In this white paper we review the latest in Data Privacy law and enforcement of network security within the logistics industry.
The focus is on enforcement entity relationships and the importance of business cooperation in building a resilient cybersecurity posture. The paper advocates for a community-oriented solution — "all for one, and one for all" — recognising that the interconnected nature of logistics supply chains means that the security of each participant affects the security of all.
The evolution of global supply chains is driving continuous updates to legislation and regulatory frameworks. Governments and industry bodies are increasingly recognising that the logistics sector requires specific, targeted cybersecurity regulation to address the unique risks it faces. At the same time, the drive towards automation is delivering significant benefits in consistency and efficiency, but it is also introducing increased complexity and a broader cyber risk surface.
Smart Integration for Better Cyber Security
A key area of focus is the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). Operational technology encompasses the physical machines and systems that drive logistics operations, from warehouse robotics to port cranes. Information technology is the digital world of data, networks and software. The integration of these two domains is one of the defining trends in modern logistics, but it is also the limiting factor of network security.
No one wants a hacker to not only be able to steal their data, but also start driving a train, or halt a manufacturing line.
The convergence of IT and OT means that a vulnerability in one domain can have consequences in the other. A cyberattack that compromises a logistics company's IT systems could potentially be used to disrupt or take control of operational technology, with real-world physical consequences.
Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to cybersecurity in the logistics sector. Investment in robust cybersecurity measures protects assets now and into the future. The organisations that take a proactive approach to securing their digital and operational infrastructure will be best positioned to thrive in an increasingly connected and automated industry.