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Almost one-third of business executives have observed a marked increase in online breaches targeting their logistics networks during the past six months, as recent digital attacks on major corporations have underscored this increasing threat to modern businesses.

Online security issues move up priority lists for purchasing directors

Cybersecurity threats have moved up the hierarchy of priorities for purchasing directors at hundreds businesses internationally across multiple business fields including manufacturing, energy and technology, according to recent professional survey conducted in September.

Major cyber incidents result in considerable monetary impacts

Current cyber attacks at various well-known businesses have cost them millions of currency, transitioning digital security from being mostly the responsibility of IT departments to becoming a major concern for senior management and senior leaders.

The essence of international commerce, the manner in which we look at worldwide distribution systems and the online supply environment are increasingly linked,

commented a senior sector leader.

Geopolitical elements compound logistics worries

Earlier this year, supply chain managers were particularly worried about international tensions, including persistent tensions in multiple areas, along with commercial regulations that impacted worldwide business.

Nonetheless, digital security risks are now rivalling international conflicts and commercial conflicts as the most significant danger for members of global business groups.

Study indicates extensive impact

The study revealed that nearly 30% of executives indicated that businesses within their supply chains had been compromised by cyber incidents in recent months.

Major automotive impact

One prominent car company experienced production shutdowns and was found itself incapable to produce vehicles for a full month, following a cyber-attack that forced the organization to disable IT networks across multiple global facilities.

The financial consequences of this 30-day production shutdown at the UK's biggest car manufacturer has been estimated at approximately one hundred twenty million pounds in missed earnings, or £1.7 billion in lost revenues, according to expert assessment from a corporate finance professor.

Recent international cases

In late September, a prominent international drinks manufacturer became the most recent organization to be required to stop production at its local plants following a digital breach.

The corporation, which operates multiple manufacturing plants in its home country producing alcoholic beverages and additional items, reported that its order processing capabilities, along with delivery systems and client support services, had been interrupted following a network disruption triggered by the security breach.

Expanding connectivity creates weaknesses

Organizations are more and more assisted by partner companies. No longer exist the times of thinking an business as an operation working in isolation.

Current major cyber-attacks have served as a strong reminder to businesses to allocate resources to comprehensive cybersecurity measures, to secure their internal functions and preserve customer confidence, leading them to investigate how their supply chains could become potential objectives for cyber criminals.