It’s summertime here in the UK (or at least it’s supposed to be) so there’s nothing else for it – time to kick back, relax and enjoy a cold one by the pool (an inflatable paddling pool will have to do). Unfortunately, not everyone has decided to take time off! The aviation and logistics industry are now facing the increasing challenge of cyberattacks, and it’s threatening the efficiency of the supply chain.
Just how big is the problem?
According to a recent survey from digital association Bitkom, the German economy alone suffers damages of 206 billion euros per year due to the theft of IT equipment and data (this figure includes digital and analogue industrial espionage as well as sabotage). “In 2023, pure cyberattacks accounted for 148 billion euros (72 percent) of this. In 2021, this share was “only” 59 percent.”
What does this look like elsewhere?
A report published by IBM claimed that; “on average, the cost of cyber attacks on supply chains is $4.35 million per incident.”
But what is a cyberattack?
Oxford Dictionary says it best. A cyberattack is “an attempt by hackers to damage or destroy a computer network or system”. Is it really that straightforward?
Short answer? No.
A cyberattack can happen in various ways, through any medium and at any time. We’ve done some digging and thought we’d share some of the main threats to the logistics sector; ransomware, phishing, hacking and freight forwarding fraud. What are they BRIEFLY?
Ransomware : Hackers infiltrate a company’s IT infrastructure and encrypt selected files or the entire system, making it inaccessible to the business unless it pays a ransom
Phishing scams : Phishing involves cyber criminals contacting target organisations by email, telephone or text message, posing as a legitimate person – the aim being to lure the recipient into giving up sensitive data and passwords
Hacking : Scammers gain unauthorised access to a company’s internal network with the intent of stealing sensitive data
Freight forwarding fraud : Scammers impersonate a legitimate company by essentially copying its website. The aim is to steal freight forwarding fees or make off with any cargo that falls into their possession
There are lots of others, but we would literally be here all day (and no one would read it). The truth remains the same – it is happening and it could happen to you. If you did want some additional reading before bedtime though, we were inspired by this handy article from Marsh Commercial.
Worried about the impact of cyberattacks?
Some things are just out of our control. It’s annoying but true!
However, we like to reassure our customers that security is one of our top priorities. We never give out your data to 3rd parties and we don’t accept bribes. We do everything in our power to make sure that your freight is in the safest of hands. To find out what we’re doing about the risk, contact us via our online form or give us a call on 01442 507240 and a member of our team would be happy to reassure you.