Question 1

Why does BEC hit logistics so hard?

Accepted Answer

Three enablers: (1) freight billing typically runs to multi-thousand-£ invoices per load with frequent new sub-hauliers and suppliers — routine bank changes don't raise flags; (2) small sub-hauliers often have weaker mailbox security than the prime haulier, easy to compromise; (3) post-Brexit customs + duty deferment accounts make HMRC-Gateway access valuable. The classic load payment re-direction at a UK forwarder happens roughly weekly across the industry.

Question 2

We do CDS declarations ourselves — what's the risk?

Accepted Answer

Compromised customs broker account = ability to file fraudulent declarations, allow banned goods inbounds, manipulate duty deferment accounts. HMRC seriously enforces. We design dedicated customs-team access controls, MFA, restricted mailbox (separate from day-to-day ops) — and an alert rule on any login from new IP / new device to the Government Gateway accounts.

Question 3

What is post-Brexit CDS / GVMS security?

Accepted Answer

Customs Declaration Service (CDS) is the UK's post-Brexit declaration system; GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service) handles border transit declarations. Both accessed via Government Gateway business accounts. Compromise risks: fraudulent declarations, fraudulent import / export movements, regulatory fines. Strict access controls + MFA + audit trail — we design this around the customs team workflow.

Question 4

EPOD and driver mobile apps — what's the exposure?

Accepted Answer

EPOD systems integrate driver mobile apps to your TMS via OAuth credentials. Risks: token theft from driver phones, deployment of fake driver apps to leak credentials, OAuth grant abuse leading to bulk data extraction. We monitor EPOD API access patterns, alert on out-of-hours admin sign-ins, and limit EPOD grant scope to minimum-required for app functionality.

Question 5

Will ransomware halt our fleet?

Accepted Answer

Yes, often — TMS / WMS compromised: scheduling halted, drivers can't get manifests, trailer tracking lost. Drivers physically can't deliver without their job allocation. Some UK hauliers have lost 3-4 days of operations. We design TMS-specific backup architecture (4-6 hour restore) plus offline manifest fallback so drivers continue with paper-based delivery for the restoration window.

Question 6

We're a smaller haulier (10-15 vehicles) — is managed SOC affordable?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our managed SOC covers monitoring. For very small hauliers (5-10 vehicles), a lower tier is available. Logistics operates on narrow margins but the cost-benefit against a single load-payment BEC (significant typical loss) or one ransomware event (multiple days of revenue loss) is clear.

Question 7

What about GDPR — drivers' data?

Accepted Answer

Drivers' personal data (license, ADR/hazmat authorisations, working time directives, health/safety records) is personal data requiring Article 32 controls: MFA, encryption, access on a need-to-know basis, retention aligned to AETR / WTD. We document this for any future claim from drivers / ICO enquiries.

Cyber Security for Logistics & Haulage — UK Freight Forwarders & Transport Operators

Cybersecurity Consulting + 24/7 SOC Monitoring

Cybersecurity Consulting

Managed SOC Monitoring · 24/7

Pricing tailored to your needs

What we cover

Managed SOC for M365 / Entra

Freight invoice BEC prevention

Customs (CDS / GVMS) gateway protection

EPOD + driver mobile app monitoring

CMR + IATA AWB document protection

Fleet ops ransomware resilience

How we work

Scoping (Week 1)

Deploy (Week 1-2)

Customs + BEC playbook (Week 2-3)

Operate (ongoing)

Sectors we protect

Cybersecurity for logistics that keeps loads moving

Frequently asked questions