Could Your Truck's Connected Devices Be a Cybersecurity Risk? - Heavy Duty Trucking

Modern trucks contain multiple connected devices including electronic logging devices, tablets, and telematics systems that help fleets operate more efficiently. However, each of these devices represents a potential entry point for cybercriminals, creating risks that trucking fleets cannot afford to overlook.

According to a 2024 Hexnode survey of over 1,000 IT professionals across supply chain industries, 42% of organizations were unprepared for cyberattacks. One-third of logistics and supply chain organizations reported being victims of cyberattacks in the past year, with more than 60% of those classified as serious.

Growing Digital Footprint

The shift toward digital technology in trucking accelerated with the ELD mandate and the growth of IoT, introducing connected hardware without corresponding security measures. Today's fleets may have multiple devices in each cab plus trailer tracking systems, collecting valuable data but creating more potential entry points for attackers.

These technologies provide crucial information about vehicle location, maintenance needs, cargo conditions, and driver performance. However, their installation isn't a one-time decision—devices require ongoing management, software updates, and security monitoring throughout their useful lives.

Security Gaps

Many connected devices in trucking are built to withstand harsh physical conditions but often contain outdated software, factory-default passwords, and no requirement for updates. This leaves them unpatched and exposed for extended periods. Automated tools can scan networks for vulnerable devices, while AI makes some attacks faster and harder to detect.

When systems aren't adequately separated, attackers who gain access through one device may move into other parts of the network, exposing routes, cargo information, customer records, or drivers' personal information. In serious cases, attackers could deploy ransomware that locks employees out of critical systems.

Protecting Fleet Systems

Fleet managers should first identify every connected device in their systems and understand what data they collect, which systems they access, and who is responsible for their security. Software patching is crucial—many attacks exploit vulnerabilities that manufacturers have already fixed, but these fixes only help if updates are installed.

Implementing a 'zero trust' approach verifies every user and device before granting access, limiting permissions to what each actually needs. This prevents attackers who compromise one device from freely accessing other systems. Fleets should also require strong passwords and multifactor authentication, particularly for sensitive information.

Human Factors

Technology alone won't keep fleets secure. Drivers, dispatchers, and maintenance employees need training to recognize suspicious activity and know how to respond. Building a culture where cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility creates a 'human firewall' that complements technical defenses.

Fleets also need clear incident response plans—establishing who to contact if devices behave strangely, how to disconnect affected systems, and how operations will continue during an investigation. With more than 40% of companies lacking well-defined incident response plans, this step is critical for protecting fleet operations.