Following advanced digitalisation, efforts have been made to ensure cybersecurity measures, which have become an important aspect of the air cargo industry in order to keep operational data safe.
-Dr. Shehara Rizly
At the recently concluded GITEX Dubai, various experts shared their views on the important issue of cybersecurity. According to the experts, Artificial Intelligenceb is becoming the game changer. It was shared that with global cybercrime damages projected to reach US$10.5 trillion annually by 2025, the international tech community is determined to ignite a paradigm shift through reinvigorated determination.
This universal attitude was on full display at GITEX GLOBAL as top CISOs, CIOs, and GRC leaders converged with a unified mission: Establish the foremost line of defence globally. Alongside all the partnerships across the world, step in various threats or cyber-attacks, hence one of the focal points is to be aware and keep updating technology at all times.
Although the air cargo industry has its vulnerabilities, usage of advanced technology is air cargo has become a game changer. Technology is changing fast today and ensuring the adaptation has brought about resilience in the air cargo industry.
Awareness is vital as only then can the cyber-threats be identified and taken control of to ensure that nothing affects the last-mile delivery systems. One of the focal ways to mitigate the threats is if companies build a cybersecurity culture by ensuring security and privacy first as there is a lot of data across the industry. There should be stringent practices that need to be introduced as at the end of the day it is a lot of data, which is vulnerable. If it goes into the wrong hands, it could be detrimental to the firms.
CARGOTALK spoke with industry experts on their take about going forward.
Tackling system exposure and data breaches
Martin Bremen Managing Director Dimos
In air cargo, cybersecurity risks include system vulnerabilities, data breaches, and unauthorised access. With the integration of IoT devices and interlinked systems, cargo operations are exposed to potential malware attacks, which could disrupt services and compromise data. Compliance with ISO 27001 for information security, IATA Cargo-XML and e-AWB, and GDPR ensures cargo operations meet data protection and cybersecurity needs. These standards play a crucial role.”
Operators use many controls to keep data safe
Razmal Assen, Executive Director, India, UAE & Kenya, Scanwell Logistics
Cybersecurity is vital due to its reliance on digital systems. Risks include data breaches, ransomware attacks, and operational disruptions. They an compromise sensitive cargo information and cause delays. Adhering to IATA norms and ISO/IEC 27001 is essential to help establish cybersecurity practices, ensuring data integrity, smooth and secure operations. To
protect data, operators use encryption, secure data transmission protocols, and strict access controls. These measures ensure data remains safe during storage and transmission.”
Vital to use right standard to protect sensitive data
Sathish Babu, Country Manager, UAE, EFL Global UAE
There are many standards and norms, which have helped in most cases as we could see in the recent outage, which occurred in some parts of the world, but we were the least affected in the UAE. Data protection is a key area, which requires a lot of support as we deal with sensitive cargo information, especially between storage and transmission. Data will be the talk of the town going into the next decade. While tracking and managing cargo systems, it is essential to use the correct portal.”
NACH protects each link against cyber-threats
Anilash Nair, Manager, Networks and Partnership, National Air Cargo
In the fast-moving world of air cargo, every operation is critical—and so is cybersecurity. From cargo transport to freight forwarding, charter services, and aircraft on ground recovery, National Air Cargo Holdings ensures all links in the chain are protected against cyber threats such as business email compromise, ransomware, and social engineering. We align with ICAO’s Annex 17, IATA’s Cargo Security Manual. and UAE’s GCAA National Civil Aviation Cybersecurity Policy.”
Firewalls, VPNs protect tracking, sensitive data
Yousif Najim, CEO, Orbit Logistics
Cybersecurity in air cargo operations is crucial due to the sensitive nature of data involved. The risks include unauthorised access to cargo tracking systems, data breaches, and ransomware attacks that can disrupt ops. These risks can lead to financial losses and compromise sensitive cargo information. In terms of compliance, standards and norms include ISO 27001 for information security management and National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework. Adhering to these standards helps organisations implement robust security measures.”
Data encryption key to enhance security of firms
Dr. Víctor Mateu Acting Chief Researcher, Technology Innovation Institute
Air cargo is a key component in the transportation and logistics, with impact on multiple sectors across the economy. The sector faces cybersecurity challenges because of the sensitivity of the date being handled. Privacy is a big issue as the companies need to keep track and accountability of the process, and at the same time, be resistant to attacks capable of extracting this data. Encryption of their databases is a key element to enhance the security and resilience of the system.”
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