Approximately one-third of corporate bosses observe rise in online breaches on distribution systems

Approximately a third of corporate leaders have reported a marked rise in digital intrusions targeting their supply chains during the past six months, as recent security incidents on well-known companies have underscored this increasing threat to today's organizations.

Online security issues rise priority lists for purchasing directors

Digital security concerns have moved up the ranking of worries for purchasing directors at hundreds businesses globally across diverse sectors including industrial, utilities and IT, according to latest sector analysis conducted in the ninth month.

Prominent digital attacks result in significant economic damage

Recent cyber attacks at several major companies have cost them millions of pounds, shifting cyber resilience from being primarily the focus of technology teams to becoming a major concern for corporate boards and company directors.

The character of worldwide business, the manner in which we view international logistics networks and the technological distribution framework are progressively interconnected,

stated a senior sector leader.

Global considerations compound distribution anxieties

Earlier this year, purchasing directors were particularly concerned about geopolitical instability, including persistent tensions in several areas, along with commercial regulations that weighed on worldwide business.

Nevertheless, online attacks are now rivalling international conflicts and trade disagreements as the most significant danger for organizations of worldwide commercial organizations.

Survey reveals widespread consequences

The study discovered that 29% of managers stated that businesses within their logistics networks had been attacked by security breaches in previous months.

Substantial automotive effects

A notable vehicle producer experienced manufacturing stoppages and was found itself incapable to produce vehicles for an entire month, following a digital breach that compelled the organization to disable IT networks across multiple international locations.

The monetary effect of this four-week production shutdown at the United Kingdom's primary car manufacturer has been calculated at approximately one hundred twenty million pounds in lost profits, or £1.7 billion in missed sales, according to academic analysis from a commercial economics academic.

Current international examples

More recently, a well-known international drinks manufacturer became the newest organization to be required to halt manufacturing at its local plants following a security incident.

The corporation, which operates multiple manufacturing plants in the Asian nation producing drinks and additional items, announced that its sales management systems, along with shipping operations and call center services, had been halted following a network disruption resulting from the security breach.

Increasing interconnectedness creates risks

Organizations are increasingly assisted by partner companies. Gone are the days of viewing an organization as an entity working in independence.

Current major cyber-attacks have functioned as a strong reminder to businesses to invest in robust online protection systems, to protect their internal functions and retain customer confidence, leading them to investigate how their distribution systems could become potential targets for hackers.

Steven Fisher
Steven Fisher

A seasoned business consultant with over 15 years of experience in strategic planning and digital transformation.