Creating Robust Cybersecurity Structures to Protect Fleet Data

Data security is of mounting importance to fleets and should be a priority. However, many companies are currently using outdated IT infrastructures that lack modern tech safeguards.

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Associated risk and cybersecurity are usually associated with complex connected devices, yet now the risk itself is stretching beyond what we would expect. Many would believe that it is our everyday connected devices of smartphones, tablets, and laptops that are the most vulnerable, and while they may be among the most targeted— vehicles today are among one of the resources most at risk.

Every aspect of our modern lives relies on fleets to transport goods and services. Fleets are a necessity in transporting valuables, but increased adoption of telematics devices has also transformed them into mobile data factories, including fleets that handle construction and demolition, recycling, and waste conversion among other integral daily tasks.

In this age of innovation, it is important to understand that newer vehicles now utilize some of the most complex and connected technology – also making them vulnerable to hackers. Some can control nearly every function of a vehicle, including engine performance, braking systems, airbag deployment, power steering, windshield wiper functionality, security features, and more. New forms of technology provide numerous benefits to fleets and are becoming more of the standard, as the technology can reduce accidents while allowing fleet managers to prioritize operations and fulfillment. While there are many features that improve safety, efficiency, and convenience, the evolution of digitized technology installed in fleet vehicles essentially makes them a rich, moving target for cyberattacks if not properly secured.

Data security is of mounting importance to fleets and should be a priority. However, many companies are currently using outdated IT infrastructures that lack modern tech safeguards. Even the smallest data breach could lead to a company experiencing a loss in revenue, losing customers, and even taking a hit to its reputation.

Awareness

Managers can safeguard their fleets by arming them with the necessary protections to eliminate vulnerabilities for the foreseeable future. Through the implementation of a third-party managed cybersecurity service, managers can ensure all the cyber doors are locked, and gain second-by-second monitoring capabilities. The technology supports IT personnel and teams, essentially giving them eyes on any potential vulnerabilities so that they can address them long before they are discovered or penetrated by cyber attackers. To reduce additional exposures, the tech also provides any necessary training and education that can help team members avoid the risk of displaying valuable data, as well as ensure they are adapting to company-wide best practices.

While it is vital that fleet operations have the ability for data ton flow freely and across operations, there must also be stability when balancing openness and the protection of sensitive data. Fleet companies can minimize threats by implementing a robust cybersecurity infrastructure that will protect all their confidential data and avoid exposing even the most minor vulnerability.

Cybersecurity as a tool

Through the utilization of a cybersecurity service, teams currently evaluating hours of analysis through manual processes are now able to halt arduous processes, yet still intercept and digest risk management framework (RMF) data quickly. It allows teams to visualize information through a dynamic and user-friendly tool. In addition, the service can uncover hidden data connections and provide deeper cybersecurity insights.

While navigating a sea of data to drill down a company’s specific cybersecurity vulnerabilities, the technology automates and orchestrates data to carry out precise reporting. Security-related decisions can then be made confidently by using that data as actionable intelligence. Additionally, remediation can be optimized by very clearly specifying the types and methods that are required to not only resolve issues but discover them as well.

Along with the hefty cyber protection it brings, a managed cybersecurity service can reduce costs while enhancing performance to accomplish and maintain security, all through one single solution. From the beginning of the process, it can accept software source code in a secure lab for analysis during an organization’s software development lifecycle, fixing security issues through design protection systems and information, rather than making fixes after a product releases. In addition, while keeping a company informed of its system’s defensive posture, it is also deployed on-site to ensure the protection of a company’s systems and information.

A handful of other things a managed cybersecurity service can do is:

  • Navigate a sea of data to drill down a company’s specific cybersecurity concerns
  • Automate and orchestrate cybersecurity data to achieve reporting
  • Make security decisions by using actionable intelligence
  • Optimize remediation by clearly specifying the types and methods required to resolve discovered issues

Managing risk

One might assume there’s no single way to protect a company from hackers, yet there are clear steps that can be taken. Cybersecurity dangers are a real risk now and will only become more threatening moving forward. The surefire way to mitigate those risks is using one single solution. Fleet managers who make the move to implement a third-party managed cybersecurity service into their systems and workflow will arm themselves and their fleets with the latest technology and expertise to safeguard themselves against any potential risks now—and in the future.         

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