How to protect fleets from cyber-fraud in freight transport?

Truckstop has issued an alert about the growing risk of cyber-fraud in the sector, driven by the holiday season.

Truckstop has raised concerns about the increasing risk of cyber-fraud affecting the freight transport sector, driven by the holiday season. The cybersecurity company shares that cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and harmful, impacting not only operational time but also the revenue of transport companies.

These attacks are not only difficult to detect but can also lead to financial losses, data breaches, and operational disruptions. Therefore, Truckstop emphasizes the importance of staying informed and being able to identify these frauds. Early detection of fraudulent emails and QR codes is key to protecting both carriers and their businesses.

The most common cyber-frauds in the sector

Phishing: This type of fraud involves sending fraudulent emails that attempt to obtain personal information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and banking details.
Smishing: In this case, attackers send fraudulent text messages to trick victims into downloading malicious software, sharing personal data, or even transferring money.
Quishing: This scam relies on the use of fake QR codes. When scanned, these codes direct users to malicious websites that can steal personal data or install malware on devices.

The freight transport sector has become a prime target for cybercriminals for two main reasons. First, these scams can be highly profitable, as criminals can steal payments made during legitimate transactions by gaining access to carriers’, shippers’, or agents’ accounts. Second, the high frequency of communication via emails and text messages in the sector, including details about shipments, negotiations, and payments, increases workers’ vulnerability to clicking malicious links or providing sensitive information.

Recognizing scams to prevent them

Truckstop highlights that, given the ease with which these scams can be identified, education and constant vigilance are crucial to protect both businesses and employees in the transport sector. While it can be difficult to detect fraudulent messages, there are strategies that can help ensure their legitimacy. Pay attention to the following:

Unusual Content – Be cautious of unsolicited emails, text messages, or QR codes from unknown numbers or senders who don’t belong to your company or suppliers.
Strange requests – If you are asked for personal information or offered something unexpected, it is best not to respond.
Urgent requests – Messages that pressure you to respond quickly are often scams. Verify that the sender is from your company or clients.

If an email or text message seems suspicious, verify its authenticity with the following techniques:

Hover over the email link or check the QR code link for possible irregularities. If anything seems odd or redirects you to an unknown site, avoid clicking on the link.
Look for grammatical errors. Scam messages often contain misspelled words or inconsistencies in the language.

Good security practices

Phishing and smishing scams are a continuous threat to carriers and brokers, but by following these steps, the risk of falling victim to them can be significantly reduced:

Verify the sender’s identity.
Do not share sensitive information via email or SMS.
Report any suspicious messages to your IT department or the relevant authorities.
Use security tools such as strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
Verify the authenticity of domains before clicking on any link.

If you suspect a cybercrime, it is essential to report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), the main channel for reporting such scams. Additionally, inform your supervisors and the IT department if you need assistance. Most importantly, stay alert and verify information before sharing sensitive data.