How can you protect your import/export operations from cyber attacks and security threats?

As trading organizations are going to digitization, the risk of cyber attacks and cyber threats is increasing in the global trade industry.

Port cyber security crises in 2023 are the prime example of this security breach.

During the hazardous period of 2023, the maritime sector faced significant cybersecurity breaches and gaps. This era exposed vulnerability in the industry because of the lack of strong cyber security infrastructure, weak incident response planning, and reduced cyber security experts in the IT or OT department of the port authorities.

These incidents have made the ports a prime target for cybercriminals. Thus, protecting your import/export operations from these attacks has become essential.

You can ask for help from secure import services. Still, you should stay with us for a few minutes.

Here, we will introduce you to some of the top cyber security techniques that can help you save your international trading operation. Plus, we will discuss the essential aspects of cyber security to let you leverage it within your organization more effectively.

IEC has created standards to safeguard both data systems and operational technology within crucial infrastructure. These standards are tried and tested to prevent and decrease cyber attacks in a digitally connected world. Let’s explore these standards:

ISO/IEC 27001 is the world’s most popular Information Security Management System (ISMS) standard. You can find the requirements that ISMS must meet for enhanced security.

This standard provides a company of all sizes or from all sectors with assistance for implementing, maintaining, establishing, and continually improving information security management systems.

You can get assurance that a standard has been implemented perfectly through conformity. If you want to show that you meet all ISO/IEC 27001 requirements, you should apply for the independent assessment to get an international IECQ certificate for your company’s conformity.

Nowadays, businesses often depend on third-party vendors for products and services. While this is beneficial for many businesses, it opens new opportunities for cyber attackers to target both acquirers and vendors.

ISO/IEC 27036 is an excellent international standard that helps organizations to effectively tackle these risks. It offers guidance on the management of data risk included in the acquisition of ICT products from suppliers.

The standard especially avoids referring to terms like selling or buying because they are more similar to whether the transaction is commercial or not.

Critical infrastructure, like roads, railway systems, and more plays an essential role in a country’s ability to trade. The IEC 62443 is the international standard developed to keep cyber-physical systems safe from cyber attacks.

This standard gives a framework to protect industrial automation and control systems (IACS). You can easily find the best practices for cyber security in the operational technology (OT) networks in these standards.

As operational technology (OT) on ships that conduct Import-export operations is increasingly growing, these ships are becoming more targeted for cyber-attacks. Thus, experts have advised shipbuilders to incorporate the IEC 62443 series within their cyber security strategy.

You can apply IEC 62443 to any cyber-physical environment where IT and OT meet. It will provide an effective solution for the industrial supply chain.

By testing and certifying cyber security in the industrial automation sector, the IEC System for Conformity Assessment Schemes’ industrial cyber security program aims to ensure the safety and reliability of these systems.

It has become crucial to follow the standards mentioned in the last section. However, other tips can help you protect your Import-export operations from cyber attacks. We have mentioned some of the top tips below:

Initially, you must identify and focus on your cyber risk by knowing what data is essential for your business. It would also be best to find out where they are located and access, who can access them, and how they are secured.

You must evaluate your external partners, like suppliers, customers, and more. It would be helpful to use tools, like risk matrice, gap analytics, and more to assess your vulnerability and measure your cyber security.

Next, you must implement the best practices and compliance.  As mentioned before, you must follow the relevant standards and regulations for your industry and market.

In addition, you must also need to adopt relevant policies and protection for data protection, recovery, back, and more. It would be best to train your employees and stakeholders on cyber security awareness and enforcement.

Invest in relevant technology to prevent, detect, and respond to security threats. It means that you must use updated and reliable hardware and software to protect your network, device, and data from cyber-attacks.

You can consult secure import services for more details about which software is best. However, you must use cloud-based software to secure your data storage and processing. In addition, you must use a VPN to add an extra layer of security.

Digitalization has become an essential part of Import export operations. While it has made the process effective, it has also opened new doors for cyber attacks. These attacks can be dangerous for trading businesses. But you can easily tackle these attacks by following some security standards and tips against these attacks.