The Importance of Cybersecurity in Logistics

Modern logistics deeply depends on digital tools and communication infrastructure to increase productivity and optimize processes. These technologies allow online merchants to easily monitor shipments, interact with customers and partners, and obtain crucial sales data.

However, this reliance on technology makes systems more susceptible to cyberattacks. These can have detrimental effects on both eCommerce companies and their customers. 

The boom in eCommerce has meant an equally notable rise in reliable logistics services. The supply chain has developed due to the industry’s digitization, speeding up shipments and increasing data processing efficiency. 

However, due to the sector’s growth, these services are now a target for hackers. The volume of business and customer data they manage and the chain’s inherent decentralization make them appealing to malicious actors. However, the logistics industry is taking steps to protect themselves and their clients’ data. According to a Gartner survey, 60% of logistics organizations view cybersecurity risk as a significant decision in undertaking third-party transactions moving forward. 

Whether you’re starting your eCommerce business or operating one for years, it’s an absolute must to have a cybersecurity system to guard against such attacks. Companies will need the extra protection, especially during periods of high demand, such as Black Friday or the Lunar New Year.  

How Cybersecurity in Logistics Benefits Your eCommerce Business

Supply chains are essential components of an intricate worldwide network where information is exchanged via system integrations. Due to the logistics industry’s interconnection, sensitive data is exposed to cyberattacks at several locations. Data becomes more vulnerable the more links there are in a supply chain.

Which types of data are considered valuable? Thieves can exploit data on inventory, delivery and arrival times, and locations. Similarly, smugglers might find operational information about air, land, and sea cargo transportation. Cybercriminals can breach a business’s network, steal important business information, and then demand a ransom to release the data. Stealing corporate data has become a lucrative source of revenue for these unscrupulous entities.

Cybercrime caused global losses of up to $10.3 billion in 2022. This is nearly a 50% increase from the $6.9 billion loss of revenue in 2021. It is not only prudent to take preventative measures but also a necessity to safeguard these digital supply chains with solid cybersecurity in logistics.

_{Importance of Cyber Security: Benefits and Disadvantages – Sprinto}

Cybersecurity is the umbrella term for various techniques, tools, and procedures to guard against illegal access or cyberattacks. These attacks can breach the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of computer systems, networks, and data. The primary goal of cybersecurity is to protect all organizational assets against internal and external attacks. It can even help in business continuity during natural and artificial disasters. 

Coordinated activities across your organization’s information systems are necessary for a successful and efficient cybersecurity strategy. Each link needs to be secure since organizational assets comprise numerous diverse systems. 

Protect Personal Data

Personal data is one of the most precious online resources. It is true whether you’re an enterprise or an individual consumer. Malware can gather personal data and endanger the privacy of organizations, workers, or consumers.

Cybersecurity shields information from both external and internal risks, both malicious and unintentional. Users can use the internet with peace of mind without fearing cyberattacks.

Uphold Positive Brand Reputation

For any established brand, cultivating customer retention and brand loyalty takes years. A business’s reputation greatly suffers when there are data breaches. By implementing a cybersecurity system, you may prevent unexpected disruptions.

For example, cloud and network security technologies can improve authentication and access. It can pave the way for future recommendations, projects, and growth.

Supports Remote Workspaces

Employees operating from various places can now access different remote models for their workflows, thanks to the remote working model. This is especially true with cloud-based logistics software such as inventory tracking and warehouse management systems. Spreading sensitive data worldwide, where cybercrimes might happen via IoT, Wi-Fi, and personal devices, should concern enterprises.

Strategies, analytics, and sensitive data are always susceptible to hacking and leakage. Nonetheless, cybersecurity in logistics can prevent users’ data from being tracked through Wi-Fi and act as a haven for data storage. 

Streamlined Access Control

By managing internal and external processes, online merchants experience a sense of control over every process in their logistics. 

Not having to deal with cyberattacks allows you to concentrate on other essential responsibilities. By focusing on critical tasks, businesses can create accountability for supply chain management. A secure system, computer, and resource access are expedited, lowering the cybercrime threat. 

