10 TIPS
Cross-border logistics is entering a phase where digital infrastructure and security are becoming critical. The result: cybersecurity is no longer an IT function—it’s an existential risk to business continuity and trust. Combating Supply Chain Threats
1 ASSESS YOUR
solutions have emerged as a crucial line of defense for these attacks, helping teams to proactively detect potential threats before they infiltrate networks. 8 TRAIN FRONTLINE TEAMS TO RECOGNIZE THREATS Implement cybersecurity training with frequent, practical, and role-specific drills. Send mock phishing emails and credential prompts to help employees spot red flags, reducing the likelihood of a click triggering a broader breach. Encourage employees to report suspicious activity, so potential threats are flagged instead of hidden. 9 MANAGE THIRD‑PARTY RISK Evaluate every carrier, supplier, and SaaS provider for security controls, access rights, API use, and data‑handling standards. Hold partners to the same requirements you enforce internally and reassess them regularly as systems evolve.
RISK EXPOSURE Cyber threats span across industries, but not all supply chain players face the same level of exposure. Assessing whether your organization falls into a high-risk category is a critical first step. Data shows that the manufacturing sector is the most at-risk due to a heavy reliance on automation and the sensitivity of its intellectual property.
2 ASSUME YOU WILL BE BREACHED Establish security controls, such as data encryption and malware defenses, based on the assumption that data breaches are inevitable. Ransomware and phishing are on the rise, with cyberattacks targeting logistics companies expected to double in 2026, yet the most common and dangerous mindset is “we haven’t been hit yet.” 3 TREAT DATA AS A CRITICAL ASSET Organizations must account for every type of data they transmit or store. They can do this by implementing a data discovery tool that can categorize and identify files with sensitive data, whether it is financial or customer- related. Having this full view and access can help secure valuable assets with advanced encryption. 4 CONTROL DATA ACCESS Maintain visibility into who can access, change, and approve sensitive data. By implementing practices
6 UNDERSTAND THE INCREASED RISK OF AI Threat actors now use AI to identify vulnerabilities, craft highly personalized phishing,
such as identity and access management, and multi- factor authentication, companies can control permissions while creating audit trails for accountability. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access and malicious manipulation. 5 ENSURE CUSTOMER DATA SECURITY When it comes to customers, data minimization is crucial. Retailers should collect only the data necessary to fulfill an order, such as shipping address, and only share that information with third- party vendors and logistics providers. Otherwise, in the case of a breach, there is a higher risk of sensitive customer data being exposed to unauthorized parties, leading to major reputational damage.
and target high‑value systems such as WMS
and ERP platforms. Some ransomware variants use AI to speed lateral movement. Counter this with AI‑driven anomaly detection, continuous authentication, and automated risk scoring to catch deviations before they disrupt operations. 7 BE AWARE OF PHISHING SCAMS Clicking on one wrong email can cause catastrophic impacts, trickling down to carriers, partners, and customers, disrupting operations beyond the initial breach. Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
10 UNDERSTAND THE REPUTATIONAL DAMAGE OF DATA BREACHES
In logistics, trust is just as important as speed. A security breach doesn’t just disrupt systems; it erodes customer confidence as shoppers say they are hesitant to shop with retailers that have experienced a data breach. A breach also damages partner relationships and raises long-term questions about reliability.
SOURCE: DIETER VAN PUTTE, CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER, BNODE’S CROSS BORDER DIVISION
8 Inbound Logistics • February 2026
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