Cyber-attacks pose threats, targeting sensitive data and disrupting logistics operations. These attacks can lead to data leaks, financial losses, and operational delays, impacting customer trust and supply chain efficiency. Companies must invest in cybersecurity measures, employee training, and response strategies, ensuring resilience of their operations in the face of evolving cyber-threats.
Ritika Arora Bhola
Recent cyber-attacks in air cargo and logistics sector have made stakeholders apprehensive of what is coming next. Of late, data thefts, ransomware attacks, phishing, data breaches, supply chain attacks, malware infections have become commonplace. To overcome this pestilence, the industry is heavily investing in integrating cutting-edge security technologies, which can reduce the risks of cyber-attacks and safeguard air cargo operations. Cyber-attacks in the industry pose significant threats, targeting sensitive data and disrupting logistics operations.
As the sector increasingly relies on digital systems for booking, tracking, and inventory management, it becomes vulnerable to breaches, ransomware, and phishing attempts. These attacks can lead to data leaks, financial losses, and operational delays and impact customer trust and supply chain efficiency. To combat these risks, companies must invest in strong cybersecurity measures, employee training, and response strategies, to ensure resilience of their operations in the face of evolving cyber-threats.
Cyber incidents cause more than just delivery delays and loss of trust. As digital activity increases in logistics, so does cybercrime, like how street crime rises with population growth. Cybercriminals are now targeting the logistics industry due to its critical role in global trade. In recent years, several well-known companies have been attacked by cybercriminals. A cyber-attack does not just stop operations—it can lead to financial losses.
Companies must spend a lot of funds to restore systems and improve security to prevent future attacks. The cost of recovery is high for businesses lose both income and customers, while trying to reinstate online services.
Cyber-attacks can damage a company’s reputation. Customers and partners expect fast and secure deliveries. Businesses that suffer cyber-attacks also suffer a loss of reputation, which makes customers look for alternate solutions.
In an industry where reliability is key, a single attack can affect the supply chain, making business partners rethink relationships. Today’s cybercriminals are even more dangerous. They do not just want to stop operations but are also trying to steal sensitive data, intellectual property, or take over entire logistics networks. This puts both the firm and its clients at risk, causing damage far beyond a temporary shutdown. By fostering cybersecurity awareness, ensuring regular training for employees, and integrating cutting-edge security technologies, air cargo and logistics firms can reduce the risks of cyber-attacks and safeguard their operations.
CARGOTALK speaks to the industry leaders about the threat and solutions.
Regular security audits, staff training crucial, Amit Maheshwari, Founder and CEO Softlink Global
To combat frequent data breaches and cyber-attacks in air cargo and logistics, firms should invest in advanced encryption technologies, implement robust access controls, and utilise AI-powered threat detection and predictive analysis systems. Adopting a zero-trust architecture can secure sensitive data by verifying every access attempt. Regular security audits and employee training are crucial. We have found a multi-layered approach combining tech solutions with human vigilance is an effective method for cybersecurity. These include financial losses, damage from ransomware attacks, regulatory penalties for data protection failures, and compromise of aircraft safety systems. There is also the long-term reputational damage that can impact business relationships and market position. To enhance cargo safety and cybersecurity, the industry needs to update security protocols to address emerging threats and implement IoT security measures for connected cargo systems, among others.”
Employees must be careful opening mail attachments
Gautam Mandal, CEO, Octoloop CargoFlash
We focus on implementing a high standard of compliance, including ISO 27001 and SOC2 certification, to strengthen data protection. Vulnerability assessments, paired with access controls and Azure’s secure cloud infrastructure, ensure digital systems remain resilient against attacks. Cyber-attacks expose businesses to many risks, including financial losses due to ransomware. Penalties for failing to comply with data protection laws can be significant, adding to the financial strain. System outages can lead to supply chain disruptions, resulting in delayed deliveries, impacting service-level agreements. Intellectual property theft can put businesses at a disadvantage. Employees must be vigilant about opening attachments or clicking links from unknown sources—common entry points. Compliance with standards such as CMMI, ISO 27001, SOC1 and SOC2, along with data encryption protocols, strengthen our security framework.”
