Cybersecurity Essentials: Protecting Your Fleet in the Digital Age

• Real Life Attacks

• Cybercrimes against trucking companies are real, with actual cases showing logistics firms dealing with these challenges. In 2017, FedEx fell victim to a ransomware attack called NotPetya. The attack caused widespread system outages that caused major delays and caused the company an estimated $300 million*.

  More recently, Estes Express Lines was a victim of a cyberattack in October 2023*. The attack on Estes' computer system caused the company to shut down their IT system for weeks to fight against the attack.

  During the attack, some shippers temporarily switched to different freight companies. This caused disruptions to their business. However, logistics operations continued.

  Estes acted fast to stop a cyberattack, but it still took weeks to fix and cost $44 million in lost production time. Cyberattacks can be costly, even when a company reacts quickly. That's why companies should be proactive in protecting against cyber threats.

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• Protecting your fleet

  To combat the rising tide of cyber threats, trucking companies must adopt a multi-layered defense strategy. This includes:

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• • Software Updates and Security Management: Always update your operating systems with the latest software. This helps protect against new viruses and cyber threats. Regular updates and patch management are essential for maintaining security and safety.
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• • Employee Training and Awareness: Human error remains a significant issue. Employees may unwittingly click on malicious links or fall victim to phishing scams, granting cybercriminals access to sensitive information. Invest in cyber security awareness training for all employees, drivers included, to help them identify and prevent cyber threats. Here’s a couple resources to get you started:
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  •       • TMC Fleet-Focused Cybersecurity Training: The American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) offers commercial vehicle cyber security training online. 
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  •       • Serjon’s Cybersecurity Training Program: Serjon has developed an online cybersecurity training and certification program specifically for small- and mid-sized trucking companies.
• • Advanced Threat Detection Systems: Implement systems that can detect and respond to threats in real-time, including robust firewalls. Security measures can be the difference between a close call and a catastrophe for your fleet.
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• Some companies develop systems and apps for fleet security. They have antivirus and anti-malware to protect against cyber threats that target vehicle systems.
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• • Data Encryption: Safeguard sensitive information with encryption both in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorized access.
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• • Incident Response Planning: Create a response plan to reduce damage and quickly restore operations after a breach occurs.
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• • Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security assessments to identify potential issues and implement necessary countermeasures.
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Our way of dealing with [security threats] is to report them transparently, investigate and fix the root causes to prevent similar or more damaging incidents from happening again.

Pascal Mathieu, Director of Information Systems Security, Michelin Connected Fleet

• Michelin Connected Fleet

  Michelin Connected Fleet is a comprehensive telematics solution designed to optimize fleet management through advanced technology. Michelin Connected Fleet uses real-time data to help fleet owners track vehicle performance and driver behavior. This service also improves overall fleet efficiency.

  Like any digital platform today, Michelin Connected Fleet has faced cybersecurity threats, but thankfully all have been minor.

  To address cybersecurity concerns, Michelin Connected Fleet has multiple security measures in place, including:

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• • Firewalls, data encryption, malware and incident detection systems, along with role-based access controls
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• • Regular Software Updates: Michelin Connected Fleet has security measures embedded in the software to provide regular patches for ever-changing vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit
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• Using these cybersecurity strategies, Michelin Connected Fleet users can feel assured their fleets are safe and defended against potential cyberattacks.

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• Embracing Cybersecurity Innovation

  Technology clearly intertwines the future of trucking. Investing in cybersecurity is important for success in the future. Cybersecurity is not just a precaution, but a strategic move in this new era of connected fleets. The trucking industry can stay strong in the global economy by focusing on security and adapting to changes.

  By focusing on cybersecurity, fleet owners can mitigate risks, protect their operations, and safeguard their bottom line.

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