Cybercrime poses a threat to supply chains

Over the past five years, transport-related crimes have become more sophisticated and are causing increasingly significant financial damage. CEVA experts have also noted a change in criminal tactics, with a shift from one-off thefts to more complex operations, involving the impersonation of companies, the use of fake carriers on online platforms, cyber fraud, and collusion between employees.

A new trend has emerged: an increase in cargo theft involving cybercrime, with criminals increasingly using artificial intelligence to impersonate others and manipulate data. The integration of digital and physical tactics is likely to become more prevalent, meaning that logistics professionals will need to implement comprehensive security systems and proactive threat monitoring.

According to Gartner’s forecasts, up to 45% of companies could face cyberattacks on supply chain management software by 2025, which is three times the number in 2021.

Cybercriminals most often exploit system vulnerabilities such as insecure platforms, outdated software, or weak access controls. They use phishing, malware, and fake IDs to gain access to delivery data.

No one expected the entire business of KNP, a British transport company, to collapse because of one weak password when it was attacked by ransomware hackers from the Akira group. The investigation revealed that cybercriminals had gained access to KNP’s IT systems by guessing an employee’s password. Access to the company was blocked shortly thereafter, with critical data being encrypted and operations halted. The company that managed a fleet of 500 trucks under the Knights of Old brand went out of business. Although the company had cyber insurance and complied with industry IT standards, it was not prepared to withstand the attack.

Attacks are becoming easier. Advanced technical skills are no longer necessary – cunning is often enough to obtain login credentials.