In 2017, while there were 2.4 billion smartphones in the world, there were already 6.4 billion connected “things”. But by 2020, there will be 5.5 billion smartphones and 46 billion connected things. “So, when we start thinking about the future of security and hacking – such as what hackers are going to target – we need to think about the automotive sector.” Before we proceed what exactly is fleet management?
As transport industry continues to look for greater efficiency, and connected vehicles have become a gateway to sophisticated management and analysis of fleet operations for managers seeking greater control and reduced costs, new safety and cyber security challenges are emerging. For fleets, security is essential to ensuring that up-time and efficiency levels are as high as possible, so it’s important for fleet managers to ensure drivers understand this goal and confident that they are safe – in every sense – behind the wheel.
Know more about the simple steps that can be taken to prevent vehicle theft.
Today’s telematics are used to track vehicles and monitor driver behavior. Since the main goal of telematics is to protect company assets, telematics data is extremely valuable and therefore needs to be protected, not just the perimeter, and cyber security must be top-of-mind to ensure that drivers, vehicles and systems are safe from cyber-attacks.
1. Update software regularly: It is essential to update all software of fleet management platforms to keep up to date regularly in term of data security, which will protect against all kinds of external malicious attacks which can be done by hackers to breach data. Updating software regularly will have ability of new advanced features, terminating outdated feature, bug fixes, and fixing security issues detected previously, etc. Hackers can steal data & control your fleet once the software is infected or damaged, so to ensure your data is protected, make sure software is updated.
2. Cryptography on telecommunication: GPS vehicle tracking device transfer data from the fleet vehicle to the central server mainly over a cellular connection and all data that is sent will have point to point encryption. For instance, at the point when driver spends for fuel through a credit card associated with fleet and connected telematics device will automatically send data packet with contains fuel measure levels, odometer, and latitude & longitude to fleet manager through a server, and system will consequently compare the difference between requirement and purchases amount. Such system will help to determine problem like overpaid or misuse, and also makes data connected to your fleet which is unsecured and wide open for cyber criminals. In order to protect the confidentiality, integrity and client’s data as well as fleet operational systems, use of encryption to secure communication is the best practice. Encryption encodes the data which can only be read by the sender and receiver while to an outsider like a hacker, this encoded data would appear as a collection of symbols.
Notice: Encryption algorithm details used by Traxroot and other security measures taken are not mentioned on purpose in the blog.
3. Secure Accessibility: Nowadays vehicle’s OBD2 port provides all sorts of data like vehicle’s location and driving parameters like speed, acceleration, brake, and cornering, and some can also control your car ...etc. It is the main way into each vehicle’s data, so make sure only authorized person will have access and secure all wireless access points. Disable all network ports, device protocols, and services that are not actively in use. If wireless access is provided, access should only be allowed outside the firewall so wireless users do not have access to internal network resources.
Telematic devices send their data for storage and processing in the servers which can be protected by limiting physical access only to authorized personnel. Overall, the cloud environment can be protected by implementing firewalls, anti-virus, access control, and by actively monitoring the cloud. It is essential to understand that even the most secure systems are not one-hundred percent secure to breaches. In case of a security breach, it is vital to be capable of mitigating the damage caused by any attack. Our gateway framework enables reliable and scaleable edge connectivity to devices while ensuring a secure cloud communication
Read more about the basic fleet management problems and challenges.
4. Create an internal data privacy policy: By Providing scheduled regular training sessions to employees and drivers on the importance of data & cyber security culture with establishing a mandatory rules to protect the fleet of vehicle’s sensitive data, which should cover all areas: from access to ports, to the management of the platform by using secure passwords and authorization can improve their knowledge and awareness on data & cyber security. Empowering employees, drivers, and workers to identify common cyber threats will be beneficial. Security awareness training helps in understanding vulnerabilities and threats to fleet operations and also make employees and drivers aware of their responsibilities and accountability when using the internet for transferring data.
Find out 8 ways to improve driver behavior using a modern fleet management software.
At Traxroot telematics we are focused on the security and protection of data to ensure we can provide the most trusted and genuine telematics technology. Business enterprises require a trust worthy adviser, who can help them better understand data security program and implement a plan to make sure long-term protection and review available solutions. Contact us to take a demo of Traxroot Fleet management software today.