Empowering Small Fleets with Cybersecurity Tools: NMFTA’s Game-Changing Guidebook

Additional Info

Job title of nominated professional (or team name)Cybersecurity Principal Engineer
Company (where nominated professional or team is working)National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA)™
Websitehttp://www.nmfta.org
Company size (employees)50 to 99
CountryUnited States
Headquarters RegionNorth America

Overview

Ben Wilkens, CISSP, CCSP, CISM, is a Cybersecurity Principal Engineer at the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA)™.

In his role at NMFTA, Ben spearheads initiatives and leads teams dedicated to developing cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies, methodologies, and strategies to safeguard information systems and networks. He collaborates extensively with academic institutions, industry partners, and government agencies to advance cybersecurity practices and knowledge.

Ben provides expert insights and recommendations to organizations, enhancing their security posture and helping them navigate the constantly evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Before joining NMFTA, Ben was a key executive at a third-generation family-owned trucking and logistics company. There, he focused on the strategic integration of technology to improve operational efficiency while ensuring adherence to cybersecurity best practices.

With a rare combination of CISSP, CCSP, and CISM certifications alongside an active Class A CDL, Ben brings a unique perspective to the intersection of cybersecurity and transportation. In addition to his extensive experience as an over-the-road truck driver, he has held roles in dispatch operations, driver management, and brokerage sales. Ben later transitioned to IT and operations support, where he honed his expertise in cybersecurity.

Accomplishments

Why the Owner Operator Cybersecurity Guidebook Series Is Needed:


Addressing Unique Vulnerabilities: Independent truck drivers and small trucking companies often lack the IT infrastructure and cybersecurity expertise available to larger motor carriers, leaving them especially vulnerable to ransomware, phishing schemes, and data breaches. Recognizing this critical gap, Ben Wilkens, a former truck driver who still maintains an active Class A CDL, spearheaded the creation of a guidebook that delivers practical, effective solutions tailored to the trucking industry's realities. The "NMFTA Cybersecurity Best Practices Guidebook - Owner Operator and Small Fleet" is the first in a series of guidebooks. Ben's visionary leadership ensures that even the smallest operators have access to the tools and knowledge needed to protect their operations and livelihoods in an increasingly digital world.


Simplifying Cybersecurity for Immediate Impact: This guidebook distills complex cybersecurity frameworks into easy-to-follow steps that can be implemented by owner operators without advanced technical expertise or costly resources. By combining his deep understanding of cybersecurity standards with insights from trucking operations, Ben has developed a resource that empowers independent drivers to strengthen their defenses immediately. His commitment to creating scalable, relatable solutions ensures that this series will have a lasting impact on the industry.


Strengthening the Industry’s Resilience: Cyberattacks pose a growing threat to the trucking industry and the broader supply chain, with smaller operators often being the most at risk. Ben’s dedication to bridging the gap between cybersecurity and trucking has resulted in a groundbreaking resource that fortifies this critical segment of the industry. His forward-thinking approach not only addresses immediate risks but also builds a foundation for long-term resilience, protecting individual businesses and ensuring the integrity of the supply chain as a whole.


Helpful Links:
Press release: https://nmfta.org/newsroom-articles/nmfta-publishes-cybersecurity-best-practices-guidebookto-empower-independent-owner-operators-and-small-fleet-companies/
Informative landing page: https://info.nmfta.org/owner-operator-cybersecurity-best-practices-guidebook-owner-operator-and-small-fleet


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