In today's digital landscape, technology and trucking are deeply intertwined. From Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to AI-powered dash cams and telematics systems, the modern trucking industry relies heavily on technology to streamline operations, improve safety, and boost efficiency. However, with digital transformation comes a rising threat: cyberattacks targeting the transportation sector.
The Double-Edged Sword of Innovation
According to recent reports by Commercial Carrier Journal, the growing adoption of connected systems in trucking is raising new concerns. As fleets digitize their operations, they also increase the number of access points for potential attackers.
Every day, massive volumes of data move through the supply chain - from route tracking and driver behavior to customer and shipment information. Cybercriminals are no longer lurking on highways; they are targeting back-end systems with phishing emails, malware, and ransomware, often gaining access through unsuspecting employees or vulnerable devices.
Technology enables efficiency, but it also creates more opportunities for system breaches. As cybersecurity strategies evolve, so too do the methods attackers use to infiltrate connected fleets.
The Risk of Foreign-Made Trucking Technology
One growing area of concern is the use of Chinese-manufactured devices in U.S. fleets. Cybersecurity experts like Ben Wilkens and Artie Crawford have voiced strong concerns over the national security implications of relying on foreign-made components in critical infrastructure.
Wilkens warns that China’s strategy is to increase dependency on its technology - from raw materials to finished electronics. This dependence can create significant vulnerabilities for U.S. carriers, particularly when devices are integrated into core operating systems.
Crawford pointed to an example from the port sector: ship-to-shore cranes manufactured in China that allegedly transmitted sensitive port data back overseas. In trucking, the equivalent would be systems that unknowingly leak shipment or route data, placing not only companies at risk, but potentially exposing national supply chains to foreign surveillance or disruption.
The issue, then, is no longer just about operational efficiency. The technology choices made by carriers have far-reaching implications, including the potential to compromise national security.
Understanding the Scope of the Threat
The concern isn't isolated to one type of device. Any component within a truck's connected ecosystem - ELDs, GPS systems, onboard diagnostics, cameras, or sensors - could serve as a potential entry point for remote access if manufactured without proper oversight.
Wilkens emphasized that if even a single component allows remote control or data extraction, the entire network becomes vulnerable. It only takes one weak link to disrupt or exploit the system. For trucking companies and the broader transportation infrastructure, this isn’t just a technical issue. It’s a matter of protecting supply chains and safeguarding national interests.
Reducing Cybersecurity Risks in Trucking
To mitigate exposure, carriers must adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity:
- Vet all hardware and software suppliers for security compliance and sourcing transparency.
- Avoid low-cost, foreign-manufactured equipment that may come with hidden security risks.
- Prioritize American-made or domestically sourced technology where possible to reduce foreign dependency.
- Train employees to recognize phishing and other social engineering tactics, which are often the first step in a cyberattack.
- Conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities in your systems and networks.
- Stay updated on federal guidelines and cybersecurity recommendations from agencies like the Department of Homeland Security or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Choosing the cheapest parts or devices may provide short-term savings but can lead to significant long-term risks, including data theft, operational downtime, and reputational damage.
As technology becomes essential to modern fleet management, cybersecurity in trucking must be taken just as seriously as vehicle safety or driver compliance. The origin and integrity of technology matter. Every device installed in a truck is a potential gateway - either to improved efficiency or to exploitation.
In an era where digital attacks are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated, protecting the transportation infrastructure means making smarter, more secure technology choices. The industry must remain vigilant, not only for the sake of operational continuity, but for the resilience of the entire supply chain.
