The truck of the future isn’t just a truck.
It’s a rolling network of sensors, telematics systems, software updates, location data and connected technology. And as fleets move toward greater connectivity and autonomy, the stakes of getting cybersecurity and data privacy wrong are getting a lot higher.
On the Road Dogs Trucking Radio podcast, CM Law Partner Peter Cassat joined host Dan Ronan to unpack what happens when the technology powering commercial vehicles becomes a potential pathway for cyberattacks—and when nobody is quite sure who should be holding the keys to the castle.
Peter, whose practice focuses on privacy, cybersecurity, and compliance and who previously served as General Counsel of Cox Automotive, discussed the vulnerabilities created by over-the-air software updates, onboard diagnostics, and telematics systems. Commercial trucks, he noted, are increasingly becoming “traveling sensors” collecting enormous amounts of data.
And that creates a complicated question:
Who is responsible for keeping all of this technology secure?
As autonomous and connected vehicles become increasingly important to fleet competitiveness, a successful cyberattack could have consequences far beyond a compromised computer. Peter and Dan explored the potential for bad actors to exploit connected vehicles, the challenges facing regulators, and the proposed Connected Vehicle Security Act.
But cybersecurity is only half the story.
Connected trucks are also generating valuable data—and the question of who owns that data, who can use it, and who can sell it is becoming increasingly important. Peter pointed to the complicated web of manufacturers, fleet operators, vendors, and other supply-chain participants that may have claims to vehicle-generated data.
For fleet operators, that means “Is it safe?” may no longer be a sufficient question when buying connected equipment.
They may also need to ask:
What data is being collected?
Who can access it?
How is it being used?
Where is it stored?
What does the contract actually allow the vendor to do with it?
And then there’s AI.
Because if there’s one lesson from the rapid evolution of connected technology, it may be this: “safe” is a moving target.
Peter’s conversation with Dan offers a timely look at the legal, technological, and practical challenges facing an industry that is becoming increasingly connected—and increasingly dependent on the security of that connectivity.
Connect with Peter directly or to hear more about his conversation on Road Dogs at pcassat@cm.law.
CM Law (cm.law) – formerly Culhane Meadows – is the largest national, full-service, women-owned & managed (WBE) law firm in the United States. Designed to provide experienced attorneys with an optimal way to practice sophisticated law while maintaining a superior work/life balance, the firm offers fully remote work options, a transparent, merit and math-based compensation structure, and a collaborative culture. Serving a diverse clientele—from individuals and small businesses to over 40 Fortune-ranked companies—CM Law is committed to delivering exceptional legal services across a broad spectrum of industries.
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