Transport is becoming increasingly digital: connected vehicles, remote management, data analysis, and advanced maintenance are transforming the industry. This evolution brings greater efficiency, control, and new opportunities. But it also comes with one fundamental reality: without cybersecurity, there is no operational continuity.
This was also emphasized by Dariush Behboudi in an interview published by Parts Truck:
“Without security, you risk being stopped before even getting started.”
A statement that perfectly summarizes the issue: today, digital security is no longer an optional feature, but an essential condition for protecting vehicles, data, and business processes.
Connected Commercial Vehicles: More Data, More Value (and More Responsibility)
A modern vehicle is no longer just “mechanics”: it is a complex system made up of ECUs, gateways, telematics modules, GPS systems, tachographs, and sensors that collect and exchange information. Much of this data is transmitted to and stored on platforms and cloud services to support daily operations.
In short, if data is critical for fleet management, it also becomes a target.
The Real Risks Emerging in the Transport Sector
In the transport industry, we are used to managing road-related risks: traffic, accidents, regulations. Today, another layer directly affecting operations has been added — the digital one.
Among the most concrete risks are:
- theft or manipulation of data (location, routes, timings, activities);
- unauthorized remote access and attempts to compromise onboard systems;
- credential theft and attacks on servers or cloud portals to steal information;
- fraudulent downloads or unlawful use of operational data and systems.
Beyond theory, the point is simple: a cyberattack can jeopardize not only privacy, but also business continuity itself.
“Security by Design”: Security Must Be Built In from the Start
One of the key concepts highlighted during the speech is “security by design”: cybersecurity cannot be added as an afterthought — it must be integrated from the very beginning in the design of products and solutions.
In practical terms, this means implementing, where applicable:
- secure boot systems;
- protections against unauthorized firmware and hardware modifications;
- authentication and access control mechanisms;
- encryption of transmitted and stored data;
- tamper protection and system integrity verification;
- securely managed and controlled OTA updates.
These measures help reduce the attack surface and, above all, turn cybersecurity into a continuous process rather than an emergency response.
European Regulations and Compliance: Why It Pays to Be Prepared
Another important aspect not to underestimate is the regulatory environment: Europe is increasingly focused on digital security and product requirements, with frameworks such as the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and the Radio Equipment Directive for radio equipment.
For companies operating in transport, this means one very practical thing: digital security is becoming an increasingly structural requirement that must be considered in technology choices and operational processes — not only in IT departments.
Cybersecurity Is Not Only Technical — It Is Also Operational Culture
Finally, there is one point that is often underestimated: cybersecurity is also about culture. It means training operators and raising awareness across the company about digital risks, because many vulnerabilities originate from everyday behaviors such as access management, credential handling, procedures, and change management.
A cyberattack can stop an entire fleet and create significant financial and reputational damage. That is why a proactive and collaborative approach is essential, involving manufacturers, fleet managers, and system users alike.
You can watch the full presentation by Dariush Behboudi during the OneDayTruck conference.
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