In 2024 alone, $700+ million worth of cargo shipments were stolen. Modern heists bear little resemblance to the dramatized versions on shows like The Sopranos or Goodfellas. Today’s hijackers don’t need guns or elaborate schemes; all they require are login credentials to access billions of dollars in global shipments. While technology has revolutionized global logistics and helped meet growing customer expectations, it can also make shippers and manufacturers more vulnerable to losing massive amounts of cargo each year. 

The supply chain is no stranger to major disruptions (like the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and the ongoing Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea) that cause millions in lost revenue a year. These losses can often be mitigated by technology that gives users access to global shipping schedules on high-traffic routes. However, it can also make companies a target. Port operator DP World was the victim of a breach that forced operations to be suspended for three days last November, resulting in major delays for over 30,000 shipping containers. Companies relying on the supply chain hold a treasure trove of information cybercriminals want. By accessing critical data through a breach, these cybercriminals can pinpoint the exact location of valuable shipments and steal them directly from ports, railyards and airports, putting the global supply chain industry at immense risk.