Small Businesses at Risk: The Importance of Cybersecurity for the Freight Industry

As cyber threats continue to evolve, both large and small businesses in the freight industry are increasingly at risk. On a recent episode of the Freight Waves Now Community Spotlight, industry experts highlighted the critical importance of cybersecurity, particularly for smaller companies that may underestimate their vulnerability.

Mario Connell, from McLeod Software, explained that while major corporations often make headlines as victims of cyber attacks, small freight brokerages and carriers are also frequent targets. These companies typically lack the robust IT infrastructure needed to defend against cyber threats, making them easy prey for cybercriminals.

According to Connell, hackers don’t discriminate based on company size. Their goal is simple: to make money. Smaller businesses, thinking they are too insignificant to be targeted, often fall victim to ransomware attacks because they are more likely to pay quickly rather than invest in complex security solutions. Connell stressed that even smaller players in the logistics industry need to take cybersecurity seriously to avoid costly breaches.

McLeod Software, a leader in transportation management systems (TMS), plays a pivotal role in safeguarding its clients from cyber attacks. Their extensive experience with both large enterprises and small to medium-sized businesses allows them to provide tailored cybersecurity solutions. By advising their clients on best practices and implementing strong protection measures, McLeod helps businesses prevent attacks and minimize damage if they occur.

One key point discussed was the value of integrating third-party fraud detection tools rather than developing in-house solutions. For many freight companies, outsourcing cybersecurity to trusted partners is a more efficient and effective strategy than attempting to build their own protection systems.

With cybersecurity becoming an increasingly critical issue across industries, Connell emphasized that both large and small freight companies must prioritize it. Ignoring the threat could have devastating financial consequences, not only for the businesses themselves but also for their partners and customers.