ABSTRACT
There is nothing modern or recent about collecting and recording cargo information. A well-known example was the Ryan recorder, a temperature measuring device for use inside reefer containers. The cooling unit on reefer containers often had its own recording device, initially using paper charts, but later using digital storage of data. The smart unit in the container must be able to receive commands, but, much more importantly, the container must then be able to execute them. If the smart container is owned by the shipper, there should be no problem with the shipper himself collecting and using the data. For the shipper who uses smart containers, as for the carrier who does so, cyber security and hacking are an issue and a potential liability. If the container can be remotely controlled, access to the control system must be protected. If an attacker succeeds in taking over the control, he effectively holds the goods hostage.
