Cars keep getting smarter, but so do hackers, which is why Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) need to invest in the most robust ITS cybersecurity available. Self-driving cars are in their infancy, while hackers have now been around for decades. Here’s a look at the current solutions for an ITS to build a strong defense against cybercriminals.
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Risks an ITS Faces with Smart Vehicles
One of the greatest risks facing any firm in an interconnected supply chain is that a breach in one system can spread throughout the entire ecosystem. Since self-driving vehicles rely on wireless connectivity to be controlled remotely, there are built-in vulnerabilities to overcome. Hackers are able to penetrate wireless networks much more easily than hardwired networks.
An ITS framework may encompass connections with local infrastructure including traffic signals and traffic monitoring devices. Sensors and cameras are placed throughout the ecosystem such as on roads and at weather stations. An advanced ITS system has access to traffic flow data and controls. It may also include smart payment systems such as toll booths and parking meters.
All of these interactive endpoints can be compromised by sophisticated hackers, which is rare but has happened. Hackers, for example, can penetrate an electronic sign to change its message. The worst damage can be a database breach of confidential information that leads to expensive lawsuits. Or perhaps a self-driving vehicle can be hacked and controlled remotely to cause dangerous accidents.
Auto manufacturers and transportation companies have moved toward smart technology to reduce costs and waste. As early adopters of smart ecosystems, these organizations will be setting the tone for years to come on what the proper standards should be with omnipresent mobile sensors. Proactive security measures must go beyond the internet as well. IoT-based companies must constantly monitor their automated vehicles to make sure the machines aren’t controlled by nefarious characters.
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What ITS Cybersecurity Must Do
The key to protecting an ITS from breaches is to implement modern ITS cybersecurity solutions. This strategy can’t guarantee it will stop the most crafty cybercriminals, but turning to best practice principles work at mitigating most cyberthreats. The solution involves a combination of the right technology, knowledgeable IT expertise, and setting strict cybersecurity policies.
As far as cybersecurity technology, it’s best to build multiple layers of protection, especially for wireless applications. These solutions include network segmenting, which limits access to just one segment of a network as a measure to reduce data loss or damage. Another solution is 24/7 network monitoring software for detecting cyber threats. Other strong security solutions include firewalls, firmware, and encryption.
Your IT consultant or team can advise you on the most reliable solutions for blocking unwanted visitors to your network. Another advantage to working with IT experts is that they can train your staff on how to spot cybersecurity threats in email phishing schemes. IT technicians also can develop a disaster recovery plan and conduct system audits to detect vulnerabilities.
Furthermore, IT pros can help you set cybersecurity policies such as banning certain connections and only allowing specific devices to access your network. When an intruder shows up who isn’t included on the permission list, a 24/7 monitoring system can send immediate alerts to management and block the unwanted visitor’s access.
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Conclusion
Advancements in ITS cybersecurity will be greatly needed in the future to ensure secure supply chains around the world. Current methods have been mostly effective, there are still certain vulnerabilities these operations must overcome. The more big data becomes shared with self-driving vehicles, the more important it will be to make sure these vehicles are safe and secure, both physically and digitally.