Although trucking is often seen as a blue-collar industry compared to the increasing financialization and “email job” economy, even trucking companies are subject to hacks and other problems with cybersecurity. Estes Express, an LTL trucking company, was recently the target of a hostile cyberattack. In order to protect our supply chain infrastructure and protect confidential customer data, the trucking industry urgently needs to step up cybersecurity safeguards.

Estes Express, based in Virginia, did not share exactly what damages were caused by the attack, but they did release a full statement on Twitter, now officially referred to as X. In the statement, they refer to the impact on their 22,000 employees, but this number is just a drop in the bucket compared to the millions of people that could be affected by any serious disruption in the supply chain that is in charge of moving items worth billions of dollars every day.

To keep moving goods across the country, the trucking industry must place a high priority on cybersecurity. For the transportation sector, the Estes Express event should be an important wake-up call. Cybersecurity is necessary to safeguard digital infrastructure, secure private customer data, and preserve operational integrity.

The following steps would be valuable for trucking companies:

Invest in Cybersecurity Training: It’s crucial to make sure that all staff are knowledgeable on cybersecurity best practices. Regular training and awareness campaigns can aid in avoiding expensive human blunders that could result in cyber breaches. Even trucks themselves will soon be equipped with “piloting software” that could steer the truck almost-autonomously.

Implement Robust Security Measures: Companies should strengthen their digital defenses against evolving threats by using the latest intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and encryption. Like with any computer, patching and updating systems on a regular basis is essential for preventing security flaws.

Cooperate and Share Threat Intelligence: Trucking companies are in competition for customers, but a supply chain shutdown threatens everyone. The transportation sector as a whole should cooperate and share threat intelligence. Collaboration can be used to spot patterns and stop possible assaults.

Overall, the trucking industry must improve its cybersecurity. Although trucks themselves remain targets for low-fi hijacking or trafficking operations, the struggles of Estes Express remind us that no industry is safe from the dangers of the digital age. The trucking sector must protect its digital infrastructure in order to protect the economy of the entire United States.