There are many types of security used in the trucking industry but perhaps the most important type is cybersecurity. Unlike standard security measures like padlocks that can easily be monitored by a driver, computer systems can be attacked from anywhere in the world. Let’s take a look at how to make sure your cybersecurity practices will keep your trucking business protected.
Restricting Access
Perhaps the most important aspect of good cybersecurity for a trucking business is making sure that all access to secure systems is restricted to authorized personnel. Passwords should be difficult to guess, contain letters and special symbols, and not contain words found in a dictionary. This eliminates several common strategies used by hackers to gain unauthorized access to secure systems.
Firewalls and Other Security Programs
There are several types of security software, including firewalls, that can also provide additional layers of security. Advanced systems can detect and stop potential attacks as they’re happening and prevent hackers from accessing any information or access to systems that might cause harm.
Many newer programs use AI to stop hackers in their tracks. They’ve been programmed to identify common tactics used by hackers or other bad agents. If anything unauthorized is detected, the threat is neutralized immediately.
Employee Training
Another essential aspect of maintaining cybersecurity for trucking businesses is to make sure that all employees undergo regular training to stop other forms of cyberattacks. For example, “social engineering” is the term used when a hacker or other bad actor sends an email or makes a phone call pretending to be someone else. They might claim to be from a cybersecurity company and ask for passwords or other entry codes to test services, for example. As any reputable company would know better than to ask for a password over the phone, it’s almost certain that anyone who asks means to gain unauthorized access.
Additionally, “phishing” scams use email attachments that contain dangerous software known as malware that hackers can use to gain access. Employees should be trained to only open email attachments from known senders and, if necessary, call the sender to confirm whether the file came from them.
Other Notes and Strategies
Ransomware is a particularly insidious type of cyberattack that involves a hacker gaining access and changing passwords to systems and data, which they hold for ransom and threaten to delete or sell until paid by the company. Keeping regular, secure backups stored offline in another facility can prevent this plan from succeeding.
Some hackers are even more dangerous because they don’t want money or information. Instead, their goal is simply to create chaos by deleting important files. They only want to disrupt shipments and make it more difficult for the business to carry out its work. However, they prefer easier targets and will often give up.
In summary, by using quality cybersecurity programs, limiting access to those who need it, and keeping offline backups, trucking businesses can protect themselves from hackers, and this will have a large impact on the company’s profit and services offered.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
