Page 42 - Logistics News - September October 2023

CYB ERS ECURIT Y

Navigating cybersecurity challenges

within African transport and logistics

By Ben de Klerk, Eastern Cape Branch Manager at Datacentrix

The African transport and logistics sector is a rapid adopter of industrial automation, embracing

technologies such as the Internet of things (IoT) and operational technologies (OT) to enhance

efficiency. However, with these advancements comes a well-documented history of cybersecurity

vulnerabilities that still demand attention.

he rapid development and deployment of new and categorising OT assets based on their importance
technologies are also often associated with to the business. This prioritisation helps focus security
Tlimited protocols governing their use, which poses efforts on critical assets first.
its own set of risks. • Safeguarding devices. Secure all IoT and OT devices by
implementing encryption, firewalls, access controls and
The complex landscape of cybersecurity regular patch management to prevent attacks and the
risk associated costly downtime.
The local transport and logistics industry relies heavily • Securing supply chain and remote access. Establish
on the smooth flow of goods across a complex network secure supply chain access protocols to ensure that only
of multiple entities, from suppliers and manufacturers authorised personnel have access to critical systems.
to distributors and retailers. This intricate supply chain Implement robust authentication mechanisms for
structure is highly vulnerable to cyberthreats as attackers remote access.
can exploit any particular point in the supply chain. • Undertaking regular security assessments. Conduct
routine security assessments to identify vulnerabilities
Moreover, the industry’s reliance on IoT and OT and take corrective action before they occur, assess
devices such as sensors, GPS trackers and automated the effectiveness of security measures and proactively
control systems introduces new potential vulnerabilities. address potential weaknesses.
This is a serious security challenge within the sector as • Establishing employee training. Employees can be a
these sensors often lack robust built-in security features. significant source of vulnerability in any organisation,
This vulnerability opens the door to cyberattacks that can so it is essential that employees are educated on
disrupt operations, compromise data and lead to costly cybersecurity best practices to enhance their awareness
downtime. of potential threats and empower them to respond
effectively.
Another area of great concern to OT security leaders • Putting in place robust cybersecurity policies. Develop
within the transport and logistics industries is the risk of and implement strong OT cybersecurity policies and
either unwitting, unaware or malicious insider threats. processes, with continuous monitoring and a disaster
recovery plan to ensure business continuity.
Addressing security challenges
In order to mitigate these risks and bolster cybersecurity, As the African transport and logistics sector continues
organisations within the transport and logistics sector its digital transformation, securing OT and industrial
should look at adopting a comprehensive approach control systems (ICS) is of paramount importance. By
that combines technical, personnel and policy-based adopting a multifaceted cybersecurity strategy, including
measures. risk assessment, device security, employee training and
policy development, organisations within this space can
Ideally, this should include: navigate these challenges and safeguard their operations
• Identifying and prioritising assets. Start by identifying in this dynamic industry. •

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