Levon Gasparian is the CEO of Infopay, a data technology company, and the founder of IDStrong, an identity monitoring and protection service provider. Gasparian is paying close attention to cybersecurity issues affecting vehicles, including commercial vehicles, as they continue to be targeted by hackers. He believes that business owners need to understand the potential risks associated with their equipment and take steps to protect their companies from cyberattacks.
Modern vehicles, including commercial vehicles, are vulnerable to attacks due to their use of the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus technology. This system allows the various electronic components in a vehicle to communicate, but it can be exploited by hackers. Gasparian emphasizes the importance of automakers adding fail-safes to their CAN bus designs to prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle’s systems from external nodes.
Many heavy-duty vehicles use the SAE J1939 communication standards, which define how messages are sent over the CAN bus network. However, this standardization also makes it easier for hackers to target multiple vehicles once they have cracked the code for one vehicle. Gasparian warns that outdated equipment, such as trailer brake controllers developed in the 1990s, can be compromised through wireless attacks using basic antennas and amplifiers, highlighting the need for improved cybersecurity measures on commercial vehicles.
Gasparian points out that businesses relying on commercial vehicles, such as transportation companies and repair technicians, need to be aware of the cybersecurity risks associated with their equipment. An attack on company vehicles can lead to financial losses and operational disruptions. He cites a case where transportation company Forward Air was hacked in 2020, affecting both operational and information technology systems. This incident underscores the vulnerability of businesses that rely on commercial vehicles to cyberattacks.
To protect themselves from cyber threats, businesses should inquire about the cybersecurity measures in place on their trucks and work with manufacturers to secure their vehicles. Gasparian recommends adding protective gateways to electronic communication systems within vehicles to prevent CAN bus attacks and other security threats. Retrofitting older vehicles and ensuring that new models are secure are also essential steps to take to safeguard commercial vehicles. Cybersecurity is critical not only for office computers but also for commercial vehicles in today’s digital world.
Gasparian’s insights shed light on the importance of addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities in commercial vehicles to protect businesses from potential cyberattacks. With the increasing reliance on technology in modern vehicles, it is crucial for business owners to prioritize cybersecurity measures to secure their fleets and prevent disruptions in their operations. By taking proactive steps to protect their vehicles, businesses can minimize the risk of falling victim to cyber threats and safeguard their assets and operations.
