How to strengthen cybersecurity in logistics companies
The demand for logistics services has risen sharply in recent years, especially in the wake of the e-commerce boom. Digitization of the sector has been a driving factor behind the development of the supply chain as it makes data processing more efficient and shipments faster.
Sector growth, the mass of company and consumer data handled, and the decentralization inherent to the chain, means these services have become a target of interest for cybercriminals. This growing threat is highlighted in a Gartner report that maintains that going forward, 60% of logistics companies will use cybersecurity risk as a significant determinant in conducting third-party transactions.
This is why supply chain service companies must take into account the need for a cybersecurity system that protects their business against attacks, particularly on dates like Black Friday or Cyber Monday when there is peak demand.
4 key ways to strengthen cybersecurity for logistics companies
Although there are many ways to improve the cybersecurity of companies in the supply chain, here are four key aspects that will help protect your data:
Employee training:
One of the main problems encountered by logistics operators when setting up a cybersecurity system is decentralization. The supply chain is made up of different agents from the logistics warehouse to the delivery person who hands over the package, all of which are prone to cyberattacks. This means organizations need to set up a protocol that is accessible to every link in the chain and then ensure all-round compliance.
Take out cyber insurance:
The supply chain handles large amounts of third-party data, ranging from bank accounts to addresses. This magnifies the impact if a company falls victim to an attack. Taking out cyber insurance to help mitigate damage internally, as well as on external parties, aids recovery in the event of a cyberattack.
Rely on an external partner:
Sometimes it can be difficult to find the best way to set up a cybersecurity infrastructure. Moreover, the impacts of an attack can be exacerbated if you choose the wrong solution or if it is deployed incorrectly. Hiring the services of an MSP specialized in cybersecurity can be a useful solution to help you set up the right infrastructure.
Unified cybersecurity network:
Given the decentralization of logistics services, companies should opt for a cybersecurity network that unifies protection across the terminals in the supply chain. This avoids potential security breaches that could compromise different levels or devices. A single protocol that provides an extra layer of protection for all endpoints and stored data shields against any cyberattack efficiently.
In recent years, logistics has become a crucial sector for society and a driver of economic growth. To promote its continued development, distribution and courier services should opt for a consolidated cybersecurity model managed by specialized professionals to help prevent attacks and protect their business.
