Cybersecurity in transportation and logistics: inside the sector’s risks

Over the past five years, cybersecurity incidents have risen 48%, with the sector ranking among the top three targets for both state-sponsored attacks and hacktivist groups. Transport accounts for 21% of all reported DDoS incidents in Europe. Maritime ransomware has surged 467% year-on-year, state-sponsored attacks hit 64 in 2024 alone, and the average data breach costs $4.18 million. With every unprotected interface a potential gateway for attackers, cybersecurity is being reframed as a strategic enabler for resilient, future-ready operations.

From protector to enabler: the changing role of cybersecurity in logistics

As transport and logistics shift towards AI-first approaches, more autonomy, and digital integration, cybersecurity is no longer purely a protective layer but, even more so, a strategic enabler. Advanced detection and response technology, staff training, partner and supply chain compliance, plus regulatory adherence are becoming the norm in the quest for safeguarding data, operational resilience, and reputation.

This shift urges transport and logistics leaders to adopt an ecosystems mindset. Cyber resilience can no longer operate in silos. Rather, it requires a collaborative approach that goes beyond the confines of companies or national borders to incorporate regulators, industry associations, market-leading technology providers, and operators. The goal is manifold. Adopting an ecosystem mindset translates into industry-wide collaboration, public-private partnerships in cyber defence, unified guidelines, the sharing of best practices, and proactive risk mapping.

The bottom line: the more unprotected interfaces there are, the more vulnerable the supply chain is. Every interface is a gateway for threat actors.

“The dependency on technology is increasing every day. Putting measures in place is critical. The moment there is a critical fail, the impact is enormous.”

Henio Kempers, ICT Director

Jan de Rijk Logistics

“The dependency on technology is increasing every day. Putting measures in place is critical. The moment there is a critical fail, the impact is enormous.”

Henio Kempers, ICT Director

Jan de Rijk Logistics

With 80% of transport leaders reporting increased investments in digital technology since 2020, cyber threats are on the rise. Maritime ransomware incidents alone have grown 467% year-on-year, whereas IBM reports that the cost of a data breach in transport can average $4.18m. In the shipping sector, the industry experienced at least 64 state-sponsored cyberattacks in 2024 alone, pinpointing growing exposure to geopolitical tensions. Ransomware and malware continue to be top IT and OT security threats as 77% of companies cite them as a significant concern.

This is where cyber resilience translates into business continuity, stakeholder trust, and competitive advantage. According to the recent Global Market Insights (2024) report, cybersecurity in logistics market was valued at $7.25b in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 10% from 2024 to 2032.

From legacy systems to human risk: what leaves the sector vulnerable

 Transport and logistics networks are at the core of global trade, connecting entire economies via road, rail, ocean, and air. Disruptions from digital threats can halt operations for days, with cascading consequences that impact entire economies. Recent maritime incidents like the ransomware attack on Japan’s Port of Nagoya showcase the unprecedented risks that the sector is facing.

Yet, the industry is still looking at challenges in legacy IT and operational technology, lack of supply chain transparency, and an ever-present variable: human risk. These are not limited to large, global firms but also stretch towards niche suppliers and third-party vendors that can jeopardise the integrity of entire global networks.

“If one link in the chain isn’t working, the whole chain comes to a stop.”

Fred Westdijk, CEO

Jan de Rijk Logistics

“If one link in the chain isn’t working, the whole chain comes to a stop.”

Fred Westdijk, CEO

Jan de Rijk Logistics

 With fleet management software, GPS technology, and the integration of IoT sensors, logistics’ high dependence on interconnectivity and digital infrastructures goes hand in hand with ever more complex stakeholder management challenges. And while the sector is open to novel approaches, it still relies on legacy infrastructure and prevention-driven strategies.

Keeping up with the pace of innovation

 A recent survey revealed that only 28% of the interviewed transport and logistics companies have implemented measures to mitigate GenAI network and security challenges, while 56% are either still evaluating or are unprepared.

Dominance of hybrid IT infrastructure

 Some 74% of the responding transport and logistics companies rely on a mix of private data centers and cloud environments. This heavy reliance on flexibility and connectivity across environments translates into higher exposure to risk. Further still, more companies are migrating or planning to migrate legacy apps to the cloud, introducing transitional complexity.

Emphasis on prevention over recovery

 Current practices focus on precautionary controls like access management, encryption, or perimeter defence. At the same time, there is limited focus on post-incident response and recovery strategies. For logistics operations, where disruptions can reverberate through the entire economy, resilience and recovery planning are under-addressed.

