Preparing for a Holiday Surge in Cybercrime? Secure Digital Logistics Workflows

Preparing for a Holiday Surge in Cybercrime? Secure Digital Logistics Workflows

The holidays have become primetime for cyberattacks as more businesses shift to digital-first. Given the sensitive nature of supply chains, your logistics data could be at risk if managed across disparate channels. Here are three ways client portals can effectively manage vendor relationships while prioritizing security. 

360-degree VIEW

Between 2018 and 2020, ransomware attacks increased by 30% over the holiday period compared to the monthly average. Historically, the holidays and cybercrime go hand-in-hand, and with the festivities fast approaching, the logistics industry needs secure digital channels in order to manage client interactions – and ultimately avoid putting its vendors at risk. 

With global supply chains having many moving parts, ensuring secure transactions along each point of the supply chain is paramount to a successful and comprehensive digital strategy. Across supply chains, even the smallest disruption can have far-reaching consequences in an increasingly complex ecosystem.

Additionally, operations are constantly in the crosshairs of threat actors as sensitive data traverses across disparate communication channels. These touchpoints occurring outside the network via phone, email, and other web applications pose an unnecessary risk to logistics organizations and afford threat actors multiple points of entry. 

On the other hand, centralized business processes built on platforms that serve as destination hubs for end-to-end coordination not only provide stakeholders with a cohesive experience but also a secure one, as all interactions take place in one channel. Whether it’s managing a fleet, drivers, monitoring the flow of goods, managing stock control, or communication between vendors and clients, all business interactions and sensitive data live in one place. In return, entire supplier and buyer relationships can be cohesively managed in an auditable, safe system. 

The benefit is that IT is granted in-depth visibility into where key data resides, whereas disjointed channels of communication typically pose a critical barrier. As business activity and volume pick up over the next few months, maintaining line of sight into potential attack vectors will be critical; however, a central hub that manages this information significantly reduces risk.   

OWN THE ENTRY POINT

While the holidays push supply chains to their limits, increased business activity often draws in new opportunities, meaning onboarding and servicing new clientele – securely and seamlessly – will be put to the test. These processes are particularly susceptible to fraud as they’re key points in the business relationship where sensitive data is collected. 

Identity-related breaches now account for the largest source of cyberattacks, and when these processes occur via disparate channels the front door to your business can become compromised. For activities that require repetitive tasks and manual review, it’s best to ensure organizations are equipped with structured workflow solutions that manage and track entire business processes throughout the entire project journey by leveraging automation. This enhances security without eroding the customer experience as security and authentication happen behind the scenes.

SECURITY BY DESIGN

For logistic managers that might be hesitant to invest in new security tools amid ongoing economic uncertainties, a client portal with embedded security features is not only economically feasible but significantly less complex than other security platforms with multiple versions and updates.

Built-in, rather than layered, embedded security features balance convenience and safety with the ability to function across different platforms such as mobile and web browsers.  

Staffing shortages also amplify the problem of managing complex security tools, which are often deployed just for security’s sake or without any clear cost or reason. However, with a client portal that serves as a one-stop destination for all logistics workflows, security features work alongside you.

Additionally, most cyberattacks can be traced back to email inboxes, where employees unknowingly hand over credentials to malicious actors. The uptick in business volume spurred by holiday shopping puts gasoline to this effect, as business activity speeds up and threat actors look for windows of opportunities. A centralized digital portal for logistics management takes this risk off the table, as it’s shielded from external threats that go beyond IT’s visibility.

Your operations are only as strong as your ability to maintain complete visibility over business interactions and transactions. A secure and controlled business interaction hub to manage logistics workflows delivers better line of sight into the business, secure and efficient processes, and built-in security. Consider these tips to ensure the most secure and seamless experience.