The invention of the World Wide Web has opened up exciting new possibilities, including the creation of tools for businesses that streamline efficiencies. From communication systems to data storage and analysis, many processes (across various industries) are now digitized.
Yet, being connected to the internet does come with risks. And the trucking industry is now realizing this phenomenon, seeing as they’re becoming victims of Privacy Attacks..
Trucking Companies Are Becoming Victims of Privacy Attacks
Today, privacy attacks are increasingly more sophisticated, with trucking companies among the most susceptible. Anything that connects businesses to the web is at risk, and trucking companies utilize a wide range of online tools.
Trucks, mobile devices, and computers are all potential access points for hackers.
There’s even more room for vulnerability when these businesses use external web-based platforms to run operations.
Ransomware Attacks
A common form of a privacy attack used to target trucking companies is called ransomware. According to Norton, ransomware “holds your personal files hostage, keeping you from your documents, photos, and financial information. Those files are still on your computer, but the malware has encrypted your device, making the data stored on your computer or mobile device inaccessible.”
Victims of ransomware privacy attacks rarely make it out with their finances intact, so prevention is essential. Different types of ransomware to be on the lookout for include:
Crypto-malware – Encrypts files, folders, and hard-drives
Lockers – Infects operating system to totally lock you out
Scareware – Fake software that looks like an antivirus
Doxware – Threatens to publish stolen information if you don’t pay
Prevention
Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining cybersecurity. This includes everything from staff training to penetration testing.
Hire Your Own Hacker
One way to prevent a breach in security is to hire a computer security specialist to conduct a penetration test.
A “white hat hacker” will attempt to break into your systems just as a hacker would. They look for weaknesses in your security systems so that you know where to make improvements.
This should be done randomly and without employee knowledge so that everything runs like it would in a real scenario. This, of course, is the most accurate form of penetration testing.
Staff Training
Privacy attackers look for any point of entry to gain access. And guess what is one of the biggest vulnerabilities? Human error.
Thus, employee training is paramount.
Security Training – Train workers to be vigilant and teach them to identify the various different strategies hackers use to breach a system.
Employee Verification – You can also prevent cyber attacks by implementing employee verification requirements to access sensitive data. For example, create a unique passcode specific to each user.
Plan Ahead – Create a plan of action with procedures that employees can follow if they notice suspicious activity.
Incident Response Plan
If your business is potentially under an attack, you need a response plan. Create a clear and concise document outlining what to do in the case of a breach. It’s best to have everything in place ahead of time rather than scrambling when an attack occurs.
Your plan should answer the following questions:
Who is the lead cybersecurity specialist?
Which employees are trained in handling this type of situation?
Who needs to be informed when a breach occurs?
Will you pay a ransom?
Legal Team
Your plan should also include legal contacts who you can support you should a breach occur.
Who is your forensics team? It’s critical to speak with a forensics company when you’re formulating this plan, not when you’re already under attack.
You should also set up an FBI or DHS contact ahead of time so that the matter is handled as quickly as possible (they’ll already have your brief and understand your software/hardware).
Update Software
Another way to prevent hackers from breaking into your systems is by consistently updating your software. Software patches block viruses and remove vulnerabilities in the systems so long as they are done routinely.
You can also invest in security software for your business with antivirus protocols and ransomware detection.
Cyber Insurance
Cyber insurance plans can protect you if your data becomes compromised.
There are various plans available, fit for all types of businesses
Plans may require you to have a vigorous cybersecurity program in place
They can protect your business from claims and expenses from a cyberattack
Today, with so many businesses operating online, cybersecurity is paramount. Ransomware and other privacy attacks can result in devastating financial losses, and trucking companies are more exposed than ever before.
Avoid security breaches with preventative action, updated software, and a response plan.
If you are a trucking owner and want to learn more about how Trucking Proud Insurance Agency (TPIA) is leading innovation in this space, please contact jamie@truckingproudins.com. If you are an insurance broker interested to learn more about joining the TPIA team to leverage these unique tools, please contact team@truckingproudins.com.
Sources:
HDT Truckinginfo. Why Trucking Companies Need to Plan Now for a Cyber Attack. https://www.truckinginfo.com/341883/why-trucking-companies-need-to-plan-now-for-a-cyber-attack
Norton. What is ransomware and how to help prevent ransomware attacks. https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-malware-ransomware-5-dos-and-donts.html
