Email Security Threats in the Logistics Industry
Phishing and Email Spoofing
One of the most prevalent threats to logistics companies is email phishing attacks. Cybercriminals often send spoofed emails appearing to come from partners or clients, aiming to steal information or trick employees into clicking on malicious links.
In the first three months of 2024 alone, there were over 9,024 phishing campaigns targeting the logistics sector, accounting for 2.76% of total global phishing attacks (according to Cyfirma). Major brands like USPS and DHL have been impersonated, making it difficult for recipients to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent emails. A successful phishing attack can result in the leakage of sensitive information, including contracts, delivery schedules, and financial data.
Ransomware via Email
Ransomware poses a significant threat in the logistics industry. This type of malware is delivered through email, encrypting victims' data and demanding a ransom for its release. Ransomware attacks not only disrupt operations but also increase recovery costs and can severely damage a company's reputation.
In 2024 alone, there were 124 reported ransomware victims within the logistics sector, with prominent attack groups such as LockBit3 and Blackbasta frequently targeting companies to steal data and disrupt supply chains. For instance, an attack on the postal sector in Vietnam in June 2024 disrupted delivery services, causing delays for numerous orders (source: Vietnam Investment Review).
Social Engineering Attacks
Cybercriminals also employ non-technical attacks, manipulating users to collect sensitive information without the use of malware. They often impersonate internal employees or partners, requesting data or facilitating unauthorized transactions.
For example, hackers might send spoofed emails appearing to come from a supervisor, instructing employees to transfer funds to a fraudulent supplier, resulting in significant financial losses. Kroll reported a 16% increase in social engineering attacks targeting the logistics industry in 2024, attributed to the complex connectivity between partners and suppliers.
Data Leaks via Email
Data leaks through email represent another significant risk. Emails often contain sensitive information regarding delivery schedules, contracts, and customer details. If sent to the wrong recipient or intercepted by cybercriminals, this information can fall into the wrong hands, resulting in substantial harm to the business.
Financial and Reputational Losses When Logistics Companies Experience Email Attacks
According to the Ponemon Institute, the rate of data leaks via email in the logistics industry increased by 12% in 2024, primarily due to security vulnerabilities in the information exchange process. This can result in significant financial losses and the risk of penalties for violating data protection regulations.
Email Security Measures for the Logistics Industry
Implementing Email Authentication Protocols: DMARC, SPF, and DKIM
To prevent phishing and email spoofing, businesses should deploy authentication protocols such as DMARC, SPF, and DKIM. These protocols help verify the origin of emails and minimize the risk of receiving fraudulent messages.
According to Gartner, implementing DMARC can reduce phishing and spoofing risks by 70%, while also enhancing the company's reputation as partners and customers gain confidence in the security of their email communications.
Cybersecurity awareness training for employees
Employees often represent the weakest link in the security system. Training in cybersecurity equips them to recognize phishing attacks, ransomware threats, and email scams. According to a report from Cybersecurity Ventures, effective training programs can reduce the likelihood of employees falling victim to email attacks by up to 90%.
Implementing Email encryption
Lastly, email encryption is a crucial security measure to protect email content from being intercepted or altered during transmission. This is particularly essential when exchanging sensitive information such as contracts or delivery schedules.
Utilizing comprehensive Email security Solutions for holistic protection
Given the continuously increasing threat landscape, equipping a comprehensive email security system has become essential for businesses in the logistics sector, as attacks grow more sophisticated and traditional defense mechanisms prove insufficient. The EG-Platform offers a complete email security solution that meets 100% of global ITU-T X.1236 email security standards, enabling logistics companies to safeguard their data securely.
Comprehensive Email Analysis with Receive GUARD
This solution employs three primary filters: SpamGUARD, ReceiveGUARD, and SendGUARD, to provide comprehensive protection for the email streams of businesses:
-
SpamGUARD: This filter focuses on blocking spam emails, advertisements, and other unwanted communications by utilizing machine learning to detect and thoroughly block emails containing malware. As a result, businesses not only minimize risks but also enhance productivity by avoiding unnecessary emails.
-
ReceiveGUARD: Concentrating on inbound email protection, ReceiveGUARD applies AI and machine learning to real-time URL and attachment scanning, effectively preventing phishing and ransomware attacks. By analyzing email behavior and identifying new threats, this technology ensures that fraudulent emails or those containing malware cannot bypass security layers and enter the system, thereby protecting the supply chain and sensitive data.
ReceiveGUARD: Its ability to inspect URL endpoints and convert them into images helps minimize accidental clicks.
- SendGUARD: This is an outbound email monitoring tool that prevents the leakage of sensitive information. SendGUARD inspects emails before they are sent, encrypts confidential content, and blocks any unauthorized data from leaving the system. This solution helps logistics companies avoid security breaches, ensuring that contracts and delivery schedules remain fully protected.
Additionally, customers can download the global email security standards set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Businesses can use this standard as a benchmark to compare against their existing email systems, enabling them to begin upgrading their email security framework today.
Long-Term Benefits of Email Security in the Logistics Industry
Investing in email security not only helps logistics companies mitigate risks from cyberattacks but also enhances their reputation and trust among partners and customers. When email systems are well-protected, businesses can maintain stability in their supply chains, reducing disruptions and unwanted costs caused by incidents such as phishing or ransomware.
Moreover, email security is key to improving competitiveness in an increasingly digital landscape. With secure data, companies can confidently expand their operations, attract new collaboration opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth while optimizing operational efficiency and avoiding the risks of data loss.
Final thoughts
The logistics industry remains a major target for email-based cyberattacks, with increasingly sophisticated threats like phishing, ransomware, and non-technical attacks on the rise. These attacks not only lead to financial losses but also impact operational performance and disrupt supply chains. Given the vast volume of email transactions that occur daily, logistics companies face significant risks from security vulnerabilities.
Protecting email systems is no longer optional, it has become a vital factor for stability and sustainable growth. The EG-Platform offers a comprehensive security solution, featuring three optimal filters that help businesses thwart all threats and ensure data safety. This solution not only prevents attacks but also provides thorough protection for the supply chain by controlling both inbound and outbound emails, encrypting sensitive information, and preventing data leaks.
Start safeguarding your company's email systems today with the Mail Inspector Platform to ensure the security of your data and the stable growth of your business. Contact us to discuss further and implement a solution tailored to the needs of your logistics organization.