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DOT SPOTS MAJOR CYBERSECURITY FLAWS AT FMCSA
In an October report, the U.S. Department
of Transportation (DOT) said a recent investigation
found multiple critical vulnerabilities on
web servers that function within the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
“FMCSA did not detect our access or
placement of malware on the network
in part because it did not use required
automated detection tools and malicious code
protections,” stated the DOT report.
“We also gained access to 13.6 million
unencrypted (personal identity) records. Had
malicious hackers obtained (these records) it
could have cost FMCSA up to $570 million in
credit monitoring fees. Furthermore, the agency
does not always remediate vulnerabilities as
quickly as DOT policy requires. These weaknesses
put FMCSA’s network and data at risk
for unauthorized access and compromise.”
The FMCSA uses 13 web-based applications
to aid vehicle registration, inspections, and
other activities.
“Many of FMCSA’s information systems
contain sensitive data, including personally
identifiable information,” noted the DOT report.
“Due to the importance of FMCSA’s
programs to the transportation system and
sensitivity of some agency information, we
conducted this audit of FMCSA’s information
technology (IT) infrastructure. Our objective
was to determine whether FMCSA’s IT
infrastructure contains security weaknesses
that could compromise the Agency’s systems
and data.”
The DOT recommended 13 points of action
that FMCSA officials need to take in order to
better secure their information.
“We consider all 13 recommendations resolved
but open pending FMCSA’s completion
of planned actions,” said DOT officials.
During a 2021 investigation, the U.S. Department of
Transportation found major cybersecurity flaws on servers
belonging to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
12% OF VEHICLES CHECKED DURING BRAKE SAFETY
WEEK PUT OOS, ACCORDING TO CVSA REPORT
Twelve percent of vehicles inspected by commercial motor vehicle
inspectors in the United States, Canada, and Mexico during
the 2021 Brake Safety Week, held August 22-28, were placed
out of service (OOS) because of critical brake-related inspection
item conditions.
A total of 35,764 commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) were
inspected during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s
(CVSA) seven-day inspection and enforcement initiative aimed
at inspecting CMVs roadside and identifying and removing any
with dangerous brake-related issues from the nation’s roadways.
Each year there is a specific focus; the 2021 focus was brake
hose chafing violations.
CVSA devotes an enforcement initiative to brakes because of
the importance of properly maintained and functioning brakes
on CMVs, including tractor-trailers of all types, cargo tankers,
vans, flatbeds, motorcoaches, straight trucks, and specialty
vehicles, such as cranes, automobile carriers, etc.
“Properly functioning brakes may mean the difference
between a catastrophic collision or the ability to avoid a crash,”
said CVSA President Capt. John Broers with the South Dakota
Highway Patrol.
Brake-related violations accounted for eight out of the top 20
vehicle violations in 2020, according to Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration (FMCSA) data. In addition, brake system
and brake adjustment violations accounted for more out-ofservice
vehicle conditions than any other vehicle violation during
CVSA’s three-day International Roadcheck inspection and
enforcement initiative in May 2021.
SEE BRAKES, PAGE 11
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Brake Safety Week is an inspection and enforcement
initiative aimed at inspecting commercial motor vehicles and identifying and removing any vehicles
with dangerous brake-related issues from the nation’s roadways.
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