Miranda Blake
Why the logistics sector is so vulnerable to cybercrime
Created: 11-10-2024
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Updated: 11-10-2024
We previously explored the cybercrime signs you need to look out for in the trucking industry. However, why exactly is the sector so susceptible to these attacks in the first place?
Unfortunately, there’s multiple reasons – making the risk even greater. Read on to find out the most common ones.
Interconnected supply chains
As you’ll know, logistics is a very connected industry – meaning that while perhaps your business isn’t so attractive to cybercriminals, those you work with may have data that they desire. This could be financial records, contracts, invoices, and delivery schedules along with customer details such as their address, phone number, email address, and signature.
Any organisation that processes a significant amount of critical and sensitive information is appealing, as there’s the opportunity to use it for identity theft, fraud, and extortion. It can also be sold on the dark web.
Outdated technology
With the haulage industry known for using older, less secure systems, it’s the ideal target. From legacy systems to outdated applications, these lack the required contemporary security features and usually don’t have to adhere to rigorous Mobile Device Management (MDM) policies.
Considering that all these systems (including scanners, mobile devices, and TomToms) link up to each other, this gives hackers the opportunity to seep into the broader network – especially as companies are becoming more and more dependent on technology.
Time burdens
Given how fast the industry moves, there’s significant time strains. As a result, a team member may not be as attentive with cybersecurity as they would be otherwise. For example, they may click on a suspicious link in a phishing email or take an action they shouldn’t, believing the correspondence is from someone at the business rather than a hacker.
On a similar note, ransomware attacks are popular because logistics companies literally can’t afford to cease their operations in any way – every second they don’t is a second that they can’t access data, which costs them in terms of profitability, reputation, and customer gratification. This means that they’re much more likely to pay up.
Lack of awareness
A big reason for the industry’s vulnerability is that it’s commonly known that there’s not much awareness and prioritisation around cybersecurity. So, hackers exploit the fact that some don’t have sufficient policies, training, or resources to put in place effective measures to react to an attack.
Such ignorance is key – because you can do something about it. From network segmentation to anti-malware software to training, you can act and reduce the risk of your business being a victim.
Minimise your cybercrime vulnerability with SNAP
To further cut the chances of your company being exposed to a cyberattack, you should ensure that all your technology and partners are secure.
And with SNAP, you’ll have assurance that this is the case for your fleet operations management. Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today – just call us on 01603 777242.