Transportation Security Remains a Top Priority
Safety and security are top of mind for those within the transportation industry. Penske takes a multipronged approach to address these issues, focusing on cybersecurity and the security of physical assets.
According to the Verizon 2023 data breach investigations report, the majority of breaches, 95%, were financially motivated. Additionally, 74% of all breaches included a human element; 83% of breaches involved external actors, mainly organized crime; and 19% involved internal ones. The three primary ways in which attackers access an organization are through stolen credentials, phishing and the exploitation of vulnerabilities.
Here are four ways Penske is addressing security:
Minimizing the Risk of a Breach
Data breaches are a top concern, said Scott Bortzel, vice president of IT delivery services for Penske Truck Leasing. To help minimize the risk of a data breach, Penske uses several different technologies, including a strong email filtering process to get rid of spam and any malware content. ”It is important to use behavioral-based detection methods,“ Bortzel said. ”We look for the behavior of the software.“Protecting Onboard Data
Penske evaluates security mechanisms to ensure vehicle firmware and electronics are guarded by the latest safety technology, Bortzel said.
Keeping Data Secure
Bortzel recommends only giving data to those who must have it. ”If you don’t need the person’s Social Security number, don’t keep it on file,“ he said, adding that, for example, Penske doesn’t keep credit card data on file. ”If you must have sensitive data, make sure you know where it is and that it is encrypted on your system and on the backups.“
Securing Assets
Penske works with the FBI to understand current terrorism threats and to mitigate potential risks. ”From a security perspective, there is no greater reputation risk any of us face than one of our trucks being used to commit a terrorist act, particularly if it is found later that we didn’t follow prudent best practices to apprehend the person that committed the act,” said Drew Parenti, vice president of security for Penske Truck Leasing.
Penske focuses on education, policies and procedures to help improve safety and security.