Most trucking companies have no issues with physical security. Truckers don’t leave their keys in the truck, mechanics remember to lock up shop, and companies install fences around their property. When it comes to cybersecurity, however, many small companies don’t do as much as they should, despite digital risks being just as numerous as physical ones.
Want to know more about the importance of cybersecurity for trucking companies? Read on to learn why cyber threats are a very real risk and how to keep them in check.
Why Cyber Threats Are a Security Risk
Small trucking companies often believe that hackers are more likely to target larger businesses. However, the size of the organization doesn’t matter. According to Artie Crawford, director of cybersecurity at the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), ransomware is a threat to any organization, from billion-dollar businesses to companies with five-truck fleets.
The main reason why we don’t often hear about smaller companies being breached is that these incidents simply don’t make the news. The truth is, smaller companies are often greater targets due to being easier to breach. Trucking is also a complex industry where the regulations change constantly, leading to some unique risk factors in the cyber landscape as well.
The Future of Cybersecurity in Trucking
In recent years, the NMFTA has been building a cybersecurity framework specific to trucking. Its main purpose is to help smaller trucking companies learn more about the complex cybersecurity standards. The current frameworks, such as the Transported Asset Protection Association are tailored for cyber experts, which most small companies don’t have on staff.
In developing a list of best practices, the NMFTA wants to focus on starting small. The first step for any trucking company should be to identify their key assets, such as truck keys, access to fuel, broker contracts, etc. Then, it’s all about figuring out how a bad actor could access, misuse, or destroy those assets, as well as coming up with ways to protect them.
Protecting Your Company from Cyber Threats
If you don’t have the time, resources, or expertise to invest in cybersecurity measures, consider hiring a managed security service provider (MSSP). However, be mindful about who you choose. When interviewing candidates, find out how they intend to address specific risks to ensure sufficient coverage. Ask them about their incident response plans as well.
Another way to practice good cyber hygiene is to hire the right merchant service provider. Reputable merchant services have robust security measures in place, ensuring safe payment processing. They also comply with PCI DSS standards, which is a set of requirements designed to protect organizations that accept, store, or process payment card information.
The Right Partner Makes All the Difference
Cyber threats are a growing concern in the trucking industry, but the right cybersecurity measures can safeguard your business from costly breaches. At MONA Payment Solution, we understand the unique risks trucking companies face and are here to help you stay protected. Want to learn more about how to secure your operations and safeguard your payments? Reach out to our team today—we’re ready to answer your questions and provide the solutions you need.