AI technology is on the scene as a double-edged sword. While it can help the transportation and logistics industry innovate and strengthen, it can also be used in growing cyberattacks on logistics businesses. 

Before the pandemic, approximately 1,000 cyberattacks were recorded daily, but the number is more than triple that now. These attacks target anyone from individuals and small businesses to big corporations and governments. Supply chain vendors and transportation logistics companies are prime targets because of their numerous links to other elements of the economy, and these are potential entry points for malicious hackers. In many cases, hackers leverage a smaller player to move up a supply chain, heightening the risk for logistics providers from all angles. Many logistic companies still use unsecured remote desktops and put themselves at risk of ransomware. Email phishing is still frequently successful, as are inbound attacks and brazen incursions via logins through standard portals. 

How AI Attacks Are Becoming More Common in The Logistics Industry 

In addition to ransomware and phishing attacks, logistics companies must deal with man-in-the-middle and distributed-denial-of-service (DDOS) attacks. For all the benefits that AI technology offers in automating, simplifying, and streamlining logistics operations, malicious actors can also use it to improve hacking and other forms of nefarious cyberattack activity. AI technologies might be vulnerable access points that criminal parties can use to access your company's data and operations. Artificial intelligence might get your logistics company ahead of the curve or help you keep pace with your competitors, but vigilance remains as essential as ever. 

What To Do About Them 

The potential cyberattacks that your logistics business faces on any given day are as serious as they are numerous. Fortunately, there are also multiple tactics you can take to prepare yourself and manage your risk. 

Multi-factor authentication. Enable multi-factor authentication as a security layer in your digital access and operations. This frequently takes the form of a code sent to a user's phone before they can access systems and accounts. If you have the option for a privileged user manager, you can add a security layer that provides more resilience to your operations. 

Use an application performance monitoring tool. APM tools let you monitor your systems, so you always know how healthy the application is in terms of performance. By identifying incidents quickly, your IT personnel can respond to unplanned incidents promptly. Proactively monitoring vulnerabilities gives malicious parties less opportunity to interfere with your logistics business. 

Identity and access management. IDP technology means that only authorized personnel can access the data and systems your business relies on. At a minimum, all your employees must have distinct login credentials for access. Take things a step further by making them update those credentials regularly. 

Data backup. Back up your most important data, and keep that backup in the cloud or off site. If a cyberattack is successful, you can recover this copy of your data and resume operations quickly. 

Role-based access control. This technique assigns various employees different access levels that reflect their company roles. Entry-level employees usually don't need access to sensitive data stores that only managers would realistically be using regularly. 

Employee training. Regardless of the technology you use, your employees will always be a crucial security perimeter for your business. Educate them about the potential risks, how to identify them, and what they can do to protect their employer and their jobs. 

Cybersecurity partnerships. Take every internal step to protect your business, but be willing to contact a partner for more help. The right cybersecurity company can guide you in risk assessment and the implementation of many security measures. A certified partner demonstrates security commitment to your customers and builds trust. 

Cyber Incidents in The Logistics Industry Bring Many Costs 

Financial losses from a cyberattack in the logistics industry include possible legal liabilities, disrupted operations, revenue loss and regulatory fines, but the costs don't stop there. In addition to immediate operational disruptions, delays can result in missing deadlines and making customers so dissatisfied, they decide to stop doing business with you. Trust is crucial in the transportation industry, and any erosion of customer confidence can tarnish your reputation.  

Taylor McKnight is an author for National Motor Freight Traffic Association.