The ability to monitor and maintain critical supply network operations from anywhere globally is essential to doing business in today’s economy. Advances in digital technology are making this more accessible than ever before, even as supply chains continue to become more complex.
However, with so much data now being stored online and in the “cloud,” there’s a whole new risk for managers to consider—cyber-security. How does an organization gain the benefits of advancing technology while also ensuring their data and their customers’ personal information stays safe?
As experts in logistics and warehousing, we discuss the top 3 challenges supply chain managers face when protecting their online data and what they can do to protect themselves.
Challenge 1: The Connectivity Rush
It’s tempting for many organizations to implement the latest advances in supply chain connectivity as soon as they are available to outpace competitors. Many experts view the race as “the most connected,” similar to the Gold Rush of the 1800s. Prospectors were quickly grabbing for the same prize, but in their haste, were leaving themselves vulnerable to bandits looking to steal their gold. Today’s cyber-bandits are after something even more valuable—data. Finding a balance between connectivity and security is a monumental challenge in today’s economy.
Solution: Keep Security Front of Mind
Whenever you consider new connectivity services, you should first ask yourself two questions: 1) Will this change make my company’s data more vulnerable to attack? 2) How can I make sure it stays secure?
Talk to the technology vendor to understand what vulnerabilities may be introduced and how to protect against them. Addressing cyber-security in the supply chain at the beginning of a modernization overhaul can avoid serious and costly issues down the road.
Challenge 2: Untrained Staff
Your most valuable asset against cyber-attacks is a well-trained employee. Even if you install the most advanced firewalls and cyber-security systems, an employee with no knowledge of potential threats can lead to a significant security breach. Viruses are delivered directly to employees in emails that look more legitimate than ever before. Just one click on a link could unleash a virus to spread throughout your organization.
Solution: Make Training a Priority
The good news is that most individuals can learn to recognize and avoid these serious risks with just a little education. Discuss how they can detect potential security breaches throughout the supply chain and train them on proper procedures to address those threats. Finally, be sure to add cybersecurity training as part of your new hire onboarding process.
Challenge 3: Not Planning for a Hack
Even the most cyber-secure facilities and networks have the potential to experience a cyber-attack. Assuming that your network is 100% protected from a cyber-attack is a mistake that will make it harder for your network to recover if it is hacked.
Solution: Create a Recovery Plan
Work with your technology provider to create a plan if your organization does experience a security breach. Having an action plan in place and ensuring staff understands how to react appropriately if your supply network is compromised will be crucial to ensure you minimize damage and bounce back quickly.
No network is entirely secure. That’s just the nature of the beast. But understanding the risks and implementing proactive solutions can help ensure your business runs as smoothly as possible.
If you want to find out more about keeping your supply chain data secure, then contact Taylored Fulfillment Services, a fully integrated third-party logistics provider specializing in wholesale, retail, and direct-to-consumer unit fulfillment. Established in 1992 and headquartered in Iselin, New Jersey, Taylored Fulfillment Services operates 1.5 million square feet of warehouse and distribution space near the nation’s busiest ports, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, and New York.