The logistics industry, post-pandemic, has shown robust recovery, with a market size of $10.41 trillion in 2020 and an expected growth to $14.08 trillion by 2028. This growth is coupled with digitalization and sustainability initiatives. However, this advancement comes with increased cybersecurity risks. In 2020, cyber-attacks in the sector soared by as much as 700%, with operational technology attacks in the maritime industry rising by as much as 900%.
What about E-Commerce and Increased Digitalization?
The rise of e-commerce, characterized by flexible delivery services and return policies, has led to rapid innovation and digitization in the logistics industry. This has increased the digital footprint of companies, consequently elevating the risk of cybercrime.
With the integration of Edge and IoT for tracking goods, monitoring conditions, and checking stock levels, there is a significant amount of real-time data available. This data is invaluable for improving efficiency but also increases vulnerability to cyberattacks. For example, AI and automation tools used for efficiency are similarly employed in sophisticated cyberattacks, often targeting logistics companies with phishing attacks.
Ransomware: It is Not Going Away
Ransomware attacks, where hackers encrypt files or systems and demand a ransom, grew by 700% in 2020. These attacks can be especially devastating for logistics companies where continuity is crucial, as seen in the case of KNP Logistics in the UK, which declared insolvency due to a ransomware attack.
Are Your Cybersecurity Policies Up to Date? How About Your Business Continuity Plan? We Can Help!
The importance of having robust cyberattack response plans was emphasized at a cybersecurity conference sponsored by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association. Business continuity plans and clear communication with customers and employees are vital. It is crucial to establish clear lines of control and a well-defined incident response strategy before an attack occurs.
Vulnerabilities At the Warehouse and Distribution Centers:
These sectors are highly reliant on technology, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. The interconnected nature of the industry, with numerous third-party vendors and global supply chains, increases vulnerability. Poorly secured IoT devices and operations in countries with weaker cybersecurity laws contribute to these risks.
Vulnerability Assessments Are Vital! And Not Just Once a Year:
The cost of recovering from a cyberattack can be immense, often running into millions of dollars. This includes restoring systems, replacing lost infrastructure, and addressing operational disruptions. Losses in customer trust and increased insurance costs are additional consequences.
The Saturn Partners, Inc. has years of experience writing and exercising disaster and business recovery plans for different sectors, both in North America and the Eastern Caribbean. We still find clients who believe they can get away with penetration testing and onsite vulnerability and risk assessments once a year. We were doing this as far back as 2002, before the rise of cybercrime, the cloud, and the applications, all of which must be tested thoroughly. We can tailor a testing plan to assist here, with quarterly testing strongly suggested, to fit your budget.
Another Hole to Close: Security Awareness Training for staff and Social Engineering:
This is a two-part issue: SPI can offer top notch Security Awareness Training for your front-line employees as well as certification training for your IT wizards to get their cybersecurity toolbox enhanced to be ready to fight the bad guys.
When it comes to social engineering, we can teach you how to watch from attacks from the outside (social engineered penetration testing) and can go onsite to evaluate your employee knowledge to prevent leaks in information from the INSIDE.
At What Level is Your Preparedness?
Critical preventive measures include developing incident response plans, using encryption, controlling access points, and employee training. Installing anti-virus software, firewalls, multi-factor authentication, and encrypting communications are also essential steps in safeguarding sensitive data.
Contact The Saturn Partners, Inc. TODAY for your free security assessment to advise you where your strong and weak points are in your overall cybersecurity program.