Four Tips to Improve Cybersecurity in Logistics

It is challenging to defend logistical operations from cyberattacks. A comprehensive security system can’t be achieved with a single solution. Strong cybersecurity in logistics necessitates a multifaceted, multi-layered strategy that incorporates a range of tactics.

The logistics industry relies on technology and outside contractors.  To minimize cybersecurity threats from these business elements,  you should include them in your organization’s risk management plan. The premise behind that strategy should focus on reliance in case of a breach. The emphasis then shifts to swiftly recovering and limiting an attacker’s capacity to exploit data. 

1. Raising Employee Awareness

Employee negligence directly results in 48% of cyberattacks.

Your employees must be aware of the need to uphold strict cybersecurity procedures. This is because they are frequently the first defense against cyberattacks. They could also become the first targets in a planned breach. Comprehensive training programs can provide skills and cognizance to react to phishing and other unusual activities. News abounds about employees clicking on a link or software download, opening supply chains to hackers. Don’t add to those cybersecurity statistics.

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Unfortunately, no one is safe. Your entire operation is at risk if a hacker gains access to your supply chain. Therefore, it is vital to identify and clarify employees’ need to understand cyber threats and security.  Training should also include the precautions to take in case of emergencies.

Employees are invaluable assets in an organization’s cybersecurity plan. They should use strong passwords, know how to handle sensitive data and identify phishing emails and other suspicious content.

2. Secure Your Internal Systems

Both your software and organizational structure need to be well protected against cyberattacks. BEssentialweb security tools like firewalls and antivirus software effectively defend against malware and safeguard networks. They act as a first defense against attacks. It can monitor and regulate incoming and outgoing network traffic that follows pre-established security rules. Despite being a simple defense measure, firewalls and antivirus software still have their place in cybersecurity in logistics.

For maximum protection, consider installing SSL (Secure Socket Layers) certificate security, which provides strong 256-bit encryption. Encryption is one of the most effective cybersecurity solutions. Even hackers use it to make sure victims cannot access their data. Encryption jumbles up all your data and turns it into unintelligible code. Decryption requires a unique digital “key.” It is an ideal tool for safeguarding sensitive and priceless data.

Ensure that all supply chain stakeholders are required to do this. End-to-end compliance ensures that client-server communications are securely encrypted via SSL certificates. Thus, data integrity and privacy are protected from hackers. 

3. Regular Security Audits

Frequent security audits can assist in locating weaknesses before an attacker can take advantage of them. This can involve regularly evaluating processes and procedures to ensure they adhere to current best practices. You may also consider penetration testing.  It consists of carrying out an authorized simulated cyberattack to assess the readiness of your cybersecurity system.

An internal security assessment of your supply chain must be done annually or every six months to close gaps and increase efficiency and flexibility. Many third-party businesses provide security and audit services along with supply chain security certifications.

4. Prepare an Incident Response Plan

Unfortunately, cyberattack attempts against your company are more a matter of when, not if. Robust cybersecurity protocols can prevent it from happening, but being ready for the worst-case scenario with an incident response plan is crucial.

Online merchants can manage a breach effectively and with less disruption and damage when they have an incident response plan. This entails protocols for locating and isolating the breach, communication strategies, and specific roles and responsibilities. 

Even natural disasters can affect your business operations, so have plans for that. Your response plan should include the use of cloud backup and complete documentation of your contact list. Service providers, vendors, partners, and their licenses, servers, as well as networks, should be closely monitored and checked after an attack.

Cybersecurity is now a crucial aspect of logistics infrastructure. With the growing trend of digitalization comes the possibility of cyber threats. These risks have far-reaching repercussions; interruptions and downtime can weaken eCommerce companies.

However, online merchants can protect their digital infrastructure and supply chains through cybersecurity in logistics. This guarantees business continuity and peace of mind for you and your customers. 

ZhenHub features a secure digital platform that promotes cybersecurity in logistics. Our eCommerce dashboard is powered by robust cloud technology for worry-free process management. Sign up today and protect your logistics.