Securing logistics and transportation software is crucial for protecting the integrity of supply chains and safeguarding against rising cyber threats. The industry faces growing cybersecurity challenges as the global economy increasingly relies on digital systems for transportation and logistics. From cloud-based tracking platforms to IoT devices that monitor shipments, these interconnected technologies create multiple entry points for cybercriminals.
Although the rapid digital transformation of logistics operations has improved efficiency, it has outpaced the industry’s cybersecurity maturity. With supply chains serving as critical infrastructure, the need for robust security measures—from software to hardware—has never been more pressing.
This blog explores how organizations in the transportation sector can proactively address security risks, ensuring end-to-end protection of their supply chains through effective threat modeling and other security practices.
The Rising Importance of Cybersecurity in Transportation and Logistics
Transportation and logistics companies play a pivotal role in the global supply chain, but they face growing cybersecurity challenges as they become more reliant on technology.
With an increasing shift toward digital platforms and automation, these industries now manage vast, interconnected systems, including everything from cloud-based logistics software to IoT devices tracking shipments. While the digital transformation has streamlined operations, it has also exposed vulnerabilities, especially in cybersecurity.
Unlike sectors such as healthcare, where cybersecurity has been a key focus for years, transportation and logistics organizations often lack the internal resources or expertise to handle evolving security risks.
As a result, many businesses in this industry are left vulnerable to cyberattacks that could disrupt operations and compromise sensitive data. The need to address these gaps in security is becoming more urgent as the complexity of the supply chain continues to increase.
Why Supply Chains Are a High-Value Target
Supply chains are prime targets for cybercriminals due to the immense value of the data and assets they control.
Logistics and transportation companies manage critical operations that involve the movement of high-value goods, real-time tracking data, and sensitive customer information. This makes them an attractive target for cyberattacks. The sector has become an increasingly frequent target for criminal organizations and nation-state actors looking to disrupt vital infrastructure or steal valuable data.
Cyberattacks on the logistics sector have risen dramatically in recent years, with incidents increasing by 58% from 2023 to 2024 alone (Checkpoint Cybersecurity Report 2025). Logistics companies rank as the 8th most attacked industry, with nearly 5% of all cybersecurity incidents reported in this sector. This surge in attacks is linked to the rapid digital transformation across the industry, which often outpaces the development of adequate cybersecurity protections.
With the value of supply chains at stake, any disruption—whether through ransomware, data breaches, or theft—could result in substantial financial loss and reputational damage. This growing risk highlights the urgent need for comprehensive security measures across the logistics ecosystem.
Common Cyber Threats in the Logistics Sector
Cyber threats in the logistics and transportation sector are diverse, with ransomware, data theft, and physical goods hijacking being the most common and damaging.
Ransomware attacks are among the most prevalent threats faced by companies in the transportation industry. These attacks often involve encrypting critical data, leaving organizations at the mercy of cybercriminals who demand large ransoms to restore access. In many cases, attackers also threaten to leak sensitive data if the ransom is not paid. In 2023, data leaks and extortion accounted for 67% of the cyberattacks against the transportation sector (IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence 2024).
In addition to ransomware, another significant threat involves the theft of sensitive customer data, which could be resold on the dark web. Logistics companies also face the risk of physical goods hijacking, where attackers exploit vulnerabilities in tracking systems to intercept shipments of valuable products. This cyberattack is particularly concerning because it directly impacts the company’s bottom line and the safety and security of the physical goods in transit.
Additionally, insider threats, phishing, and hijacking IoT devices (such as those used for tracking shipments) are major security concerns. Given the interconnected nature of logistics systems, any breach in one area can lead to widespread vulnerabilities, making it critical for businesses to adopt proactive security measures.
How Threat Modeling Supports End-to-End Security
Threat modeling is an essential approach for identifying and mitigating risks in logistics and transportation, including software and hardware systems.
Understanding where vulnerabilities lie is crucial given the complexity of supply chains, where cloud-based systems and IoT devices are often interconnected. Threat modeling helps organizations visualize and analyze potential attack vectors throughout their system—from the central logistics platform to the individual devices tracking shipments. By proactively identifying risks in software design, businesses can ensure vulnerabilities are addressed before they become exploitable.
For example, threat modeling can help identify which systems store sensitive data, which communicate with third-party vendors, and where access controls may be lacking. This allows companies to build security measures directly into the development lifecycle, ensuring that each component, whether software or IoT hardware, is secure by design.
Furthermore, threat modeling can align with regulatory compliance requirements, such as those found in the NIST SSDF or PCI DSS, by ensuring that security measures are woven into the very fabric of the software, reducing the chances of vulnerabilities slipping through the cracks.
Security Best Practices for Transportation and Logistics Software
Implementing robust security best practices is essential for safeguarding logistics and transportation systems from cyber threats.
- Security Training for Employees:
The human element is often the weakest link in cybersecurity. With phishing attacks accounting for 50% of cyber incidents in the transportation industry (IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence 2024), providing role-specific security training for all employees is crucial. This training should emphasize the dangers of phishing, the importance of password hygiene, and the risks of compromised accounts. - Cloud Security Best Practices:
Many transportation businesses rely heavily on cloud-based platforms for logistics, tracking, and communication. Implementing best practices like enforcing least-privilege access, using multi-factor authentication (MFA), and securing sensitive data through encryption is essential. Continuous monitoring and regular security audits ensure the system remains secure over time. - Securing IoT Devices:
IoT devices, used for tracking shipments and monitoring goods, are another area of vulnerability. Threat actors can exploit these devices to gather sensitive information or disrupt operations. Securing IoT devices involves ensuring they are encrypted, regularly updated with the latest security patches, and connected through secure networks. - Vetting Partners:
The transportation sector is highly interdependent, with businesses working alongside various partners, such as suppliers, manufacturers, and shippers. It’s critical to vet these partners to ensure they have strong cybersecurity practices. This could include performing regular security assessments or requiring proof of compliance with standards like ISO 27001 or NIST CSF.
By following these best practices, organizations can create a layered defense that protects both their internal systems and the extended supply chain, reducing the risk of exposure to cyber threats.
Conclusion
Securing logistics and transportation software is a critical step in safeguarding the entire supply chain against rising cyber threats. As the industry continues to evolve and rely on digital systems for tracking, automation, and communication, cybersecurity must be integrated at every stage—from development to operation.
Addressing vulnerabilities proactively through threat modeling and adopting best security practices ensures that companies are prepared for potential risks, whether from ransomware, insider threats, or IoT device exploitation. SD Elements by Security Compass provides a developer-centric approach to threat modeling that integrates directly into the software development lifecycle, helping organizations identify and mitigate risks from the very start. By embedding security into the design phase, businesses can address potential vulnerabilities before they become exploitable.
By focusing on security by design and ensuring robust protection across software, hardware, and partners, logistics and transportation businesses can better safeguard their operations, protect sensitive data, and maintain customer trust.
As cyber threats continue to increase, securing your software and systems is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for protecting your supply chain and ensuring business continuity.
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