Cybersecurity 2.0

While digitalization and new technologies create business efficiencies, the growth of (e-commerce) platforms and the masses of data being stored in the cloud increase the need for cybersecurity. Anticipating cyberattacks on these platforms not only secures suppliers but also the private data of their customers. Although logistics and the supply chain continue to operate in a very hands-on manner through the physical movement of products, this requires a significant volume of data processing and information sharing along the supply chain. The typically disparate network of parties involved in the supply chain creates more ways for would-be attackers to identify weak links in cybersecurity.

It is vitally important for logistics organizations to increase cybercrime resilience by implementing a strong digital backbone and by staying up to date with the cyberthreat landscape. The impact of IT system vulnerabilities on business processes, products, employees, and customers alike must be constantly monitored to preserve the value chain, keep the global supply chain moving, and ensure a position of cyber resilience.

Cybersecurity 2.0 brings various AI and ML tools to the table for threat monitoring and resilience within organizations. For example, continuous monitoring and real-time analytics enable security information and event management (SIEM) systems to aggregate and scrutinize activity from various resources across the IT infrastructure and analyze hardware and application security alerts. In addition, an intrusion detection and prevention system (IDPS) can monitor networks and systems for malicious activity or policy violation, taking action in real time to prevent intrusion.

Another valuable tool is vulnerability management. Regular vulnerability scanning of IT systems helps identify weaknesses that attackers could exploit. Also, automated patch management solutions keep systems up to date with the latest security patches, reducing the window of attack opportunity.

Incident response management is another effective method. Automated incident response solutions such as a security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) solution can automate responses to detect threats. This reduces response times and helps mitigate damage. A further tool is threat intelligence and analysis using a threat intelligence platform (TIP) to collect and analyze threat data from various sources. This provides insights into emerging threats and helps the organization proactively defend against potential attacks.

As intelligent security expands in operations through the adoption of technologies such as computer vision, IoT devices, and AI-powered autonomous surveillance systems, so too does the possibility of cyberattack. In addition, the level of risk increases when these technologies are deployed in cloud-based solutions which capture customer data and data generated by the logistics infrastructure, automated warehouses, transportation networks, and other logistics operations.

Many operational technology (OT) devices can be deployed in the supply chain to improve visibility and for process optimization. However, these technologies and automation systems may represent a back door through which cybercriminals can access the enterprise system. Cybersecurity within the software supply chain must be increased and constantly monitored up to second and third tier levels to protect the organization from attack through these OT devices.

There are several key areas where cybersecurity needs to ensure the integrity, reliability, and efficiency of devices and technologies. For example, a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system can control critical supply chain infrastructure including energy management and manufacturing processes. Robust authentication, encryption, and regulatory security updates are required to secure the SCADA system. Another example is separating or segmenting the IT network from the operational technology network to prevent a breach in one impacting the other. Companies can use firewalls, virtual local area networks (VLANs), and dedicated communications channels, actively monitoring these in real time.

Further examples include supply chain IoT devices such as sensors and smart trackers that need to be secured against cyberthreats. These require strong authentication and regular firmware updates. Mobile and edge devices are also being used in the supply chain and these need to be protected through encryption, secure authentication, and remote management capabilities. Another area is the security information and event management (SIEM) systems that can collect and analyze log data from various sources within the OT environment for real-time detection and response to security incidents.

Quantum computing can provide an extra layer of digital privacy and security to counteract hacking. For example, quantum mechanics principles can be used to create almost unbreakable cryptographic keys and ensure secure communication channels resistant to quantum attacks. Quantum computing can accelerate ML algorithms used for anomaly detection, pattern recognition, and real-time threat analysis. In addition, quantum computers can simulate complex cybersecurity scenarios and potential threats more accurately and rapidly, helping companies achieve proactive defense strategies. However, quantum computers can also accelerate hacking, and this puts the enterprise and cybercriminals in a race for the upper hand.

Quantum computing is therefore a double-edged sword, advancing opportunities for cybersecurity practitioners and raising risks in the cybersecurity environment at the same time. Although quantum computers are not yet commercially available, once they materialize and fully mature, attackers are likely to use them to break some current cryptographic systems.

Organizations are recommended to prepare for the quantum computing era by assessing their current cybersecurity position and developing transition plans. This should include evaluating the readiness of existing systems and infrastructure for quantum-safe solutions.