Federal Study Recommended Cybersecurity Best Practices for Small and Large Truck Stops and Rest Areas and Truck Stop Technology Vendors.
Nationwide, United States
Cybersecurity Assessment and Best Practices for Truck Stop Technologies
Summary Information
Technologies available at truck stops provide services, conveniences, security, and information infrastructure for truck drivers and enable efficient and ecologically responsible operations. This study identified the existing and emerging truck stop technologies available at commercial truck stops and state-run rest stops through interviews with industry subject matter experts and an open-source internet scan, namely:
- Wi-Fi Communications and Networks
- Gas Pumps and Automatic Tank Gauges
- Anti-Idling Systems and Truck Stop Electrification
- Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
- Truck Parking Availability Systems
- Weigh Stations
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Support Equipment
- Payment Systems
- Video Surveillance Systems
- Information Technology (IT) Enterprise Infrastructure
The study used the STRIDE threat model (a security threat modeling framework that categorizes key security risks in software) to identify the most critical cybersecurity risks, and the HEAVENS methodology (a security-focused approach for developing automotive software) to assign an associated security level for each technology. Based on the results, the study recommended cybersecurity best practices customized for three different types of operations: (i) best practices for small truck stops and rest areas, (ii) recommendations for large truck stop operators, (iii) recommendations for truck stop technology vendors.
Lessons learned for small truck stops and rest areas
- Implement a robust data management process that addresses the sensitivity and ownership of data, along with proper handling, retention, and disposal practices. A detailed data inventory, based on the organization's management protocols, should include minimum sensitive information. Data access should be configured with strict control lists, and data retention and disposal must align with the data's sensitivity.
- Establish secure configuration processes to protect enterprise assets and software at small truck stops and rest areas. Maintaining these configurations involves managing firewalls on servers and end-user devices to prevent unauthorized access.
- Establish a comprehensive data recovery process that encompasses activity scope, prioritization, and data backup security. Routine automated backups are necessary, with frequency determined by data sensitivity. Secure and isolate recovery data to ensure integrity and availability during recovery operations.
- Maintain a detailed inventory of service providers to streamline IT infrastructure management and facilitate quick response to cyber-attacks or malfunctions. This inventory is essential for tracking who is responsible for installation and servicing of various components.
Lessons learned for large truck stop operators
- Develop a vulnerability management process with regular documentation reviews and updates. Automate patch management for both operating systems and applications to maintain security.
- Implement an audit log management process for meticulous monitoring and maintenance of system activities. Ensure comprehensive log collection, including DNS queries, URL requests, and command-line actions, providing adequate storage and standardized time synchronization for logs.
- Deploy and centrally manage anti-malware software across all enterprise assets, ensuring systems are protected against various cyber threats. Regularly configure updates for malware signatures and enable anti-exploitation features to enhance defense mechanisms.
- Centralize security event alerting to streamline incident analysis and response. Implement host and network-based intrusion detection solutions for comprehensive monitoring. Manage access controls for remote assets and collect traffic flow logs for proactive network defense.
- Develop and uphold a secure application development process and establish protocols to address software vulnerabilities. Maintain an inventory of third-party software components, ensuring they are current and trusted. Implement a severity rating system for vulnerabilities, use recommended configuration templates, and separate production and non-production systems. Train developers and integrate secure design principles into application architectures.
Lessons learned for truck stop technology vendors
- Assign responsibilities for equipment operation, maintenance, and data security among vendors, operators, customers, and employees. Implementing the recommended safeguards is crucial in maintaining secure access control to technology vendor networks.
- Maintain and upgrade hardware to keep the network infrastructure up-to-date. This proactive approach can mitigate many cyber-attacks by addressing vulnerabilities.
- Implement intrusion detection systems, security alerts, and network filtering, particularly in complex networks. An effective Intrusion Detection System (IDS) significantly enhances the likelihood of successfully mitigating cyber-attacks.
- Conduct regular tests to identify vulnerabilities in technologies, systems, or networks. Regular penetration testing can significantly enhance an organization's overall cybersecurity posture by proactively identifying and addressing potential weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
