The logistics and transportation industries are an essential part of our society. This is the industry that moves goods around the world in a reliable, efficient manner.

The logistics and transportation industry has grown dramatically over the last few years, thanks to technological advancements like GPS tracking systems and drones. Without these technologies, getting things from point A to point B in the timeliest manner possible would be nearly impossible.

However, this growth comes with a cost: security attacks. They’re constantly being hacked by bad actors looking to steal data or manipulate systems for their gain. Every company in this industry needs a robust security infrastructure to protect its data and assets from potential threats. 

OT Security For Logistics and Transportation Industry

OT security is a term that refers to the security of operational technology, which includes the systems and devices that are used to control and monitor industrial processes. Here are six reasons why the logistics and transportation industry needs OT security.

1. To Prevent Data Loss

Data loss can occur when cyberattacks compromise OT systems to steal and misuse, or corrupt data. This data can be used to damage the company or its clients. 

OT security can help prevent data loss by protecting OT systems from cyberattacks and ensuring that data is backed up and stored securely.

OT cyber security guides can help the logistics and transportation industry by providing recommendations to protect critical systems. Refer to an online guide for OT cybersecurity to help your company identify and assess risks and implement controls to mitigate those risks.

The guide also includes the best practices and recommendations for OT and ICS systems to train employees of your company. With the right OT cybersecurity guidance and tools, the logistics and transportation industry can help protect itself from data loss.

2. To Maintain the Continuity of Operations

The logistics and transportation industry is responsible for the movement of goods and materials essential to our society’s functioning. If the transportation of these goods is disrupted, it can significantly impact our economy and way of life.

A fleet management company provides transportation services to businesses and organizations. It manages a fleet of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and vans. It is responsible for maintaining the vehicles, scheduling their use, and dispatching them to their destinations. The company may also provide drivers for the vehicles.

Fleet operation companies need OT security for fleet risk management and assessment for their fleet operations. Also, they need to ensure the safety of their employees. OT security can help to prevent unauthorized access to company facilities and vehicles and can also help to deter and detect criminal activity.

The industry is often targeted by criminals and hackers who see it as a way to disrupt our society. Therefore, strong OT security is mandatory for any organization in this domain.

3. To Comply with Security Regulations

With the worldwide movement of goods and materials, this industry has become increasingly complex in today’s global economy. Supply chains span multiple countries. Networks of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers need to work together.

As a result of this complexity, the logistics and transportation industry is expected to comply with several security regulations. It includes the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code), the United States maritime security regulations, and the European Union’s security of supply chain regulation.

OT security is an integral part of compliance with these security regulations. OT security solutions help to protect the data and systems that control the movement of goods and materials. They also help ensure that only authorized personnel access these systems.

They protect against various threats, including cyber-attacks, physical attacks, and unauthorized access. By implementing OT security, logistics and transportation companies can help to ensure compliance with security regulations and be qualified to operate around the globe.

4. To Reduce Insurance Premiums

OT systems include critical industrial systems. This can include everything from traffic lights and security cameras to factory machines and train tracks. By securing these systems, the industry can reduce the risk of disruptions and accidents, which can help lower insurance premiums.

5. Real-Time Monitoring

It’s crucial to first comprehend the logistics industry’s distinction between tracking and monitoring. Monitoring denotes capturing important parameters during transit, whereas tracking only necessitates a definite set of places where the product is actively examined.

OT security gives the management team the authority to proactively avoid problems in the distribution chain rather than respond to them after they occur.

OT systems give users the power and knowledge required to stay in charge of their businesses, stay one step ahead of the game, and make more informed business decisions. This can result in a better client experience and a more significant profit margin.

6. To Increase Situational Awareness

The logistics and transportation industry needs OT security to increase situational awareness. This is because the industry is highly fragmented, and many different players are involved in the supply chain process. These players have varying knowledge about their operations and can be unaware of what other entities are doing with their data.

Most companies do not clearly understand how their data is being used, who has access to it, and what information is being shared with third parties.

Increased situational awareness means improved response times and faster recovery after an incident occurs. This can help reduce costs associated with security incidents and minimize damage caused by them.

Final Thoughts

There are many reasons why the logistics and transportation industry needs OT security. First and foremost, the industry relies heavily on technology and automated systems to manage the movement of goods and materials. If these systems were to be compromised, it would have a devastating effect on the industry.

Additionally, the logistics and transportation industry is often a target for cybercriminals. The safety of the industry’s employees and the general public depends on the industry’s robust OT security system. Finally, the industry is subject to strict regulation, and a breach of OT security could result in heavy fines or other penalties.