Check Point: Transportation Sector Vulnerable To Cyber Attacks

Transportation is easily exposed to cyber attacks (photo: dock. unsplash)

JAKARTA Check Point Software Technologies, a cyberattack detection and prevention company using Artificial Intelligence (AI), said transportation could be affected by cyber threats.

Referring to information shared by the Temporary National Data Center (PDSN) earlier this year, Indonesia experienced ransomware attacks that disrupted more than 210 public services. This service includes an immigration system at the airport.

Meanwhile, according to Check Point Threat Intelligence, transportation is the industry most hit by attacks in Indonesia. The country has experienced an average of 11,548 weekly attacks per organization in the last six months.

This finding shows that infrastructure security is increasingly critical, especially because Indonesia is pushing for increased digitalization in various sectors. If the security system is not improved, economic stability and public trust can be disrupted.

"The successful cyberattack in the transportation sector could cripple critical systems, endanger the safety of staff and passengers, and block access to sensitive data," said Teong Eng Guan, Director of Southeast Asia Regional and Korea's Check Point Software Technologies.

Teong Eng Guan stated that DDoS, a cyberattack that cripples online services, could occur in public transportation such as trains and airports. These attacks are often found in countries with geopolitical tensions or hacking groups.

"(This can) endanger industries-related systems such as mining and oil, exposing sensitive data to advance their agenda. These incidents underscore the urgent need for strong cybersecurity measures," Teong explained.

Check Point experts also predict that cyber attacks on transportation systems will be more sophisticated due to technologies such as AI and the Internet of Things (IoT). To face this challenge, the transportation sector also needs to strengthen their technology.

In addition to strengthening its technology, policy makers can increase collaboration with local and global technology companies. Training and awareness of cybersecurity are also very much needed to recognize phishing efforts.