 Emerging technologies: blockchain and quantum threats

 Blockchain shows promise in enhancing transparency and data integrity across Europe’s multi-actor logistics networks. Simultaneously, many systems rely on single-direction encryption schemes, which may become vulnerable as quantum computing evolves, highlighting the need for forward-looking encryption strategies in European logistics environments.

Need for enhanced forensics and incident analysis

 Cyber forensics and incident investigation capabilities are still underrepresented in Europe. Yet, building robust investigative frameworks and post-event analysis systems is now essential for both compliance and risk management strategies.

The cybersecurity regulations shaping the sector 

 To address this fragmented picture, European regulators have introduced a broad set of requirements. Transport and logistics companies that provide essential services or operate critical infrastructure are now subject to these rules. European and national regulations are now shaping how the sector manages risk and secures systems, networks, and supply chains. Compliance typically requires implementing technical controls, continuous monitoring, employee training, incident response planning, and reinforced supply-chain security.

The NIS2 Directive

NIS2 updates the original EU Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive, imposing stricter requirements on risk management, incident reporting, and supply chain oversight. Logistics companies classified as operators of essential services must prepare for compliance, implementing formal cybersecurity management systems and participating in coordinated vulnerability and incident reporting. Even firms not directly in scope can be indirectly affected through their partnerships and service contracts, as NIS2 encourages scrutiny across the entire supply chain. Visit the NIS2 Resource Hub for details.

Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)

 While primarily aimed at the European financial sector, DORA’s requirements for risk management, incident reporting, and third-party oversight can extend to logistics companies involved in cash management or transportation of financial assets. Compliance will require operational resilience testing and ensuring that all systems, including third-party platforms, meet stringent cybersecurity standards.

KRITIS framework in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is preparing to implement laws based on the EU’s Critical Infrastructure (KRITIS) framework, which sets minimum standards for both IT and physical security. The legislation aims to protect sectors vital to national functioning, including transport and logistics. Companies in these sectors must anticipate stricter auditing, reporting, and preparedness measures.

ISO/IEC standards

 Beyond mandatory regulations, voluntary standards like ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 42001 are becoming relevant. ISO/IEC 27001 defines requirements for an Information Security Management System (ISMS) and has been updated in 2022 to emphasise cloud security, management accountability, and measurable cybersecurity outcomes. ISO/IEC 42001 focuses on AI management systems, which is relevant for logistics firms using AI in fleet management, predictive maintenance, or warehouse automation, ensuring ethical, transparent, and reliable AI use.

Cyber Resilience Act, EU AI Act, and Machinery Directive

 Additional EU regulations, including the Cyber Resilience Act, EU AI Act, and the updated Machinery Directive, indirectly affect logistics by imposing security requirements on connected devices, automated machinery, and AI-powered systems. These highlight the need to secure not only IT networks but also operational technology and smart devices across the entire supply chain.

The top cyber threats driving disruption in logistics and how to defend against them

Historically, transport and logistics companies have been relying on physical security, downplaying digital threats. As this paradigm is changing, cybercriminals continue to seek new ways to exploit vulnerabilities. Attackers can range from financially motivated cyber gangs to hacktivist groups and nation-state actors. Still, the consequences are largely similar: halting or delaying services, financial distress, reputational damage, loss of public confidence, all the way to compromised critical infrastructure and public safety.

“One full day of disruption is dramatic from a planning perspective. Transport would start to stall and restoring visibility becomes exponentially harder. That costs revenue and can trigger contractual exposure.”

Tomas Tempelaars, CIO

Move Intermodal

“One full day of disruption is dramatic from a planning perspective. Transport would start to stall and restoring visibility becomes exponentially harder. That costs revenue and can trigger contractual exposure.”

Tomas Tempelaars, CIO

Move Intermodal

In the transport industry alone, according to a 2025 report by the Cyber Defence Center of Maticmind, ransomware is the primary threat. Accounting for 38% of attacks, it is followed by DDoS (24%) and phishing (18%). The most affected segment globally is air (32%), closely followed by rail (28%), maritime (24%), and road transport (16%).

The ENISA Threat Landscape 2024 pinpoints that the largest number of global targeted attacks during the reporting period (June 2023 - July 2024) aimed at the transport sector (11%), together with public administration (19%) and finance (9%). The prime threat in targeted attacks across sectors was DDoS, with transport being among the top 3 targets (21% out of all DDoS events) together with public administration (33%) and banking (12%).

