Cybersecurity and Trust: What Freight Needs to Protect and Why

In an industry that thrives on movement, few threats are more dangerous than the ones you never see coming. Cybersecurity has quickly become one of the most pressing concerns for freight brokers, motor carriers, and the technology providers that support them. From phishing emails and ransomware to payment diversion scams and data breaches, the risks are no longer theoretical.

They are showing up in inboxes, ELDs, and TMS platforms, and they are taking a toll on trust. Broker-Carrier Summit Founder Dan Lindsey recently joined a TIA Lunch & Learn webinar to bring a relationship-focused perspective to the conversation around cybersecurity in freight.

Lindsey was joined by Cary Bradford, Cybersecurity Specialist at Ergon Consulting Group, and Rolondo Thomas, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Ergon Consulting Group, LLC. The session was moderated by Anthony Mascarenhas, Senior Education Manager at the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA).

Together, the group broke down the most common threats facing brokers and carriers and outlined practical strategies to respond. More importantly, they explored how protecting systems and data is directly tied to protecting the partnerships that keep this industry running.

Why Freight Is a Prime Target

Transportation and logistics companies manage large volumes of sensitive data. Payment information, MC numbers, DOT credentials, and personal details are all regularly transmitted and stored across multiple systems. For threat actors, that makes the industry a goldmine with many opportunities to exploit weak points.

“Unprotected systems and email accounts are easily compromised through phishing and brute force attacks,” said Bradford. “Once they get in, they can start impersonating carriers and brokers to steal loads or redirect funds.”

Bradford explained that weak cybersecurity often enables broader fraud. Identity theft, double brokering, and payment diversion scams are frequently tied to lapses in email security, poor password practices, and a lack of multi-factor authentication that leaves companies vulnerable.

Technology Alone Is Not Enough

While tools and software play a role in cybersecurity, people remain the first line of defense. Lindsey spoke from experience when explaining the industry’s lag in tech adoption and awareness, especially among the everyday professionals who keep freight moving.

“One of the things that is challenging in logistics and transportation from a tech perspective is that we’re not a very sophisticated industry,” said Lindsey. “Most of the people working at freight companies have no idea what phishing, endpoint protection, or MFA even are.”

Lindsey noted that many brokers and carriers simply want to operate and get the job done. That mindset, while understandable, has made the industry vulnerable to attacks that prey on speed, trust, and inattention. As a result, fraud has become more sophisticated, while the workforce has not always kept up.

Red Flags and Relationship Risk

Cybersecurity is not just about software patches and firewalls. It also involves recognizing early warning signs when something seems off in a business relationship. Lindsey pointed to the importance of vetting partners carefully and verifying the information they provide.

“It comes down to relationship flags and data flags,” said Lindsey. “The person you’re talking to should match the data you see, and the company should match the reputation they claim to have.”

He emphasized that partnerships built on shaky ground will eventually collapse. Verifying information, asking better questions, and avoiding rushed transactions can prevent larger issues before they ever take root. For smaller carriers, this type of scrutiny is especially important when dealing with unfamiliar brokers.

What Small Carriers Can Do Now

Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, especially for small carriers and owner-operators who do not have dedicated IT teams or formal training. However, there are several low-cost, high-impact actions that can reduce risk quickly.

“If you’re independent, you’ve got to do some training,” said Bradford. “Security awareness training helps you know what to look for, what a phishing email looks lik,e or what a suspicious link might be.”

Bradford recommended starting with strong passwords, using a password manager, and enabling multi-factor authentication on all critical systems. Even switching from free email services to Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 can offer more built-in protections. Carriers should also verify that their ELD providers follow secure practices and ensure their software is regularly updated.

The Role of Incident Response Plans

Having a response plan in place is essential for any company, regardless of size. A cyberattack can bring operations to a halt, and without clear next steps, the damage can spiral quickly.

“You want to have a plan that lays out what happens if you have a breach,” said Bradford. “If you don’t have those written out, then you’re flailing, and most companies fail because they don’t have those things in place.”

A strong incident response plan should include designated contacts, containment procedures, access to cyber insurance, and a method for assessing damage. These plans must evolve as new threats emerge and as the company adopts new technologies or hires additional team members.

Training Builds Culture, and Culture Builds Protection

Bradford and Lindsey agreed that ongoing training is not only a best practice but a cultural investment. Companies that prioritize awareness tend to experience fewer issues and recover more quickly when breaches occur.

“Employee training is a must,” said Bradford. “That’s 90 percent of the battle. If people know what to look for, they’re less likely to click on malicious links.”

Lindsey explained that training helps employees understand how much ownership they have in protecting the business. When team members recognize the role they play in keeping operations secure, they become more proactive in identifying risks and reporting concerns. That level of responsibility supports a healthier work environment and stronger partnerships.

Balancing People and Platforms

The freight industry has embraced technology in many ways, but there is a danger in relying too heavily on systems to replace human judgment. According to Lindsey, tools should support relationships, not serve as a substitute for them.

“After COVID, we really started relying on our systems to do what relationships were meant to do. And I think that was a mistake,” said Lindsey. “We need to get back to balancing the relational side of the industry with the systems that are meant to support it.”

That is part of the mission behind the Broker-Carrier Summit, which Lindsey founded in 2023. The Summit exists to improve communication, restore trust, and create shared value across the supply chain. Cybersecurity is an important part of that effort because trust is not just about pricing. It is about transparency, reliability, and integrity at every level.

What Comes Next Matters

The freight industry is not standing still, and neither are the people trying to exploit it. Deepfake voice scams, phishing bots, and unsecured APIs are just a few of the next-generation threats already making their way into logistics.

“Systems are fantastic, but they’re not meant to replace the systems between your ears,” Lindsey put simply.

It will take more than software to protect the future of freight. It will take communication, leadership, and a commitment to doing business with intention. Events like the Broker-Carrier Summit are not just about technology. They are about building a safer, stronger, and more connected freight community.