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Cybersecurity Threats and Risk Management

The Growing Cyber Threat Landscape in Logistics

All stakeholders in the supply chain – and in businesses in general – face unprecedented cybersecurity challenges and threats. As essential links in the global supply chain, airforwarders manage sensitive shipping information, customer data, and financial transactions that make them attractive targets for cybercriminals.

Current Cybersecurity Threats

The logistics sector has seen a dramatic increase in cyber attacks, with a 71% increase in ransomware incidents targeting transportation and logistics companies in the past year alone. Air cargo and forwarding operations are particularly vulnerable due to their interconnected systems and international scope.

Key threats facing the industry include:

  • Ransomware attacks that lock critical operational systems until payment is made
  • Phishing scams targeting employees to gain access to internal systems
  • Data breaches exposing customer information and proprietary business data
  • Supply chain attacks that compromise third-party vendors and partners
  • Business email compromise leading to fraudulent financial transactions

The impact of these attacks extends beyond immediate financial losses. Service disruptions, compliance violations, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust can have long-lasting effects on your business.

The Real Cost of Cyber Incidents

For small to mid-sized forwarders, even a relatively minor incident can be devastating. When critical systems for tracking shipments, communicating with TSA, submitting air waybills, export, pre-departure and pre-arrival filings, and communicating with partners are compromised, business operations can grind to a halt, resulting in significant financial losses and damaged client relationships.

Introducing the AfA Cyber Risk Management Program

The Airforwarders Association understands these challenges and has partnered with Roanoke to offer an exclusive Cyber Risk Management and Insurance Program designed specifically for air forwarding and logistics companies.

Why This Program Is Right for AfA Members

Our program offers five key advantages:

  1. Industry-Specific Coverage: Designed for the logistics industry by logistics experts who understand your unique operational risks
  2. Comprehensive Resources: Includes risk awareness tools and staff training materials
  3. Targeted Protection: Addresses claims for ransomware and phishing scams that are prevalent in today’s environment
  4. Cost-Effective: Leverages the collective strength of AfA membership to keep costs manageable
  5. Responsive Support: Provides a 24-hour claims hotline for prompt response when incidents occur

Program Benefits

The AfA Cyber Risk Management Program delivers:

  • Coverage tailored to the specific risks airforwarders face
  • Comprehensive cyber risk awareness resources
  • Staff training programs to strengthen your human firewall
  • Protection against ransomware and phishing claims
  • Competitive pricing exclusive to AfA members
  • 24/7 incident response support

Getting Started

Applying for coverage is simple. Request a cyber insurance quote today by completing the appropriate application form based on your company’s size:

As an added bonus, you’ll receive a Cyber Risk Report Card that reveals how your company’s cyber risks compare to industry peers and identifies specific exposures you can address.

Taking Action

Cybersecurity is no longer optional for airforwarders. With increasing threats and the potential for significant business disruption, having proper protection in place is essential.

The AfA Cyber Risk Management Program offers a comprehensive solution that addresses your specific needs as an air forwarding professional.

The Airforwarders Association is committed to supporting our members with resources that protect their businesses and strengthen the industry. This program is just one of the many ways we work to provide value to our membership.