Danger on the network Aviation and logistics industry increasingly threatened by cyber attacks

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The aviation and logistics industry, as one of the central pillars of the global economy, faces increasing challenges from cyber threats, according to the Aircargo Club Germany.

Cyberattacks, data leaks, and ransomware pose serious threats to the smooth operation and safety of global goods flows, according to the Aircargo Club Germany (ACD). Therefore, the threatened companies should quickly adopt appropriate security measures to protect themselves from cybercriminals. Silvana Bruno, Managing Director and Head of Cybersecurity at Networker, Solutions GmbH, explained at an ACD event how easily hackers can gain access to sensitive data and what measures are suitable for protection.

Pure cyber attacks cost the economy nearly 150 billion euros

According to a survey conducted by the digital association Bitkom, the German economy suffers damage of 206 billion euros per year due to the theft of IT equipment and data. This figure includes digital and analogue industrial espionage as well as sabotage. In 2023, pure cyber attacks accounted for 148 billion euros (72 percent) of this. In 2021, this share was "only" 59 percent. According to experts, companies must protect themselves against a variety of sophisticated cyber attacks. The spectrum of threats includes malware (viruses, trojans, spyware, and ransomware) that can steal, damage, or encrypt sensitive data. Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, on the other hand, aim to overload company servers with data requests in order to halt operations. Then there are supply chain attacks, where attempts are made to infiltrate third-party systems to get to company data. The consequences of cyber attacks can be very serious. According to Bruno, these can range from operational interruptions and financial losses to reputation and image damage and even the theft of sensitive data.

SMEs often cannot afford the effort for maximum security

Almost every second company (48 percent) fears, according to Bitkom, that a successful cyber attack could threaten its existence. Size or industry often makes no difference to the general risk of becoming a victim of malware and cyber attacks. Yet, the complexity and quantity of potential threats and measures often surpasses the capabilities of small and medium-sized companies to employ maximum security, it is said. Bruno said, "Especially shipping and logistics companies manage many critical data about shipments, such as recipient, sender or tracking data, so their systems are always at risk.” Even in the world of cybersecurity, the existing chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Because logistics companies are often connected with many smaller companies around the world that are unable to build a solid cybersecurity infrastructure, there is a constant risk of attack.