When you think about safety, you probably picture pre-trip inspections or weather alerts. But for today’s truck drivers, cybersecurity is critical to safety, too, from everything from GPS tracking to staying linked with your driver manager.
During October Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’re highlighting five tips to help you better protect yourself – and your data – every mile of the way.
Understanding the risks truck drivers face
Technology helps truck drivers stay compliant and connected, but it also creates new vulnerabilities. Knowing where risks start is the first step to stopping them.
- Public Wi-Fi traps can trick you into connecting to fake truck stop or motel networks that steal your data.
- Phishing emails or texts may look official but are designed to grab your passwords.
- Outdated software or weak passwords give hackers an open door to your electronic devices.
Each of these risks can cause downtime, lost income or safety issues. Awareness is your best first defense.
Smart cybersecurity habits for every truck driver
The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to protect yourself. Small habits make a big difference when it comes to staying secure. In fact, following these five tips can help you keep you cyber-safe, every day.
1) Connect with caution
Public Wi-Fi is convenient but can be risky. Whenever possible:
- Use a personal hotspot or VPN to connect safely
- Confirm network names with staff before logging in
- Log out and “forget” networks when you’re done using them
2) Keep your tech updated and your passwords protected
Updates aren’t just about performance – they fix security gaps that hackers can exploit. And it may seem obvious, but setting up hard-to-hack passwords (and protecting them) is crucial.
- Install updates on your personal electronic devices as soon as they’re available
- Reboot your devices after updates to ensure they installed correctly
- Report update errors or issues to IT support
- Create strong, unique passwords for each account or app
- Enable multi-factor authentication for an extra layer of protection
- When you get a new device, change default device passwords as soon as you can
3) Spot suspicious messages and activity
Phishing attempts are more convincing than ever, especially with scammers using AI to mimic real companies. Staying skeptical pays off.
- Don’t click on links in messages you weren’t expecting
- Watch for slight spelling errors or unfamiliar domain names
- If something feels off, confirm it by calling the sender directly – not by replying
The same goes for your devices. If your ELD or tablet starts acting strangely, freezing or showing pop-ups, report it immediately. Quick action keeps small issues from becoming bigger problems.
4) Reduce your exposure on the road
You can’t control every risk, but you can make yourself a harder target.
- Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use to limit open connections
- Avoid sharing your location or load details on social media
- Only install apps from trusted sources and avoid “free” downloads that seem too good to be true
Protecting your digital footprint helps protect your reputation and the integrity of your fleet.
5) Build a safety-first mindset – online and off
Cybersecurity might sound like an IT problem, but for truck drivers, it’s part of everyday safety.
- A compromised hacked device can cause delays or compliance issues
- Strong digital habits help protect your income and your company’s reputation
- The same attention to detail that keeps you safe on the road keeps you safe online, too
Drive with a company that puts safety first
Cybersecurity is critical every day – and so is safety in every facet of your life. Visit CRST to learn more about how we build a culture of “I Am Safety” every day. And check out our careers page to see how you can grow your professional life with a company that supports your goals and keeps you safe – every mile, every day.
