Cybercrime in logistics has become among the most serious catastrophes in the world as logistics has become a giant sector that accumulates funds; therefore, for the cyber devious people, it is an area of high interest. These days, we need to trust multiple partners and vendors with any data, which is why, more than ever, the owners of fleets must protect their data. Cybercriminals can take this one step further with their presence in various parts of the cargo supply chain, such as ports, warehouses, truckers, customs brokers, and any other part of logistics. On the other hand, the number of firms comprising the supply chain endows us with the possibility of discovering the system flaws that the attackers can exploit.
1- Data Breach and Intellectual Property Theft
Logistic companies that take care of the information management for many companies store vast volumes of sensitive information like personal data of customers, supplier procedures, and the secret processes involved in the management of the companies. Cybercrime, like data theft, can lead to that information being compromised and caught, which may result in financial loss, regulatory penalties, as well a negative impact on the organization’s reputation. Just like other intellectual property thefts, cybercriminals can target logistics firms to get trade secrets, shipping schedules, or the latest technologies, making them work for the criminals or being sold on the black market for their profit.
2- Chains of Supply Operations are Disturbed
The vulnerabilities of cyberattacks that target logistics agencies can include the possibility of the loss of cargo, delays, or a complete halt of information exchange, which will consequently disrupt the supply chain operations. One of the known tactics employed is the attackers could lock down every significant system and release the systems only when the ransom has been deposited. For this reason, there is a possibility of chain disruptions, absent supply items on the needed list, and expenses. Furthermore, cyber or malware incidents can also reduce the achievements of logistics management. At the same time, the system is activated to disorient the course of deliveries, confuse all the players along the chain, and affect the efficiency output.
3- Production Instability and Other Profit Deficiencies
This attack can produce unfortunate consequences, such as operation bottlenecks through disclosing communication channels between the concerned parties, disruption of the chain of command coordination, or an assault on the industrial control, which would cause physical damage. However, following a cyber-attack, the financial implications are not limited to interruptions and sums paid as a ransom. One must also consider money for a recovery process, an agency fine, and legal settlements for the hurting parties.
As the risks for logistics companies emerge, permanent financial arrangements must be drawn up for stable cyber security, including regular vulnerability scanning, employee training, network partitioning, encryption, and the building of an incident response plan. The only option that can help the industry retain its operations or prevent the supply chain from failing in the foreseeable future is readiness. This level of preparedness is attained through working with cybersecurity specialists and ensuring you are updated with the latest threats facing the current market.
Generally, cyberattacks threaten the logistic stream, indicating that level-headed cybersecurity and business continuity policies are necessary for the commercial sphere in a crisis.
