Fleet Management and GPS Tracking Blog

Protecting Your Fleet Management Software from Cyberattacks

Written by Rastrac Team | Feb 16, 2023 11:18:00 AM

As the transportation industry innovates with fleet management software, hackers have increased opportunities to create havoc by disrupting fleet operations.

They can take control of an entire fleet and use sensitive information to destroy or steal customer and operator data, leading to business loss and legal problems. This article isn’t meant to be any cause for alarm but rather to help fleet managers use new technologies to be aware of what they could be up against and provide some practical advice on safeguarding against potential attacks. 

 

Make sure your software is up-to-date

It's important to stay on top of software updates to ensure that any security and bug fixes are applied promptly. Keeping your system up to date can help reduce the likelihood of data breaches, malicious attacks, and other cyber security risks. Updating your software can help keep it running optimally with improved performance and features. It's essential to regularly check for updates and schedule routine maintenance for all of your systems.

 

It's especially important to stay on top of fleet management software updates to take full advantage of the features and benefits available. Ensuring the latest version is installed can help make your fleet more efficient, improve safety, and reduce costs. Additionally, security patches should be applied when available to prevent malicious attacks targeting your fleet management system. Scheduling regular updates and performing routine maintenance is essential for ensuring the successful functioning of any fleet management software.

 

Subscribe to real-time threat alerts

Have you checked in with your fleet management service provider to see what kinds of real-time alerts are available to your team? Chances are, your fleet management software has real-time alerts that can help your fleet managers stay ahead of the threat curve. 

 

Real-time threat alerts can be a major asset for any organization, helping to identify and mitigate potential risks before they become a problem. By utilizing the latest threats intelligence data, organizations can be quickly alerted to attacks that may otherwise go undetected, enabling them to take action before damage is done. This can help minimize losses and help organizations stay ahead of the game in terms of security.

 

Make cybersecurity a priority

Cybersecurity should be a top priority for any fleet manager, as malicious attacks can lead to significant disruption or damage. Implementing strong security measures can help protect against cyber threats and reduce the risk of data loss or theft. Managers should ensure that all devices, such as computers and mobile phones, are appropriately secured with firewalls, antivirus protection, and secure passwords.

 

Additionally, network access should be limited to only those who require it for their job duties. Regular system reviews can help identify potential threats before they cause severe damage. Employees are some of the most vulnerable points in cybersecurity, and training is critical to ensure they know the best practices to keep systems safe. Coordinate with your fleet management software provider to be sure your employees are up to speed on the latest changes in the technology. 

 

Spend time researching your fleet management software service provider

When it comes to protecting your fleet from cyber threats, spending time researching your fleet management service provider is essential. Ensure the provider you choose is up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity initiatives and that their processes and protocols are sufficient for your needs. A thorough review of a company’s security policies should include data encryption, user authentication, two-factor authentication, and perimeter protection.

 

Look for certifications and standards they have acquired, such as ISO 27001 or SSAE 16/ISAE 3402, which indicate a commitment to security. Ask questions about their process for protecting data and keeping it secure. Ensure they employ user authentication, two-factor authentication, encryption, and perimeter protection. Additionally, pay attention to any relevant industry news or updates to stay informed of changes in the cybersecurity landscape

 

Invest in developing a Fleet Management Cybersecurity Strategy

Once you’ve made your fleet management cybersecurity a priority, there are a few practical things you can do. 

 

  1. Determine how to detect phishing and other malicious emails;
  2. Engage in threat hunting based on IoC (indicators of compromise) in the network infrastructure;
  3. Implement perimeter network security and a defense-in-depth approach to geofencing and GPS software;
  4. Establish and review information security policies within your entire organization;
  5. Develop and enforce standard operating procedures for network tools and technology available in the company and the software your fleet management team uses.

 

On top of this, incident response and digital forensics policies must also be in place to help investigate and collaborate with law enforcement agencies if a cyberattack happens. You should retain a cybersecurity expert to conduct routine penetration testing to look for vulnerabilities and consider a cybersecurity insurance plan to safeguard your business.

 

Rastrac is working to ensure our fleet tracking tools are secure to keep your fleet safe. We are dedicated to ensuring our integrated fleet management technology is constantly updated and tested to stay updated with the latest fleet tracking security trends.