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Whilst digital transformation initiatives and new technologies are undeniably creating exciting opportunities for the sector , it ’ s also providing new opportunities for cyber attackers . It ’ s crucial that logistics businesses are equipped to deal with the threat of cyber hacking , with the infrastructure in place to protect important data .

A tempting target

Recent data from global cyber security company NCC Group shares that May 2024 saw ransomware attacks reach an all-time high month-on-month and year-on-year , with the industrial sector remaining a prime target . In this landscape , ensuring the protection of customer and business data is essential .

The logistics sector appeals to hackers for several reasons . Every day , the average logistics business processes vast amounts of data – including banking and payment details . This makes them a wealthy source of sensitive information . The ramifications of this data being breached or compromised would be far-reaching and potentially catastrophic for the business .

So , how can logistics businesses improve their cyber resilience ? And how big a role does network connectivity play in keeping customer data safe ?

The risks of outdated cybersecurity

Castle-and-moat cybersecurity is a system in which a business ’ data is contained in a single data center ( a ‘ castle ’) and protected by firewalls ( the ‘ moat ’). However , the rise in remote and hybrid working habits , and the increase in automation , means that this model of cybersecurity is quickly becoming outdated .

As technology , and working habits , continue to evolve , more and more logistics businesses are becoming reliant on the use of multiple cloud vendors for data storage and supporting mobile workers . This means that data is spread and stored across multiple locations , rather than in a single ‘ castle ’, creating a larger attack surface which businesses need to protect . As such , a model designed to focus cyber security efforts on a single perimeter – such as castle and moat security - may not be up-to-scratch with modern business models .

For the logistics sector , this would mean a greater risk of attackers gaining access to vast amounts of customer data , causing major disruption to business and supply chain operations , and reducing customer trust .

Embracing solutions such as Secure Access Service Edge ( SASE ) can help logistics businesses to extend their networking and security capabilities to manage multiple more complex data storage models . Unified SASE solutions provide a cloud architecture model that allows network and security to function as a single service , ensuring that any network endpoints are securely and effectively managed to mitigate the risk of a security breach . Providing rich visibility , proactive insights and comprehensive control over policy , access , and identity , such solutions are well-equipped to handle changing business models and trends .

With solutions such as SASE , logistics business leaders have confidence that their supply chain is protected from disruption , no matter how reliant on cloud technology it might be .

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