Cybersecurity isn’t just about data centers and laptops anymore. As trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles become smarter and more connected, they’re also becoming more vulnerable. The industry is in need of cybersecurity professionals who understand these systems inside and out—but that expertise is still relatively rare.
That’s where the CyberTruck Challenge comes in. It’s not just about hacking trucks—it’s about preparing the next generation of cybersecurity experts to protect the fleets, supply chains, and technologies we rely on every day.
What Is the CyberTruck Challenge?
Despite your mind perhaps going first to the futuristic electric vehicle which shares the same name, the CyberTruck Challenge is not related to any certain automotive manufacturer. In fact, the CyberTruck Challenge was founded in 2017 and is an annual hands-on cybersecurity training and assessment event focused on the unique needs of heavy-duty vehicles.
NMFTA has been the lead sponsor of the event for nearly a decade. Its sponsorship includes travel, transportation, and hotel costs for each student who participates in the Challenge.
This year the event will be held from June 9-13 in Battle Creek, MI. The event brings together a mix of students, industry professionals, and government stakeholders in a collaborative environment to address the cybersecurity challenges facing heavy-duty vehicles.
Over the course of five days, participants are immersed in a structured program which begins with two intensive days of training, where students are taught by subject matter experts about topics such as hardware and software reverse engineering, component analysis, fundamentals of the communications protocols used by these systems, etc. These trainings evolve each year to bring improved and relevant curriculum, as well as to reflect changes and innovations in the industry. In addition, time is also dedicated to talking about the legal, ethical, and moral responsibilities of attendees.
After the initial training days, the event shifts into two days of hands-on assessment. During these days, students work directly with real trucks and other equipment to apply their knowledge in operationally realistic environments. This means they aren’t just working on simulators or theoretical case studies – they’re interacting with the same types of vehicles and systems used in industry. This kind of experiential learning is extremely invaluable. By working in an authentic setting, students gain a practical understanding of how cybersecurity affects actual operations and help them bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry practice.
Who Attends the CyberTruck Challenge?
The Challenge attracts a diverse group of participants from across the industry. Professional attendees include original equipment manufactures (OEMs) and their supplier communities, government engineers and managers, academic researchers, maintenance technicians, and cybersecurity experts. On the student side, representation spans undergraduate to Ph.D. programs, with participants from over 25 different universities – and even some international institutions—attending last year.
The wide attendee list is more than a feature – it’s fulfilment of one of the CyberTruck Challenge’s core missions: to help establish a community of interest for vehicle cybersecurity that transcends individual companies or departments. By fostering collaboration across disciplines and organizations, the Challenge is building a broader, more experienced base of engineers and managers prepared to secure our future fleets.
Why You Should Get Involved
For companies, fleet operators, and technology providers, there are several compelling reasons to sponsor or support the CyberTruck Challenge. Bringing equipment or lending expertise not only supports the development of the cybersecurity workforce, but it also yields direct benefits:
- Insight into how your systems perform under real-world scrutiny;
- Access to fresh perspectives through student assessments;
- Guaranteed confidentiality for any findings through a strict non-disclosure agreement (NDA);
- Opportunities to connect with potential new hires and industry partners; and
- Contribution to the broader mission of securing critical infrastructure.
Supporting the CyberTruck Challenge is an investment in the future. As heavy vehicles become more connected, the need for robust cybersecurity becomes non-negotiable. This event is one of the few places where learning, innovation, and collaboration intersect in such a meaningful way.
Training Tomorrow’s Cybersecurity Leaders
The CyberTruck Challenge is a part of a larger ecosystem of specialized cybersecurity training challenges, such as CyberAuto, CyberTractor, and CyberMedical. Each of these events are tailored to address the cybersecurity needs of a specific industry, but all share a common goal: improving cybersecurity posture through cross-industry collaboration.
By allowing students to gain real-life, applicable experience, these events serve as a launching pad for future cybersecurity professionals. There’s a higher likelihood of retaining talent in these industries when young professionals are exposed early on to meaningful, mission-driven work. Students also benefit from mentorship opportunities, often forming connections with industry professionals that continue well beyond the event. In turn, companies attending the event have the chance to identify and recruit top-tier talent.
Conclusion: Invest in the Future of Trucking Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity threats aren’t going away—they’re only growing more complex. Events like the CyberTruck Challenge are vital not only for addressing today’s issues but for preparing for tomorrows. By training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and fostering collaboration within industry and academia, the CyberTruck Challenge is helping to build a safer, more secure future for the trucking industry.
If you’re part of a fleet, OEM, supplier, or another company involved in the heavy vehicle space, then you should sponsor, mentor, or bring equipment to the CyberTruck Challenge. Your involvement could help shape the future of the industry—and you might just find your next great hire along the way.
To learn more, watch the recording of our webinar on the CyberTruck Challenge, or visit https://www.cybertruckchallenge.org/.
