The logistics sector is heavily reliant on technology and digital systems to manage its operations. This dependence on technology increases the exposure of the logistics sector to cyber risks, which can impact its operations, reputation, and financial stability.

One key concern is the fact that smaller companies are even more likely to be impacted by a cyber-attack.

“Often it’s the smallest carriers that have the weakest defences, and they get breached,” said Tim James Higham, CEO of InMotion Global, a company that provides IT systems to logistics companies. That was demonstrated when a small trucking company in the US, with less than 25 trucks was ransomwared in 2021 – a demand for $300K was made in return for a promise not to disclose sensitive shipping documents that had been stolen.

“Being a small company in a small town, you would have never thought a company like us would get targeted,” the owner said.

When the company refused to pay the data was leaked onto the dark web and all of the supply chain and customers affected had to be notified of the data breach. Only time will tell whether the incident leads to a loss of business to this small company and whether job losses follow.

These risks of a successful cyber-attack can have significant financial and reputational consequences, making it crucial for logistics companies to invest in cybersecurity measures and regularly assess their cyber risk exposure. Your people can be your biggest asset and with our Security Awareness Training (SAT) they can become highly effective barriers to cybercrime.

Security Awareness Training

The ECRC was set up in 2021 as a government funded, police staffed company, which means that we operate with a public service ethic, putting the needs of our members above all else. We offer a number of free and affordable Cyber Security and Resilience Services that are designed to assist businesses and their staff to have the right strategies to respond to cyber incidents efficiently and migrate any potential damage a cyber-attack may create.

Through Cyber PATH, local university students are trained and mentored by senior ethical hackers, to deliver all our services and to work with staff to build their cyber awareness, understand the latest cyber threats and secure the business’s online environment.

Our Awareness Training focuses on those with little or no cyber security or technical knowledge and is delivered in small, succinct modules, using real-world examples. We tailor our Security Awareness Training to each individual audience to provide the right level of skills and context for your business. We can deliver training to any sized group, in-person, remote or a hybrid of the two.

The trainers are highly knowledgeable, personable, and friendly and pride themselves on providing the right environment for your people to feel comfortable and to ask questions. Below are testimonials from businesses who have already had our Awareness Training:

For just a few hundred pounds, you can help to protect your company against a cyber-attack that ultimately could cost you thousands.

Our Security Awareness Training covers a wide range of cyber security topics, including social engineering, ransomware, and phishing attacks. The training provides simple and effective knowledge for people to understand their environment and provides the confidence to challenge when something doesn’t look right.

With logistics becoming a big target for cyber criminals, it is vital that your staff are aware of the potential risks and steps to protect themselves.

As one of our members said. “The Cyber Path Student was a confident and knowledgeable presenter who put all attendees at ease and lead a thoroughly enjoyable and hugely useful and informative session. Time well spent!”

What’s next?

Here at the centre, we would advise you to do three things now:

1. Join the ECRC as a free core member. Start implementing some simple changes now and start protecting your organisation, staff, customers, and supply chain.
2. Contact us to arrange a meeting to discuss providing Security Awareness Training for your company
3. We are already working with over a thousand organisations across the East of England to help them tackle the continually changing cyber threats that they face. So come and join our community as free members and let us help you protect your organisation from the ever presents threats out there in the cyber-verse.

Reporting a live cyber-attack 24/7

If you are a business, charity or other organisation which is currently suffering a live cyber-attack (in progress), please call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 immediately. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Reporting a cyber-attack which isn't ongoing

Please report online to Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can report cybercrime online at any time using the online reporting tool, which will guide you through simple questions to identify what has happened. Action Fraud advisors can also provide the help, support, and advice you need.

Report a phishing attack

If you suspect a phishing attack, please report it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Services (SERS) set up by the NCSC at: report@phising.gov.uk

Text messages can be forwarded to 7726