Popular GPS tracker is vulnerable to hackers, risks include supply chain disruption and loss of life, group says

0
13K


A cybersecurity firm and government watchdogs are sounding the alarm about the use of a popular GPS tracking device manufactured in China.

 

The MiCODUS MV720 GPS tracker has “six severe vulnerabilities” that could potentially allow “hackers to track individuals without their knowledge, remotely disable fleets of corporate supply and emergency vehicles, abruptly stop civilian vehicles on dangerous highways, and more,” according to a July 19 report from cybersecurity firm BitSight.

The MiCODUS GPS trackers are used by customers to monitor real-time locations and speeds, historical routes, and to remotely cut off fuel in the event of theft.

 

The group says that vulnerabilities in the devices could allow hackers to “cut fuel to a civilian’s vehicle and deploy ransomware, demanding a ransom to return the vehicle to working condition.” Hackers could “also deploy ransomware to vehicles in an organization’s commercial vehicle fleet, potentially inducing supply shortages and disrupting business continuity for both the targeted organization and supply chain partners,” according to the report.

BitSight says that that attackers exploiting the vulnerabilities could result in loss of life, supply chain disruptions, unlawful tracking, or data breeches.

As an immediate solution, BitSight recommends that “users of the MV720 should take prompt action to protect themselves from the device’s vulnerabilities. BitSight recommends users immediately discontinue use or disable any MiCODUS MV720 GPS trackers until a fix is made available. The device typically requires professional installation, so users may need to consult with a mechanic to properly disable the device(s).”

 

The GPS tracker retails for around $20 and approximately 1.5 million devices are in use around the world, BitSight says. The device is use in government, military, and police agencies, and as well as a variety of industries including aerospace, engineering, manufacturing, and shipping.

“If China can remotely control vehicles in the United States, we have a problem,” said Richard Clarke, internationally renowned national security expert and former presidential advisor on cybersecurity. “With the fast growth in adoption of mobile devices and the desire for our society to be more connected, it is easy to overlook the fact that GPS tracking devices such as these can greatly increase cyber risk if they are not built with security in mind. BitSight’s research findings highlight how having secure IoT infrastructure is even more critical when these vulnerabilities can easily be exploited to impact our personal safety and national security, and lead to extreme outcomes such as large-scale fleet management interruption and even loss of life.”

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) also released a bulletin on July 19 detailing multiple hacking vulnerabilities associated with the device.



Search
Sponsored
Categories
Read More
Trucking News
TA opens truck stop in Texas with more than 100 truck parking spaces
On Thursday, TravelCenters of America Inc. announced the opening of a new store in Fairfield,...
By MEGA MISTAKES 2022-05-09 17:58:26 0 10K
Trucking News
CVSA held surprise brake blitz last week, more than 350 trucks inspected in Georgia
Last week, law enforcement agencies across the country participated in a surprise brake safety...
By MEGA MISTAKES 2022-05-05 14:02:46 0 16K
Trucking News
Iowa DOT calls out driver for hauling 50K pound excavator with ‘absolutely no’ load securement
On Tuesday, Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Enforcement took to Facebook to issue a warning...
By MEGA MISTAKES 2022-07-23 13:03:37 0 15K
Video
VIDEO: Truck driver almost hits the top of Colorado runaway ramp, then rolls backwards
This week, a truck driver was forced to use a runaway ramp near the Eisenhower Tunnel in...
By MEGA MISTAKES 2021-07-25 14:38:47 0 14K
Trucking News
VIDEO: Georgia police chase ends in street brawl between two front loaders
Gwinnett County Police out of Georgia shared must-see video of a police chase during which...
By MEGA MISTAKES 2024-03-29 14:46:09 0 9K
News | Truck Drivers Life | Social Network for Truck Drivers https://www.truckdrivers.life