Cybersecurity training is crucial for trucking

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is not an IT issue; it’s a business issue. Cyberattacks can bring your operations to a grinding halt, impacting revenue and reputation and eroding customer trust. With connected vehicles, telematics, and back-office digitization, the trucking industry is more exposed than ever. Investing in cybersecurity awareness training that’s tailored to the needs of every part of your team, from back-office staff to drivers to maintenance crews, is critical.

Why tailored cybersecurity training matters

When all employees are trained in cybersecurity basics, the risk of human error leading to a cyber incident is significantly reduced. Each role within your organization is faced with unique challenges, threats, and levels of technology exposure, so this training should be personalized to ensure it is effective.

Back Office

Back-office staff are often the gatekeepers of sensitive data—financial records, personnel files, and business data. They are also primary targets for phishing attacks, which attempt to steal login credentials or trick employees into transferring funds.

Recognizing phishing attempts: Teach them how to spot suspicious emails, links, or attachments.
Credential management: Encourage the use of complex, unique passwords and two-factor authentication to secure sensitive systems.
Data handling: Ensure they understand how to protect sensitive data, avoid unauthorized sharing, and store it securely.

Regular, simple reminders can help this group stay alert to phishing threats and recognize suspicious activity early.

Professional truck drivers

Drivers may not sit behind a desk, but they’re still a critical part of the cybersecurity equation. Most drivers now use mobile devices, electronic logging devices, and other connected tools in their daily work. This makes them a target for potential attacks that could compromise fleet information, routing, or scheduling.

Mobile device security: Remind drivers about the importance of locking devices, updating software, and using secure Wi-Fi networks when available.
Data privacy: Reinforce that sharing location data or vehicle details outside of secure channels could lead to security risks.
Recognizing social engineering: Help drivers understand how scammers might attempt to gain their trust to extract sensitive information over the phone or via text.

Simple, clear instructions can make cybersecurity feel relevant and manageable for drivers, helping them understand how their actions can impact fleet security.

Maintenance staff

Maintenance teams may not interact with company computers daily in the same way that back-office teams do, but they have access to a vehicle’s onboard electronics, telematics systems, and diagnostics tools. Cybersecurity training for this group must be tailored to include these threat vectors.

Device security: Teach them how to keep diagnostic tools secure and ensure that no unauthorized devices are plugged into the vehicle’s onboard systems.
Physical security: Train staff to report tampering or unauthorized access to vehicle systems or diagnostics equipment.
Software updates: Stress the importance of keeping systems and diagnostics tools up to date to prevent vulnerabilities.

Maintenance team cybersecurity training should focus on easy-to-remember security basics that reinforce the role they play in keeping your fleet systems safe.

Dispatch

Your dispatch team works closely with both drivers and back-office staff, making them a key link in the cybersecurity chain. Since they’re frequently communicating sensitive information, like routes, rates, and delivery schedules, their training should include:

Secure communication: Emphasize the importance of using secure communication tools rather than personal devices or insecure apps.
Awareness of phishing and social engineering: Since dispatchers handle high volumes of communication, they should be trained to recognize potential phishing attempts or unusual requests.
Incident reporting: Make sure that dispatchers know how to quickly report any suspicious activity or potential breaches, ensuring rapid response to threats.

Dispatchers are often handling real-time information, so their training should focus on quick, actionable steps they can take to secure data with as little friction as possible to maintain efficient operations.

The benefits of a tailored approach

One size fits all is not a recipe for success in a cybersecurity awareness program. In fact, that approach would lead to lower information retention and therefore lower compliance with your cybersecurity policies. In contrast, a tailored training program increases understanding and improves buy-in, leading to a culture of cybersecurity awareness throughout the workforce. When employees understand how cybersecurity is relevant to their specific role, they are more likely to engage in safe practices throughout their daily routine.

Building a cybersecurity awareness culture

Cybersecurity is more than annual training sessions or compliance checks. It is about building a culture of security awareness. Reinforce your training with periodic reminders, ensure that training resources are easy to access, and maintain an open-door policy for questions or concerns. Please keep in mind that just because you told them something does not mean they heard it. Educate your team about the critical role they play in defending your organization by meeting them where they are.