Transportation and logistics are two of the world’s most essential systems and sectors. However, due to its reliance on technology, it is also one of the most vulnerable to cybercrime. Cyber-attacks have targeted the transportation and logists industries in a variety of ways, and they can disrupt daily operations for extended periods of time. Not only is service disrupted, but the exposure of extremely sensitive data is also a major concern in this industry. Looking to secure your business then hire cybersecurity experts.
Given that the first half of 2020 revealed a shocking surge in ransomware occurrences, with a year-over-year growth of 715 percent, it is essential for every industry to review where it stands in terms of cybersecurity. In this article, we examine where the transportation industry stands in terms of cybersecurity and what steps it has to take to protect itself from the very real threat of cybercrime.
Cyberattacks in the Trucking Sector
The bulk of transportation and logistics
- software programmes are utilised to improve
- the efficiency of their operations.
- However, because cybersecurity
- is not the most pressing issue
- in this line of business,
- or so conventional wisdom holds,
- these businesses are at
- a high risk of being defrauded.
- Sensitive information,
- including as shipment data
- and the personal information of
- their employees,
- business partners,
- and clients,
- might be compromised by software programmes.
These dangers aren’t just hypothetical. Bay & Bay Transportation was the target of a large ransomware attack in 2018, which locked up the infrastructure it uses to control its 300-truck fleet. Following a failed attempt at repair, the trucking firm was forced to pay the five-figure ransom. The incident ended up costing the company a huge six-figure sum, even after accounting for earlier recovery attempts and lost time. This incident exemplifies how costly a lack of cybersecurity investment can be for trucking companies.
Cyberattacks on Aviation
Cyberattacks aboard flights provide a whole new degree of danger to everyone.
The EasyJet cyber-attack is the most visible example for anyone interested in learning how cybercrime may damage aviation industry. This cyber-attack, combined with the COVID-19 epidemic, resulted in the airline losing 45 percent of its share value and recording its first yearly loss in the airline’s 25-year history. You can read more about the EasyJet cyber-attack and its aftermath here, or you can download our visual EasyJet cyber-attack timeline.
Aside from direct attacks on airlines,
other cyber-attacks on the business might occur through customer devices. A virus-infected laptop that boards a plane and connects to the cabin Wi-Fi can give hackers access to more than that single laptop. Hackers can acquire access to company databases as well as the files and information of every other passenger on board with active devices, in addition to everything on the infected laptop.
Employees may lack oversight and necessary security measures as a result of many private and commercial sectors being remote during the pandemic.
According to aviation IT expert Josh Wheeler, his organisation gets cyberattack attempts on a regular basis, many of which are phishing assaults. Employees divulge a lot of information that could potentially damage a system in the name of providing good customer service, oblivious to the threat of phishing. This indicates that staff cybersecurity training will be in high demand in 2021 and beyond.
As a result of post-COVID
- safety procedures,
- the industry as a whole
- more digitization
- than ever before.
Each step toward a more digital experience will bring benefits such as reducing the number of touchpoints required in the check-in and boarding experience, but it will also mean a larger surface of opportunity for hackers, highlighting the importance of formal training in cyber crisis management and incident response.
Cyberattacks in Other Areas of Transportation
Cybersecurity assaults do not only target trucks and planes.
In 2018, hackers took down 2,000 computers belonging to the Colorado Department of Transportation, causing weeks of disruption. Recently, fraudsters gained access to three of the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s 18 computer systems.
While some cybersecurity attacks appear to be attempts by hackers to generate money, others appear to be attempts to wreak disorder and confusion by shutting down entire networks. Traffic light disruptions, limiting access to critical files and data, disrupting payroll services, and compromising ticket machines and fare gates are just a few of the ways hackers can disrupt daily life, which can lead to big disasters for many people. Looking to hire a cyber security experts for your business.
Methods for Preventing and Recovering from Cybersecurity Attacks
One of the most serious mistakes a transportation firm can make is failing to complete security risk assessments on their systems. To prevent ransomware attacks, it is critical to identify the most sensitive and valuable information and ensure that it is as safe as possible. After identifying the areas that require improvement, businesses can proceed to develop a budget and a strategy for strengthening their security systems.
Many transportation companies do not consider investing in high-end security measures until it is too late. Investing in a good security system, on the other hand, is far safer than putting operations at danger with inadequate protection. Cyberattacks typically target firms with out-of-current operating systems, so being up to date on everything is critical. Installing firewalls, installing antivirus software, and investing in third-party cybersecurity services are all possibilities for improving cyber security.
Cyberattacks are also more likely to occur in organisations
As a result, it is critical that transportation, logistics, and aviation industries give comprehensive cybersecurity training to their employees.
Ransomware and cyberattacks not only compromise a machine, but they can also render the entire computer network inoperable. Because the transportation business is such an important part of society and daily life, it is simple to see how this could be harmful not only to a corporation but also to those who rely on its services for a living.
As the industry becomes more computerised, it is more vital for transportation and logistics organisations to examine their cybersecurity measures and employee training to avoid bringing their systems, and hence the everyday business and livelihood of many, to a halt.
