Fleet operations today revolve around data. Telematics systems, connected cars, and similar IoT systems provide fleet managers with a wealth of information, but this connectivity also raises security concerns.

As data breach costs reach their highest point in decades, accounting for vulnerabilities in organizations’ data becomes increasingly crucial. Data-rich and notoriously difficult-to-secure fleets are no exception.

How Is Fleet Data Vulnerable?

Appraising fleet data vulnerabilities begins with understanding them. Many of these weaknesses arise from telematics and similar IoT networks. While these systems have many benefits, like tracking and managing fleets’ largest expenses, they lead to massive attack surfaces.

Connected fleets have a rapidly rising number of endpoints to manage, but often lack the expertise and experience to secure them. Limited on-board security features and standard practices like over-the-air (OTA) updates exacerbate these risks.

Fleets may feature more vulnerabilities than databases in other industries due to their reliance on multiple third parties. Logistics and supply chain operations are typically complex, interconnected webs, introducing more vulnerabilities from third-party providers and users. Just as fleets host multiple, disparate endpoints, their high user counts complicate managing data access.

How to Manage Fleet Data Vulnerabilities

As cyberattacks on vehicles keep rising, managing these vulnerabilities is increasingly crucial for fleets and their security partners. Here’s how cybersecurity professionals can address and minimize these risks:

1. Review Telematics Partners

The first step in securing fleet data from both device and user vulnerabilities is research. Organizations must review potential telematics providers before going into business with them to ensure they meet high security standards.

More than half of all organizations have experienced a data breach from a third party. Device and software vendors are among the riskiest third parties for fleets, as any vulnerabilities in these areas could weaken any other security measures. Consequently, (Read more...)