20 Mar Navigating beyond Cyber Attacks; Is Logistics Industry moving in the right direction?
Cybersecurity is the second most increasing cause of concern for the Logistics industry. It is noted that around 40 per cent of Logistics companies globally have important questions about data privacy and security. When digital data is today’s Logistics gold mine, it becomes evident that hackers would flock around to sneak in through data vulnerabilities. And post the acute pandemic, cyber-attacks on Airports and Ports as an ecosystem are considerably high. It is believed that there was a 186 per cent increase in cyber attacks on the Logistics industry in 2022 alone, and the number for 2023 is already soaring. Therefore, securing access to systems and data in multiple ways is of the utmost importance.
We have seen recently that USA-based Aviation websites were taken offline by what is believed to be a Russian-based attack. Although no Airport operations were affected, the episode underscores the deep vulnerabilities in the aviation industry. One of the significant factors contributing to Aviation threats is the large attack surface of the Aviation industry. Free wi-fi in Airports and on planes, digital apps, reservation/booking systems, IoT devices, and a host of other disparate but sophisticated systems increase the total attack surface.
Different types of Cyber Attacks affecting the Logistics industry
Cyber-attacks like denial of service, malware injection, ransomware, phishing, etc., can also attack a supply chain. The supply chain attack has the added risk of spreading over an entire trusted network, as hackers can attack the supply chain’s weakest link.
Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware can affect all your digital data if not intelligently protected. Cybercriminals are constantly looking to exploit any vulnerability to inject Ransomware and hold your data for ransom.
Phishing Attacks
The most dreaded cyber-attack would be phishing, as it could cause a financial loss for the entire Airport/Port and reversing the impact is considered time-consuming. While the reputational value of an organisation can be manipulated with a phishing attack, financial loss becomes inevitable too. Ironically, if not addressed in the future, phishing attacks are believed to be a common phenomenon in the Logistics industry.
Identity Based Attacks
A Cargo Community system is a wonderful platform to connect all stakeholders wherein the movement of Cargo,the required validation etc., is all done through this single frame and is made available for all stakeholders involved in the process. However, the identity of the stakeholder does come as a question.
Code Injection Attacks
By inserting a specific code, retrieving the information from a platform becomes far more accessible, and that is what code injection attacks are all about. By injecting SQL and cross- site scripting codes, stealing data can be much easier for attackers.
Preparing for a Hostile Cyber Situation
Prevention is better than cure: this is very apt to evade cyber-attacks. In order to respond to some of these threats, the Logistics industry will need to adopt policies for managing vulnerabilities and preventing attacks. First, sophisticated multi-layer systems must become more secure to ensure continued operation. Zero-trust principles can easily be applied to industry systems and help prevent attackers from spreading their reach once a system is penetrated.
This is a three-pronged approach – People, Processes and Technology. The elements of such a programme include people as well as the technical side. The compliance-driven approach, around regulation and standardisation, ensures best practices regarding policy and procedure. Countries and global bodies need strong cybersecurity laws with the same level of harmonisation.
100% Elimination Possible?
Cyber-attacks happen because of the multiple data transfers through different computer technologies and insufficient cyber threat/event information-sharing amongst Logistics stakeholders. These risks can be significantly mitigated with next-generation Cargo Community Systems built on technologies like blockchain, user-based access, and secured clouds like azure with third-party audits. Protecting today’s complex infrastructure requires a fundamental change in how the industry approaches security. Airlines, Airports, Ports, and Shipping Lines can’t stop all malware from getting in, but they can prevent damage to infrastructure and data theft using very secure technology.