Security rules updates, periodic VAPT necessary
Parvinder Singh, Managing Director, Hans Infomatic
Beyond disrupting operations and delaying deliveries, cyber-attacks can lead to financial losses, and regulatory penalties. Hackers is likely to target operational systems, causing cargo misrouting, tampering with shipment information, or enabling physical security breaches. Hans Infomatic’s solutions emphasise operational efficiency and cybersecurity measures to mitigate these risks, protecting logistics operations and customer data. Strengthening cargo safety and cybersecurity needs a multifaceted approach. Companies must implement firewalls, regular security audits, employee training programmes, and access controls. Companies should make efforts to conform to ISO 27001:2022 protocols and have periodic Vulnerability
Assessment and Penetration Testing and application security audit. We integrate cybersecurity best practices into our software solutions in to ensure secure data handling, thereby enhancing safety and trust in air cargo logistics systems. It is high time companies invested in cybersecurity measures so that sensitive sensitive data is not hacked.”
Stolen operational data can create inefficiencies
Suneet Gupta, SVP & Global Business Development Head, Kale Logistics Solutions
A critical step is to adopt cloud-based platforms that offers security protocols, such as multi-layered authentication, rights-based access control, and encrypted communication channels. Having a security policy and ensuring compliance with global cybersecurity standards is essential. Tech such as hyperledger and blockchain create protective layers, ensuring data integrity. For instance, CCS provide a centralised, secure platform for real-time data exchange among stakeholders. Cyberattacks can compromise integrity of supply chains, creating inefficiencies impacting logistics processes globally. Sensitive shipment data may be stolen or corrupted, leading to regulatory scrutiny and other legal ramifications. Enhancing air cargo safety and cybersecurity requires a multifaceted approach. Implementing CCS offers a robust and strong solution by ensuring encrypted data exchange and multi-factor authentication. Compliance with data protection regulations or rules, such as GDPR, and proactive monitoring of systems for suspicious activity are the main crucial measures to fortify cybersecurity.”
Insider threat can be more dangerous to operations
Kartik Sharma, expert on Artificial Intelligence
Natural disasters, geopolitical instability, or sudden changes in regulations can interrupt the entire supply chain, leading to delayed deliveries or misrouted cargo. As logistics firms rely on IoT sensors for real-time tracking of cargo, their failure or malfunction can result in lost shipments, inaccurate tracking, and failure to meet regulatory compliance standards for temperature-controlled goods. Unauthorised access to cargo facilities, airports, or transportation vehicles can result in the theft or loss of goods. Insider threats from employees or contractors who may have access to restricted areas pose a real physical risk to operations. Inaccurate data entry or system glitches can corrupt cargo records, causing operational disruptions and financial losses. Social engineering attacks, such as phishing can manipulate staff into providing login credentials or other sensitive information. To enhance cargo safety, a layered approach is necessary, integrating advanced technologies, employee training, and regulatory compliance. Implement multiple layers of security controls for ensuring even if one defence is compromised, others remain intact to mitigate the risk.”
AI, ML can enable staff for detecting threats
Ramnath Sabari, Senior Manager, Unisys Cargo Solutions
To strengthen both cargo safety and cybersecurity, the following key actions are essential. Security must be embedded into digital systems from the initial development phase, not treated as an afterthought. Regular updates to systems and software are critical to safeguard against evolving threats. Implementing AI and ML can enable logistics companies to detect and respond to cyber-threats in real-time, providing proactive protection. A well-informed workforce is vital. Employees should be trained to recognise risks and understand best practices for minimising exposure. Education and awareness are key to maintaining defence. Businesses must implement security measures, such as two-factor authentication and stringent password policies. Encrypting sensitive data ensures that even if breached, the information is rendered useless. Contingency plans should be established to ensure a swift response to any cyber-attacks. By integrating these actions, companies can significantly enhance cargo safety and cybersecurity, mitigating the risks of operational disruptions and data breaches.
