Levon Gasparian, CEO of Infopay and founder of IDStrong, is keeping a close eye on the cybersecurity risks facing commercial vehicles as well as private vehicles. He believes that business owners need to be aware of potential threats to their equipment and take steps to safeguard their companies from cyber attacks. Modern commercial vehicles, like private vehicles, are essentially moving computers filled with electronics that control various functions. The CAN bus system allows these electronics to communicate, but it can also be exploited by hackers, especially if the technology is old or unprotected.
Most heavy-duty vehicles use SAE J1939 communication standards today, which provide a common language for messages sent over the CAN bus network. While these standards help engineers design new components, they can also make commercial vehicles vulnerable to cyber attacks. Hackers who crack the code for one vehicle can gain access to countless others using the same standard. Levon Gasparian emphasizes the need for automakers to add additional fail-safes into their CAN bus designs to prevent unauthorized access by attackers. By incorporating secure protocols and gateways, manufacturers can help protect their vehicles from potential security threats.
Older equipment, such as trailer brake controllers developed in the 1990s, may not have been designed with cybersecurity in mind. A demonstration at the National Motor Freight Traffic Association’s Cybersecurity Conference showed how a wireless attack could compromise a truck’s brakes, highlighting the vulnerabilities in older vehicle technologies. For businesses that rely on standard commercial vehicles, understanding the specifications and technologies of their equipment is essential to identify potential security risks. By conducting VIN checks and researching advanced features, business owners can better protect their vehicles from cyber attacks.
Although some business owners may not believe they are at risk of cybersecurity attacks on their commercial vehicles, attackers could target companies to disrupt operations and cause financial losses. Forward Air, a transportation logistics company, experienced a cyber attack in 2020 that impacted both operational and IT systems, leading to disruptions in daily operations. This incident underscores the importance of cybersecurity for businesses that rely on commercial vehicles and the need for proactive measures to protect against potential threats.
To protect themselves from cyber attacks, businesses should inquire about the cybersecurity measures employed by truck manufacturers and consider retrofitting older vehicles with protective gateways. New models should be equipped with secure communication systems to prevent unauthorized access from external sources. Levon Gasparian advises that cybersecurity is just as crucial for commercial vehicles as it is for office computers, and business owners need to prioritize protecting their equipment from potential security breaches. By taking proactive steps to enhance vehicle security, companies can reduce the risk of cyber attacks and safeguard their operations.
