The Looming Threat: Cybersecurity Risks in Autonomous Trucks
Autonomous trucks (ATs), once a futuristic vision, are rapidly becoming a reality. Manufacturers like Monarch Transportation Systems are leading the charge, but a crucial aspect remains unaddressed - cybersecurity.
While the public grapples with concerns about safety and ethics, a silent threat lurks: cyberattacks.
Public distrust and the cybersecurity factor
As with self-driving cars, public trust in ATs is low. While some see environmental and accessibility benefits, many fear a lack of control and potential dangers.
However, a major, often overlooked concern is cybersecurity. A staggering 78% of consumers want to know how ATs will be protected from hacking. Earning public trust hinges on addressing these cybersecurity risks.
Types of Cyberattacks on Autonomous Trucks
Over-the-Air attacks: These attacks exploit wireless vulnerabilities to gain access, steal data, or disrupt networks. ATs, like smartphones, require frequent updates. Hackers can use these updates to inject malware, creating a web of vulnerabilities across the entire supply chain. In 2015, hackers compromised a Jeep Cherokee through its entertainment system, highlighting the existing risks in connected vehicles. As AT technology advances, reliance on wireless networks increases the potential for an attack.
Remote and Physical Hacking: Remote hacks compromise software, allowing manipulation of functions like brakes and ignition. Hackers can hijack vehicles or steal them remotely. Additionally, GPS spoofing can disrupt navigation, a critical function for ATs.
ATs collect and transmit vast amounts of data, including passenger activity, location, and routines. This data, gathered through Internet of Things (IoT) devices, creates numerous entry points for hackers. A successful breach could expose sensitive information and lead to privacy violations.
Furthermore, vehicle hardware, data centers, and cloud servers storing user data are prime targets. In 2022, a simple homemade device compromised Starlink, showcasing the vulnerability of hardware systems. Without robust security features, hackers can gain access to a network of endpoints and servers.
Securing the autonomous truck supply chain
To ensure a safe and secure future for autonomous trucking, prioritizing cybersecurity throughout the design and development process is crucial. This means incorporating "Security-by-Design" principles from the manufacturing stage to hardware and software development. Traditional security measures are no longer enough.
Since ATs eliminate human intervention, manufacturers should explore solutions that don't rely on human decision-making. Hardware solutions leveraging AI and machine learning offer proactive security at the hardware and firmware level. Additionally, strengthening the security ecosystem around ATs is essential. Embracing new technologies to safeguard complex supply chains will build consumer trust.
The road ahead
While driver error remains the leading cause of accidents, cybersecurity concerns cannot be ignored. A robust cybersecurity approach, encompassing both hardware and software solutions, is vital for the industry's growth. These solutions must be dynamic, adaptable to emerging threats, and non-negotiable in implementation.
By addressing cybersecurity fears, the autonomous trucking industry can reassure consumers about privacy and safety, paving the way for a future where ATs reach their full potential.