Notably, the sector was also a top 3 target among hacktivist groups. Noname 057, Lockbit, Black Basta, and Cyber Dragon are the most prominent threat actors here, with Noname 057 holding the largest share.

Attacks targeting the transport and logistics sector closely mirror the top seven attack types identified in ENISA’s Threat Landscape Report 2024: ransomware, malware, social engineering, threats against data, threats against availability, i.e. denial-of-service attacks, information manipulation and interference, and supply-chain compromises.

Ransomware

A ransomware attack typically involves malware that encrypts data, demanding a ransom to restore access. Once the ransom is rolled out, it can paralyse shipping systems, fleets, and ticketing operations.

Data breaches

Launching AI-driven large-scale phishing campaigns and using sophisticated social engineering techniques, attackers have become adept in crafting deceptively convincing emails or messages. This way, employees are tricked into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware that enables network intrusion. Unauthorised access to sensitive personal data and operational details can lead to fraud, identity theft, and reputational damage. 

Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks

DDoS attacks have grown in scale, thanks to easily available DDoS-for-hire services and AI tools that both reduce the effort of launching a campaign and allow for quick scaling. They overwhelm systems with traffic to make them unavailable, halting operations and causing delays. Notably, the trend in using DDoS as a smokescreen to cover other types of attacks continues into 2025.

To spot these attacks, look out for slow services and responses due to increasing memory or computing resources requests, frequent system crashes and error messages, lost connections to services or systems, and unexpected network connections.

“When you want to go a step further, you simply need specialist knowledge.”

Gertjan van der Most, Founder and Managing Director

Van der Most Transport

“When you want to go a step further, you simply need specialist knowledge.”

Gertjan van der Most, Founder and Managing Director

Van der Most Transport

Core principles for enhancing cybersecurity in transportation and logistics

 Considering these threats and prevention tactics, it is becoming increasingly clear that long-term cyber resilience in transport and logistics requires a comprehensive approach.

The following four principles provide a starting point:

Layered defence

 Relying on a single safeguard is not enough. A multi-layered security strategy ensures that if one measure fails, additional controls are in place to protect vital systems and data.

Network segmentation and design

 Structuring networks into clearly separated zones helps contain potential breaches, e.g. limiting the chance of IT incidents spilling into OT. This reduces the attacker’s ability to move laterally and compromise mission-critical environments.

Proactive vulnerability management

 With many transport and logistics companies dependent on legacy infrastructure and IoT devices, systematically finding and fixing vulnerabilities should become the norm. Regular scans and assessments close the easy entry points that attackers would typically exploit.

Ongoing visibility and detection

 Real-time monitoring of traffic, logs, and user behavior enables faster detection of suspicious activity. When in-house teams cannot provide 24/7 coverage, managed detection and response (MDR) offers an effective alternative to maintain round-the-clock vigilance.

“Now that our systems are monitored around the clock, if something happens again, we know it will be spotted and contained before it spirals out of control. That allows us to focus on what matters: keeping goods moving.”

Tomas Tempelaars, CIO

Move Intermodal

“Now that our systems are monitored around the clock, if something happens again, we know it will be spotted and contained before it spirals out of control. That allows us to focus on what matters: keeping goods moving.”

Tomas Tempelaars, CIO

Move Intermodal

Conclusion: from protection to strategic advantage

The transport and logistics sector stands at a crossroads. Companies that treat cyber resilience as a siloed function risk operational disruption, financial loss, and reputational damage. In contrast, those that embed security across people, processes, and technology, and extend it across the supply chain ecosystem,gain a competitive edge, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder trust.

The path forward is clear. Logistics companies are encouraged to embrace layered defences, proactive vulnerability management, robust incident response, and continuous monitoring, while fostering collaboration across partners, regulators, and industry peers. This way, transport and logistics organisations can transform cybersecurity from a cost center into a business enabler, ensuring that the movement of goods, people, and information remains secure, resilient, and future-ready.

Cybersecurity in transport and logistics: Frequently Asked Questions

How much have cyberattacks on transport and logistics increased?

Cybersecurity incidents have risen 48% in the past five years, placing transport and logistics among the top three targeted sectors for both state-sponsored attacks and hacktivist groups.

• 21% of all European DDoS incidents target transport.
• Maritime ransomware rose 467% year-on-year.
• The shipping sector alone suffered 64 state-sponsored attacks in 2024.
• The average cost of a breach is $4.18 million.

Bottom line: Every unprotected interface is a potential gateway for attackers.

