NMFTA Advises Freight Companies to Safeguard Legacy Maintenance Software against Cybersecurity Attacks
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA)™ announced the release of its whitepaper, Securing Legacy Maintenance Software, which unlocks new research focusing on solutions for securing legacy maintenance software.
Known as the backbone of many trucking companies, legacy fleet management software exposes businesses to the risk of cyberattacks. While one single breach can compromise sensitive data, disrupt operations, and cause financial loss, NMFTA’s whitepaper provides a comprehensive study on securing legacy fleet management software in the trucking industry.
As a leading authority in maintenance technology and trucking cybersecurity research, NMFTA has partnered with Jaime Lightfoot, a renowned security researcher and software developer at Lightfoot Labs. This collaboration aims to equip the industry with the knowledge and strategies necessary to safeguard trucking companies’ fleet and data.
Given the heavy reliance of supply chain operations on software and the prevalent lack of security updates, the risk of cyberattacks is significantly heightened. By prioritizing cybersecurity precautions for maintenance tools and focusing on ransomware, companies can protect their bottom line.
“Maintenance software is very vital to the operation of essentially any trucking company,” said Anne Zachos, cybersecurity research engineer for NMFTA. “In the supply chain industry and, more specifically, the freight sector, it is trusted by the vehicle network and devices it is connected to. This software can alter multiple configurable settings on a truck and with enough reverse engineering, it may also have the ability to update truck components in a malicious way. Ultimately, securing fleet maintenance systems will keep your fleet, data, drivers, and operations secure as well as your network.”
As the types of attackers and their motivations vary, companies need to focus on four specific areas to properly mitigate potential threats:
- Software – Regularly update maintenance software;
- Devices – Ensure that all relevant devices (i.e., laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones, and virtual delivery agents) are secured;
- Network – Limit network connectivity and isolate it from other company functionality; and
- People and Processes – Consistently educate employees on security awareness, cybersecurity defenses, and processes to ensure that individual security improvements are maintained over time.
Leaders, including fleet maintenance professionals, IT security experts, and transportation logistics researchers can learn more about how to thoroughly mitigate this growing challenge by downloading the whitepaper here.
About NMFTA
Since 1956, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA)™️ has been setting standards that empower an efficient, secure supply chain. The NMFTA publishes the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC)®️, assigns Standard Carrier Alpha Code™ (SCAC®), assignment of Standard Point Location Codes® (SPLC™), develops digital standards for the trucking industry, and safeguards those digital standards through cybersecurity research, dissemination of studies, and education. Membership in NMFTA is available to all for-hire interstate and intrastate motor carriers. For more information, visit www.nmfta.org.
Contact
Marli Hall
Director of Public Relations
marli.hall@nmfta.org
703-665-3559
