Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series: Identifying Vulnerabilities and Work Continuity During Crisis-Cybersecurity and Fleet Technology Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The Sustainable Fleet Technology Series webinar focused on the critical topic of cybersecurity in fleet technology, highlighting vulnerabilities, best practices, and resilience strategies for fleet managers and organizations transitioning to electric vehicles and connected infrastructure.<br /><br />Key speakers emphasized that modern fleets—comprising internal combustion engine, hybrid, and electric vehicles—increasingly rely on connectivity for operations, telematics, charging, and data management, creating multiple points of cybersecurity risk. Bill Pute outlined how threats can originate from the entire network chain, from utility substations to charging stations and vehicles, stressing the importance of layered security protocols and adherence to standards like NIST, IEEE, and ISO.<br /><br />Andrea focused on automotive privacy concerns, revealing that vehicles are extensive data repositories often lacking robust encryption, posing risks of unauthorized access, stalking, and corporate espionage. He recommended proactive data management and provided resources for understanding and securing vehicle data.<br /><br />Cyrus addressed EV charging infrastructure vulnerabilities, noting that cybersecurity must be integrated at design and procurement stages to ensure long-term resilience. Common weaknesses include default credentials, shared admin accounts, and poor firmware management. He emphasized the need for shared responsibility across OEMs, network providers, and operators.<br /><br />Ian Tucker shared the Port of Seattle’s response to a 2024 ransomware attack, illustrating real-world challenges and recovery strategies emphasizing survivability, adaptability, and sustainability. He underscored the importance of mapping network ecosystems, diversifying deployment and authentication methods, and preparing continuity plans tailored to fleet operations.<br /><br />Panelists agreed that collaboration between fleet, IT, and procurement is essential. Education, clear communication, and participation in standards bodies can help overcome organizational pushback. Attendees were encouraged to leverage available free resources and remain proactive in securing their fleets to protect operational continuity and data privacy in an evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Keywords

Sustainable Fleet Technology

cybersecurity

fleet technology

electric vehicles

connected infrastructure

telematics

data management

NIST standards

automotive privacy

EV charging infrastructure

ransomware attack

fleet security best practices