Integrating Cybersecurity into Business Operations
LAS VEGAS — Amidst an evolving digital threat landscape, companies in the trucking and logistics sectors can enhance their defenses against cyber breaches by fostering a security-centric organizational culture and strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders.
At the Manifest supply chain and logistics technology conference on February 10, 2025, industry leaders discussed the growing cyber threats and shared insights on effective cybersecurity strategies.
Todd Florence, the Chief Information Officer at Estes Express Lines, highlighted the importance of cultural commitment and ongoing improvement in cybersecurity efforts. “Creating an adaptable and learning organization is essential,” he stated.
He further emphasized the significance of maintaining robust relationships with both internal executives and external business partners to facilitate effective collaboration during crises.
Such cooperative strategies proved beneficial for Estes during a cyberattack in October 2023, which briefly compromised their IT systems. Thanks to pre-established strong relationships and transparency with partners, Estes managed a successful and relatively stress-free recovery, Florence explained.
He also pointed out the critical role of external technology providers, especially during cyber incidents, noting, “It quickly becomes apparent who are true partners rather than mere vendors in such situations.”
Estes, headquartered in Richmond, Va., is ranked No. 11 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America.
Sharing experiences and strategies with peers can also be invaluable, according to Mike Zupon, Vice President of Technology at Ward Transport & Logistics Corp. He recommended consulting with those who have endured cyberattacks to shape effective response plans.
Zupon also highlighted the benefits of cyber insurance, advising companies to calculate potential costs of security incidents to determine appropriate coverage levels.
Emerging Threats and Industry Responses
Joe Ohr, Chief Operating Officer at the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), and Artie Crawford, NMFTA’s Director of Cybersecurity, described the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, such as ransomware-as-a-service. These schemes involve criminals using rented software to lock companies’ data and systems, demanding ransoms tailored to the size of the targeted business.
Crawford warned that no company is too large or small to be targeted and stressed the ongoing prevalence of phishing scams as hackers’ favored method of attack. He also noted how advancements in artificial intelligence are making phishing attempts more sophisticated and effective, particularly for attackers whose first language is not English.
Ohr added that generative AI technologies could potentially be used to create fake video messages from company leaders, complicating the cybersecurity landscape further.
As part of a proactive cybersecurity strategy, businesses are encouraged to conduct penetration testing to identify and promptly rectify vulnerabilities, said Zupon. “The pen test is only as good as your response to it,” he remarked.
Additional recommended security measures discussed include the establishment of instant response and business continuity plans, regular backups of critical IT systems and data, and adherence to the “3-2-1” backup rule — maintaining three copies of data on two different media, with one stored offsite.
Lastly, NMFTA is releasing a three-part cybersecurity guidebook aimed at assisting trucking companies of all sizes in bolstering their defenses. The first installment, targeted at owner-operators and small fleets, was published in January.
Related Keywords: Cybersecurity, Las Vegas, Estes, NMFTA
Similar Posts
- Outsmart Cybercriminals With the Robin Hood Strategy: Learn the Tactics
- 2025 Outsourcing Trends Unveiled: Discover What’s Next in Global Business
- CES 2023: Breakthroughs in AI and Truck Safety Steal the Show!
- Slash Tariffs Impact: 3 Essential Tips to Master What’s in Your Control
- Ohio’s New Towing Fairness Law: Major Changes Coming This April!
A logistics expert, Ethan shares tips to optimize supply chains and reduce freight costs in global trade.
