The secure networked truck: protecting America's transportation infrastructure

Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the US, the Department of Transportation (DOT) was asked to identify areas within the transportation system that were vulnerable to terrorist attack (National Petroleum News, vol. 93, no. 12, p. 10, 2001). Amid suspicions that hazardous chemicals and nuclear waste could be employed in a homeland terrorist attack the FBI and Department of Transportation has issued warnings to the trucking industry to be alert for suspicious activity. One major area of concern identified was the transportation of hazardous materials (hazmat). The threat exists that a truck could be stolen or hijacked and it or its load used as a weapon. For example a gasoline tanker could be used in a suicide attack. A load of explosives, for example, could be used to deliver or create a weapon of mass destruction (WMD). To mitigate this threat, the concept of the secure networked truck has been developed that will provide additional security in the form of a vehicle immobilizer, door locks, smart values and other security devices that can either operate autonomously based on certain local conditions, such as a door being opened, or be activated over-the-air by a dispatcher or other asset controller. Here the author examines satellite and terrestrial location based command and control security systems as they relate to the trucking industry, and how they may prevent a terrorist using a truck to carry out an attack. These systems will of course serve a dual purpose and also act as a deterrent to cargo theft. The crime of cargo theft is discussed as there is speculation that the proceeds from cargo theft may be used to fund terrorist activity. Finally, the author raises the question of whether the secure networked truck is but a necessary part of the continually evolving supply chain, a supply chain that today must provide integrity, confidentiality and assurance - all tenets of good security.