The consequences of a cyber-attack can be devastating for any organisation, both financially and reputationally. For a logistics company, cybersecurity vulnerabilities are a high-level risk that cause big issues, something which has been highlighted in recent years after several high-profile attacks. In June 2023, one of the UKs largest privately-owned logistics companies, Knights of Old, was forced into administration following a major ransomware attack on its parent company, KNP Logistics Group. This example affirms how irreparable the damage can be, as well as how necessary it is for companies to be prepared for the possibility of a cyber-attack.

It is also important to acknowledge that small does not equal safe when it comes to cybercrime. The reality is that SMEs are highly targeted by cyber criminals, and highly vulnerable to suffering damage and devastation. Smaller organisations may be less likely to have considered the issue in depth, or to have implemented preparative measures such as formulating an incident response plan or exploring cyber insurance. Getting to grips with the issue and embedding practices of good cyber hygiene is a highly valuable investment and can significantly reduce the chance of experiencing a crippling cyber-attack.

Why are logistics companies a target?

Logistics companies of any size are vulnerable to cyber-attacks and data breaches for several reasons. Firstly, the operations of a logistics company are routed in its connections with customers, other businesses, and supply chains. This means there are more access points for criminals to target as a way into the business. If somebody within the network suffers a cyber-attack, their company could be used as a vector for criminals to try and get to you too. Building on this possibility, your company may be an attractive target for criminals looking to attack other players in your network or supply chain. This sort of targeted attack can cause immeasurable disruption, something that is attractive not just to the criminals looking for financial gain, but also for those with malicious or political intentions.

How can Cyber Essentials help?

For a smaller company operating on a more local scale, one of the best ways to become cyber resilient is to ensure you have implemented the simple, fundamental practices of good cyber hygiene. Seeking a Cyber Essentials certification is an affordable way to simplify this process at a minimal cost to the business.

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed scheme that assists with putting technical controls in place to protect organisations from cybercrime. At its most basic level, it is a checklist to follow, that helps to defend against common threats like malware, ransomware, and phishing. The result of this is a certification that leaves your employees, customers, and client base assured in the knowledge that you have considered the cyber security of your company, identified any existing vulnerabilities, and worked proactively to rectify any issues. Most cyber-attacks target businesses that are lacking certain basic technical controls but becoming Cyber Essentials certified will require you to have these in place, therefore reducing your likelihood of being targeted. Whilst the qualification does come at a cost to your business, it is affordable, and a fractional investment in comparison with the potential costs of a cyber-attack.

Choosing to become accredited in this scheme removes the pressure of trying to cover all bases when it comes to cybersecurity, because the requirements are listed for you. The accreditation ensures that you are aware of the common threats facing your organisation and how to spot them if they make it through your defences.

What can the ECRC do for me?

Becoming a free member of the Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre ensures that you are supported in making the small changes that make the biggest difference. When you become a free member, you are enrolled onto our ‘Little Steps’ training programme; a weekly email series giving you steps to improve your cyber resilience, delivered in a way that is digestible and accessible to a non-technical audience. For those interested in seeking a Cyber Essentials certification, following this series will leave you compliant with most of the criteria. This allows you to build your cyber resilience in increments, which is ideal for business juggling multiple priorities.

Additionally, if you decide to go through with Cyber Essentials, the ECRC have several Cyber Essentials Partners, who are companies accredited to deliver this qualification for you. They are all cyber security companies that operate within the Eastern counties of the UK, however there are companies across the UK that can do this for you and there is no requirement to choose one of our partners.

Finally, the ECRC offer various affordable cyber security services, designed to help SMEs assess, build, and manage their online networks. Delivered by university students working for Cyber PATH, these services can help those who feel unaware of their potential vulnerabilities online and assist with developing the right strategies to respond to potential incidents in the future. Through Cyber PATH, students are trained and overseen by senior ethical hackers to deliver these services, which supports the industry talent pipeline and keeps the cost to an absolute minimum.

Ultimately, logistics is a targeted sector for cyber criminals, making it important for companies of any and every size to consider their cyber security, and work towards improving their cyber resilience wherever possible.

If you have any questions about Cyber Essentials, or simply want to know more about cyber resilience and the ECRC, why don’t you book a chat with us today?

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 is not 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.

Alternatively, you can call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (textphone 0300 123 2050)