Supply chain cyberattacks up 431%. Can logistics stay secure?

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In the world of international trade speed, trust, and precision are everything. Every day, businesses navigate complex supply chains, global payment systems, and high-stakes contracts. But beneath the surface of these operations, a silent threat is growing, a threat that risks not only transactions but long-term reputations. 

Across the logistics and supply chain industry, businesses are asking the same urgent questions:  

‘’How can we protect our operations from growing cyber threats and fraud?’’ 

“With the rise in cyber threats, fraud, and digital deception, how can we protect our export and import businesses from attack?” 

This isn’t a theoretical worry, supply chain attacks surged by 431%* between 2021 and 2023. From sophisticated phishing emails mimicking freight forwarders to deepfake voice calls authorising fraudulent payments, the tactics are evolving. Add to that a surge in check fraud and invoice scams, and it’s clear, international trade is in the crosshairs. 

But here’s the good news: You can strengthen your defences without slowing your operations. And the businesses that move quickest to harden their cybersecurity will not only prevent loss, but they will also gain a competitive edge in trust, compliance, and resilience. 

Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters to your trade operations, and what practical steps you can take, with the support of cloud-based SaaS solutions from Descartes, a leading provider of digital supply chain and logistics software. 

You've likely seen it already: 

• A fraudulent email from a “trusted” overseas supplier requesting a bank account change 
• A fake bill of lading attachment laced with malware 
• An urgent call from a “logistics manager” asking you to approve a wire transfer, generated by artificial intelligence (AI) 

These aren’t just IT issues. These are trade risks. Cybercriminals know international trade runs on trust and time-sensitive documents, purchase orders, letters of credit, shipping instructions, all of which are vulnerable if not securely managed. 

Every handoff in your supply chain introduces risk. From third-party freight forwarders to customs agents and document exchanges, visibility and control are critical. As global trade expands, so does the attack surface. 

But if the challenge is large, so is the opportunity to build smarter, tech-enabled defences. 

A successful cyberattack can do more than disrupt operations: 

• Freeze cargo due to manipulated shipping documents 
• Trigger regulatory penalties and customs compliance violations 
• Damage trust with international partners 
• Result in financial losses from fraud 
• Create reputational fallout across markets 

This is why cybersecurity must move beyond IT; it’s now a strategic necessity for operational continuity and compliance in the global supply chain. 

Descartes’ secure global trade and compliance solutions, including document automation and denied party screening, are designed to ensure your processes remain safe, compliant, and uninterrupted, even in the face of rising threats. 

Security must be practical, scalable, and aligned with trade realities. Here’s a roadmap to strengthen your cyber posture, enhanced with how platforms like Descartes can help. 

• Implement Domain-based Message Authentication (DMARC), Sender Policy Framework (SPF), and Domainkeys Identified Mail (DKIM) protocols to protect your domain.
• Require digital signatures or secure document exchange platforms to validate trade documents (e.g., bills of lading, certificates of origin) 
• Always confirm changes to supplier bank details through a second channel.

How Descartes helps: With the Descartes Global Logistics Network™, you can securely exchange digital trade documents, reducing risk from email-based fraud and tampering. 

• Conduct cybersecurity checks on logistics and customs providers 
• Include cybersecurity terms in vendor contracts 
• Set up monitoring for suspicious activity among trade partners 

How Descartes helps: Descartes Third-Party Risk Management and denied party screening tools provide real-time monitoring and compliance validation across your supply base. 

• Simulate phishing attacks related to logistics or customs.
• Train finance teams to detect invoice fraud and payment diversion.
• Enforce multi-step approvals for international payments.

Pro Tip: Incorporate training alongside your digital workflows, so employees work securely by default. Descartes workflow automation makes secure processes seamless and user-friendly. 

• Protect systems like trade compliance platforms and customs filing portals with MFA. 
• Limit user access to only what’s necessary.
• Use geo-fencing and Internet Protocol (IP) filtering for international access. 

How Descartes helps: Many Descartes platforms support granular access control, MFA, and audit trails, enabling compliance without complexity. 

• Draft a cyber incident response plan specific to trade and logistics.
• Stay compliant with UK Network & Information Systems Directive 2 (UK NIS2), EU cybersecurity, and global data protection rules.

How Descartes helps: Descartes compliance solutions automate key documentation, validation, and regulatory reporting, helping you stay audit-ready and resilient. 

In today’s global trade environment, cybersecurity is no longer just a protective layer, it’s a business enabler. Descartes understands that securing your digital supply chain is vital for ensuring operational continuity, compliance, and trusted international partnerships. 

Descartes is committed to helping exporters, importers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers take proactive steps to harden their defences, without slowing trade down. With Descartes cloud-based solutions, organisations can: 

• Authenticate and protect critical documents, including bills of lading, customs filings, and certificates of origin, against tampering and fraud. 
• Secure data flows across borders with encrypted platforms that support real-time visibility and audit trails. 

At Descartes, we view cybersecurity as integral to a smarter, more connected supply chain, one where compliance, resilience, and trust go hand in hand. 

If you’re ready to assess and strengthen your trade operations, we’re here to help. Let’s build a supply chain that’s not just fast, but secure by design. 

*https://cowbell.insure/news-events/pr/cyber-roundup-report-2024/