What's Happening?
The trucking industry is increasingly vulnerable to cybersecurity threats due to its reliance on third-party vendors. According to the 2025 SecurityScorecard Global Third-Party Breach report, 35.5% of data breaches in 2024 originated from third-party compromises,
marking a 6.5% increase from the previous year. The U.S. leads in the total number of third-party incidents due to its high breach volume. In the travel, transportation, and logistics sector, 45% of breaches are linked to third-party compromises, despite only 6.4% originating from these sources. The financial and reputational costs of such breaches can be significant. Vendors often have weaker security controls, limited threat awareness, and require access to sensitive data, making them prime targets for cybercriminals.
Why It's Important?
The increasing cybersecurity threats from third-party vendors pose significant risks to the trucking industry, which is a critical component of the U.S. economy. Breaches can lead to operational disruptions, financial losses, and damage to reputations. As vendors often have less mature cybersecurity programs, they become easier targets for cybercriminals, potentially exposing sensitive data and systems. This situation underscores the need for stronger cybersecurity measures and oversight in managing third-party relationships. Companies must prioritize comprehensive security protocols to protect their operations and maintain trust with clients and partners.
What's Next?
To mitigate these risks, companies in the trucking industry need to implement proactive oversight and continuous monitoring of third-party vendors. Conducting ongoing security assessments and ensuring vendors have robust cybersecurity measures in place are crucial steps. Additionally, companies should consider the complexities of multilayered supply chains, where vulnerabilities can extend to fourth-party vendors. Strengthening supply chain defenses and enhancing threat awareness among vendors can help reduce the risk of breaches and protect the industry from significant disruptions.
