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Digital safeguards: Navigating cybersecurity in transportation

Written by Steven Bowcut – Last updated: April 3, 2025
In this guide
  • Overview
  • Challenges
  • Notable attacks
  • Solutions
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs

Over the last few years, the US transportation sector has been grappling with a rising tide of cybersecurity threats. As digital systems become more integrated into logistics, aviation, maritime, and public transit, cybercriminals have exploited vulnerabilities, leading to data breaches, ransomware attacks, and operational disruptions.

To counter these evolving threats, a proactive cybersecurity strategy is essential for all entities within the transportation industry. This includes investing in advanced threat detection, employee training, and strict regulatory compliance to reduce risks.

The impact of these incidents goes beyond immediate financial losses and logistical problems, raising serious public safety and national security concerns.

Related resources

  • Cybersecurity in critical industries
  • Shielding the supply: Cybersecurity in food and agriculture
  • Protecting the power grid: Cybersecurity in the energy sector
  • Fortifying digital defenses: Cybersecurity in the federal government
  • How to respond to cyber hacks and security breaches

Transportation industry overview

The transportation sector is a critical infrastructure sector that is essential to the economy and national security. It is increasingly reliant on technology to automate and optimize operations, but this has also increased its vulnerability to cyberattacks.

Cybercriminals target the transportation sector for a number of reasons, including its interconnected nature, its reliance on technology, and the valuable data it holds.

Some of the most common types of cyberattacks that can target the transportation sector include malware attacks, ransomware attacks, denial-of-service attacks, and phishing attacks.

Learn more about phishing attacks

Cybersecurity issues in the transportation industry

Freight Caviar reported in 2024 that the US experienced a significant surge in data breaches in 2023, with 3,205 incidents representing a 78 percent increase from the previous year.

The transportation sector was particularly hard-hit, witnessing a staggering 181 percent year-over-year rise to 101 breaches, which resulted in a staggering 12 million individuals being affected in the transportation and shipping sector alone, stemming from 44 separate data breach incidents.

Significantly, the transportation sector suffered the greatest number of victims among all sectors.

Notable transportation industry attacks (2023–2025)

  1. Estes Express Lines Ransomware Attack (Fall 2023): Experienced a ransomware attack that compromised the personal data of over 21,000 individuals, including names and Social Security numbers.
  2. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Disruption (August 2023): The Rhysida ransomware gang launched a cyberattack on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, crippling key systems for nearly three weeks. The attack disrupted boarding operations, delayed baggage delivery, and took down the airport’s website and flight information systems.
  3. MetroLink Data Breach (June 2024): Suffered a data breach orchestrated by the Lazarus Group, compromising personal data of over 15 million riders, including names, contact information, payment details, and travel history.
  4. Pittsburgh Regional Transit Ransomware Attack (December 2024): Faced a ransomware attack that disrupted services. The agency detected the attack on December 19, 2024, leading to significant operational challenges.
  5. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport DDoS Attack (March 28, 2025): Suffered a DDoS attack, temporarily disrupting online services.

Case study:

A ransomware attack on Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) on December 19, 2024, not only disrupted rail services and customer support operations but also resulted in a significant data breach.

The attack caused delays to train schedules and affected the processing of Senior and Kids’ ConnectCards. PRT’s immediate response involved activating its Cyber Incident Response Team, collaborating with cybersecurity specialists, and notifying law enforcement. The agency also implemented security upgrades, including resetting passwords and tightening network access controls.

Investigations later confirmed that hackers accessed personal data, including Social Security and driver’s license numbers of 69 current and former employees and job applicants. including Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers.

What makes cybersecurity challenging within the transportation industry?

Government and law enforcement authorities discourage organizations from paying ransom fees. Often, ransom extortionists work for terrorist groups or hostile governments, and payments made to them further support criminal behavior, making the problem worse for everyone. 

Even after meeting the ransom demands, companies rarely get their files back in their original form. Still, when a transportation company is facing the loss of millions of dollars and the disruption of the global supply chain, there is a great temptation to acquiesce. 

Learn more about cybersecurity in the federal government

Transportation companies, including automotive manufacturing, automotive sales, trucking, and shipping, are high-dollar businesses. These businesses are attractive targets for scammers because criminals know that these companies stand to lose much more in business revenue and reputation than even the greatest ransom demands. 

Historically, transportation companies have been more focused on safety and physical security than cybersecurity.

As technological advancements have created the ability and the need to be ever more connected, that paradigm is changing.

Transportation companies are vital to our economy and our health and well-being. Cybercriminals know that and will continue to exploit any vulnerability they can find to achieve their goals. 

Solutions for the transportation industry

As mentioned above, the transportation industry may need to make up some ground related to cybersecurity. There are many steps that these companies take to protect themselves from cyber threats. 