What percentage of DDoS incidents in Europe target transport?

Transport accounts for 21% of all reported DDoS attacks in Europe, making it one of the most frequently disrupted industries.

How common are state-sponsored cyberattacks in shipping?

The shipping industry suffered 64 state-sponsored cyberattacks in 2024, reflecting growing exposure to geopolitical tensions.

What is the financial impact of a cyber breach in logistics?

The average data breach in transport costs $4.18 million, according to IBM, while maritime ransomware incidents alone grew 467% year-on-year.

Why is transport and logistics a prime target for cyberattacks?

The sector relies on legacy IT and OT systems, third-party vendors, and highly interconnected networks (fleet management, GPS, IoT sensors). Every unprotected interface can become a gateway for attackers.

What role does human error play in logistics cybersecurity?

Human risk is a major factor: phishing, weak passwords, and lack of training often allow attackers to gain access to critical systems.

How does hybrid IT infrastructure increase risk?

With 74% of logistics firms using both private data centers and cloud environments, migration complexity and connectivity create multiple new attack surfaces.

Why is cybersecurity becoming a business enabler in logistics?

As transport moves toward AI-first systems, automation, and digital integration, security now enables:

• Operational resilience (ensuring continuity despite attacks)
• Regulatory compliance (meeting EU and national mandates)
• Stakeholder trust (partners and customers demand assurance)
• Competitive advantage (cyber-resilient firms win contracts)

What makes the transport and logistics sector vulnerable?

The sector connects global economies through road, rail, sea, and air. Vulnerabilities stem from:

• Legacy IT and OT systems that lack modern safeguards
• Third-party suppliers and vendors introducing hidden risks
• Human error, from phishing to poor password hygiene
• Hybrid IT infrastructure, with 74% of firms mixing cloud and private data centers
• Limited focus on recovery, with most firms still prioritizing prevention over response

What are the top cyber threats in transport and logistics?

Ransomware

• Accounts for 38% of attacks in transport.
• Encrypts data, halts fleets, shipping, and ticketing.
• Demands ransom for decryption keys.

DDoS attacks

• Make up 24% of sector attacks.
• Overwhelm systems, causing downtime and delays.
• Increasingly used as a smokescreen for other intrusions.

Phishing and data breaches

• Account for 18% of incidents.
• Use AI-driven, realistic phishing campaigns.
• Lead to stolen data, fraud, and reputational harm.

ENISA’s Threat Landscape 2024 highlights transport as a top 3 target for DDoS and hacktivist campaigns, with actors like Noname 057, Lockbit, Black Basta, and Cyber Dragon.

Which regulations affect transport and logistics cybersecurity?

• NIS2 Directive (EU): Stricter risk management, incident reporting, and supply chain oversight.
• DORA: Resilience testing and third-party oversight, relevant to logistics tied to financial services.
• KRITIS (Netherlands): Minimum security standards for critical infrastructure.
• ISO/IEC 27001: Updated ISMS standard focusing on cloud security and accountability.
• ISO/IEC 42001: AI management systems for ethical, transparent use in logistics.
• EU Cyber Resilience Act, AI Act, Machinery Directive: Secure connected devices, AI, and automated machinery.

What core principles strengthen cyber resilience in logistics?

• Layered defence: multiple safeguards, so one failure doesn’t compromise all systems.
• Network segmentation: separating IT and OT zones to limit lateral movement.
• Proactive vulnerability management: regular scanning and patching of legacy and IoT systems.
• Continuous monitoring and detection: 24/7 SOC or MDR ensures real-time visibility and rapid containment.

“Now that Eye Security monitors our systems around the clock, if something happens again, we know it will be spotted and contained before it spirals out of control.”

— Tomas Tempelaars, CIO, Move Intermodal

Why is collaboration key to logistics cyber resilience?

Cybersecurity in logistics requires an ecosystem mindset that spans:

• Industry-wide collaboration
• Public-private cyber defence partnerships
• Unified guidelines and best practices
• Shared incident data and risk mapping

This ensures resilience not only within companies but also across supply chains and international borders.

What is the future outlook for logistics cybersecurity?

The cybersecurity in logistics market was valued at $7.25b in 2023 and is projected to grow at a 10%+ CAGR through 2032. Companies that embed resilience into people, processes, and technology will gain continuity, compliance, and trust.

Those that delay risk disruptions, revenue loss, and reputational harm. Cybersecurity is shifting from cost center to strategic enabler. For transport and logistics, cyber resilience becomes the foundation of competitiveness and future readiness.