must prioritize cybersecurity and recognize its pivotal role. Understanding the essential features of secure smart systems is also crucial for safeguarding their assets.
Smart technology has revolutionized the work truck industry, offering substantial benefits including enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, and improved safety. In this sector, smart tools encompass telematics systems, advanced GPS tracking, automated driving aids, and connected vehicle networks.
Additionally, fixed cameras are strategically placed in warehouses, parking lots, distribution centers, and construction sites, complementing camera stations integrated with work truck devices. These innovations facilitate better route planning or tracking, real-time vehicle monitoring, and predictive maintenance. However, these advancements also elevate the risk of cyber threats, underscoring the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures.
IMPORTANCE OF CYBERSECURITY IN FLEET MANAGEMENT
Protecting Data Integrity
One of the primary concerns in smart work truck transportation is data integrity. Smart systems collect vast amounts of data, including vehicle location, driver behavior, and maintenance schedules. This data is crucial for optimizing fleet operations and ensuring safety. However, if this data is compromised, it can lead to severe consequences, including incorrect route planning, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and even vehicle hijacking. Ensuring the security (encryption) of this data both in transit and at rest is essential.
Preventing Unauthorized Access
Unauthorized access to smart transportation systems can have catastrophic outcomes. Bad actors can potentially take control of vehicles, disable critical systems, or manipulate data for malicious purposes. Implementing strong access controls, encryption, and authentication mechanisms can help prevent unauthorized access and protect the fleet from cyber threats.
As fleets become increasingly electric, systems in vehicles are also increasingly computerized or managed via software. Regularly updating software and systems to patch vulnerabilities is also critical in maintaining security. Collaborating with suppliers of both vehicles and systems that have a proactive approach to cyber security is also crucial.
Ensuring System Availability
Smart transportation relies heavily on the availability of its systems. Disruptions due to cyber-attacks, such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, can cripple fleet operations, leading to delays, increased costs, and safety risks. Implementing measures to ensure system availability, such as network redundancy, real-time monitoring, and robust incident response plans, can help mitigate the impact of potential cyber-attacks.
KEY FEATURES OF SECURE SMART SYSTEMS
Built-in Cybersecurity Features
Smart transportation systems should come with built-in cybersecurity features to protect against a wide range of threats, especially tampering. These features include secure boot processes, strong encryption, and secure communication protocols. Secure hardware platforms employ extensive software functions. They verify device authenticity through secure boot functions, protect data during transmission via end-to-end encryption, ensure authorized installation and updates through firmware signing, and allow for tampering notification through cryptographic signatures.
Certificates and keys used in encryption should reside on a secure sector of the devices’ memory and not be accessible. Reputable surveillance brands emphasize the importance of built-in security in their devices, ensuring that each product is equipped with technologies to safeguard against cyber threats.
Regular Security Updates
Keeping systems and software up to date is crucial in combating cyber threats. Manufacturers should provide regular security updates and patches to address newly discovered vulnerabilities. Fleet operators must prioritize these updates and ensure that all devices within their network are running the latest versions of software. Selected vendors should also have a policy of long-term support for their devices, even after devices are discontinued or at end-of-life to ensure that cyber security remains up to date on deployed equipment. Automated update mechanisms can streamline this process and reduce the risk of human error.
Comprehensive Monitoring and Management
Upholding cybersecurity does not end with a tamper-resistant device, a secure booting and installation process, or even an end-to-end encrypted transmission protocol. New cyber threats are continuously being developed, so vigilance to these vulnerabilities is of utmost importance. Effective cybersecurity involves continuous monitoring and management of all systems.
Implementing comprehensive monitoring solutions can help detect and respond to threats in real-time. There are surveillance manufacturer device manager tools in the market that make it easier to maintain the security of devices by providing centralized management and monitoring capabilities. These tools can enforce and restore cyber policies when changes are made, alert operators to potential security incidents, and enable swift action to mitigate risks.
COLLABORATION AND TRAINING
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Collaboration between manufacturers, fleet operators, and cybersecurity experts is essential to create a secure environment. Providing regular training for staff on cybersecurity best practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts and ensuring secure password management, can significantly enhance the overall security posture. Educating drivers and operators about the importance of cybersecurity and their role in maintaining it is also crucial.
ROLE OF COMPLIANCE AND STANDARDS
Adhering to industry standards and regulations is a critical aspect of cybersecurity. Compliance with standards such as the ISO/IEC 27001 for information security management and the National Institute of Standards and Technology guidelines can help ensure that the necessary security measures are in place. Reputable surveillance companies will highlight the importance of regulatory compliance and provide solutions that meet various cybersecurity requirements, ensuring that their products align with industry best practices.
However, meeting regulations and compliance is sometimes treated as a checkbox, rather than the result of a comprehensive approach. Fleet owners should be aware of their customer base and associated cybersecurity needs and consider going beyond regulatory compliance as required to protect themselves and their customers.
As the trucking industry continues to embrace smart technology, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Protecting data integrity, preventing unauthorized access, and ensuring system availability are critical components of a robust cybersecurity strategy. By implementing secure smart systems, staying updated with the latest security measures, and fostering collaboration and training, truck operators can safeguard their fleets against cyber threats. In this era of digitized transportation, cybersecurity is not just an option but a necessity for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of smart fleets.
About the Author
Jason Chiu is the professional services group manager at Axis Canada. He has a background in IT and networking and has spent over 15 years in the security industry, from being an integrator, consultant, and manufacturer. He is an ASIS board Certified Protection Professional and Physical Security Professional. Trained in Critical Infrastructure Protection and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (Levels 1 and 2).