Below are some key ways that businesses can shore up their cyber defenses:

Network segmentation: By dividing their network into smaller parts, IT managers can enhance network performance and increase security. When logically segmented, portions of a company’s infrastructure can be isolated if suspicious behavior is detected in another segment.

Also, segmentation policies can prevent users of the automotive design network, for example, from accessing the segment for the financial system in the company.

Endpoint anti-malware software: Malware is designed to cause damage, steal data, encrypt files, or gain unauthorized access to digital systems. It is the cyber threat faced most often by organizations. The term describes various malicious software variants, such as trojans, worms, and ransomware. 

Anti-malware software uses signature detection, behavioral heuristics analysis, and, in some cases, artificial intelligence to detect and disable malware. It is critical to have anti-malware software installed on every digital endpoint of a network.

In today’s world of BYOD (bring your own device) workplaces, ensuring that updated anti-malware is properly installed across all devices with access to the network can be challenging. 

Learn more about cybersecurity terminologies

Routine patching and software updates: When vulnerabilities are identified in computer systems and software, vendors regularly provide patches and updates to protect their customers.

Often, hackers succeed in exploiting vulnerabilities for which patches are generally available, but users neglect to update their systems. Regularly updating and patching systems can mitigate many malicious threats. 

Backup data: Basic ransomware depends on the ability to deny organizations access to their critical data. Having a current backup is the most effective mitigation strategy to thwart ransomware criminals.

Backed-up data should be isolated from the network containing the original files to prevent attackers from encrypting or exfiltrating the original and the backup copies. 

Cybersecurity training: Possibly the most effective measure that transportation businesses can take to protect themselves from cyberattacks is to provide cybersecurity training for their employees.

The vast majority of attacks begin with an element of social engineering — usually an email. Modern phishing emails can be very difficult to distinguish from legitimate emails.

Training employees to be ever-vigilant in recognizing the telltale signs of a phishing email can provide a practical first level of defense. 

Conclusion

The transportation sector remains a critical component of national infrastructure, but its increasing reliance on digital systems has made it a prime target for cyber threats.

As cyberattacks on transportation networks continue to rise, industry leaders must prioritize cybersecurity by implementing robust defense mechanisms, enhancing regulatory compliance, and fostering collaboration between public and private entities.

By adopting proactive security measures, investing in advanced threat detection technologies, and educating personnel on cybersecurity best practices, transportation organizations can mitigate risks and ensure the safety and efficiency of their operations.

To effectively protect transportation systems from the growing complexity of cyber threats and to maintain the public’s trust, a significant strengthening of cybersecurity resilience is essential.

Frequently asked questions

Why is cybersecurity crucial for the transportation industry?

Cybersecurity is vital for the transportation industry to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods and people. Cyberattacks can disrupt transportation services, leading to economic losses, safety hazards, and compromised national security.

What types of cyber threats does the transportation sector face?

The transportation sector is susceptible to ransomware attacks, phishing campaigns, attacks on navigation and control systems, insider threats, and vulnerabilities in connected vehicles and infrastructure.

How do connected and autonomous vehicles impact cybersecurity?

While connected and autonomous vehicles offer enhanced mobility solutions, they also introduce new cyber vulnerabilities due to their reliance on software and connectivity. Ensuring these vehicles are secure is paramount to prevent potential safety incidents.

How can transportation companies enhance their cybersecurity measures?

Transportation companies can bolster cybersecurity by conducting regular risk assessments, implementing robust defense strategies, training employees on best practices, and collaborating with cybersecurity experts.

What role does IoT play in transportation cybersecurity?

The Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as sensors and connected equipment, enhance transportation efficiency and safety. However, they also present new security challenges that need to be addressed to ensure secure operations.

How do cyberattacks impact transportation operations?

Cyberattacks can disrupt transportation schedules, compromise navigation systems, and even lead to safety incidents, affecting both goods and passenger transport.

Why are attacks on transportation infrastructure particularly concerning?

Attacks on transportation infrastructure, such as airports, ports, and rail systems, can have cascading effects, impacting the economy, public safety, and other interconnected sectors.

Sources

  • Cyber Attacks Surge in Transportation Industry | Sourced From Freight Caviar in Apr 2025
  • Estes Express Lines Ransomware Attack | Sourced from ​itarchiteks.com in Apr 2025
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Disruption | Sourced from SOCRadar in Apr 2025
  • MetroLink Data Breach | Sourced from ​Cybersecurity Insiders in Apr 2025
  • Pittsburgh Regional Transit Ransomware Attack | From ​Security Affairs in Apr 2025
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport DDoS Attack | From ​KonBriefing in Apr 2025
  • Significant Cyber Incidents | Sourced from CSIS.org in Apr 2025

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