Cybersecurity becomes bigger element in preventing cargo theft
Summary
Recently released 2022 data shows that events involving the theft of cargo across the U.S. and Canada increased by 20% year-over-year, according to a study by CargoNet, and more avenues for exploitation are opening as carriers onboard more technology. Danny Ramon, intelligence and response manager at Overhaul, said cyberattacks resulting in cargo theft have previously been seen primarily on the West Coast but have begun to migrate east to Indiana, Illinois and recently in Kentucky. While physical attacks remain the primary form of cargo theft, the industry is gearing up for more cyberattacks, said Scott Cornell, transportation lead and crime and theft specialist at insurance provider Travelers, a member of the non-profit Transported Asset Protection Association, which establishes baseline standards for security across the supply chain, including trucking facilities. “Basic types of cyberattacks are more commonly being used to aid in committing cargo theft; implementing strong cybersecurity practices can help recognize and prevent many of these attacks. He said physical security is generally the front line of defense for protecting cargo, but the automated detection mechanisms that are available essentially turn that into a data, which then creates the potential for a cybersecurity issue.