Have you ever shopped at Home Depot, Target, or Macy’s? If so, it’s very possible that your financial information was compromised sometime in the last 5 years. Cyber attacks are a reality for businesses of all sizes, and if you aren’t taking steps to prevent them, your business is likely to join our list above.
A supply chain cyber security risk can encompass more than financial information. Digital supply chain attackers have the opportunity to damage inventory, scramble protocol information, and reroute or slow trade in-transit. So, you should go change your bank password (come on, it’s probably time, right?) and then revamp your supply chain’s security with these easy steps:
Start with Good Standard Tech Security
The most basic tech security can do a lot to protect your supply chain. Meet industry standards with strong passwords created by a password manager. If any members of your team work away from the office, employ a VPN. Keep anti-malware and firewalls up to date. Implement two-step authentication for outside users accessing your digital tools. These gold standards of basic tech security protect your devices, your business and your supply chain in one fell swoop.
Simplify Your Process with 3PL Expert
In order to effectively secure an in-house warehousing, logistics, and fulfillment department, a business must have a well-funded, staffed and trained team focused on minimizing supply chain threats. Though it may feel natural to believe that internal logistics management is more secure as it allows for fewer points of entry, the reality is that third-party logistics providers have scalable security protocols with funding for cutting edge logistics information technology such as blockchain supply chain data or an internet of things inventory system network to quickly track potential threats.
Have a Third Party Review Security Efforts
Cyber criminals are consistently building new and more sophisticated tools to fracture your security systems. Their livelihoods depend on it. So, a security breach is inevitable if you don’t keep up. One of the best ways to be certain your system passes is by testing it. Yes, we are suggesting you hire a hacker. Security crackers offer a service to fully probe your digital supply chain, eke out vulnerabilities and prescribe a plan of action to sure up your protection.
Don’t Discount Good Physical Security
Sometimes the simplest security protocols can be overlooked: keep vulnerable inventory locked at all times, remove sensitive information from your desk when not in use, shred unnecessary documents promptly, install motion detecting lights, etc. If your team has struggled with physical security upkeep recently, instituting a temporary end of day checklist with two-party confirmation can be an easy way to retrain the bad habits that can sneak up.
A supply chain security protocol is multi-layered and redundant to protect inventory at each stage of its lifecycle, as should be a logistics cyber security plan. Each of the layers mentioned above should be applied to your digital supply chain, but choosing a 3PL logistics provider can remove everything but the 1st from your list. Trusted warehousing, fulfillment, distribution and logistics experts can reduce your risk while allowing you to focus on your business’ strengths.