Hackers and Crime Rings Are Teaming Up to Steal Cargo, Cyber Firm Says

Core Insights - Hackers are infiltrating trucking and freight companies to steal and sell cargo shipments, potentially costing companies and consumers billions of dollars [1][2] Group 1: Cybersecurity Threats - Proofpoint Inc. has high confidence that hackers are collaborating with organized crime groups to execute cargo thefts, specifically targeting trucking carriers and freight brokers [2] - The stolen cargo is likely sold online or shipped overseas, indicating a significant impact on the supply chain [2][3] - Cyberattacks on cargo companies have been identified as a full-scale supply chain threat, with losses from cargo theft increasing by 27% in 2024 and projected to rise another 22% in 2025, amounting to an estimated $35 billion in annual losses [3] Group 2: Criminal Tactics - Researchers have identified at least three distinct criminal groups using cyberattack methods against cargo companies, with nearly two dozen campaigns observed in the last two months [4] - The cyber-enabled heists rely on social engineering and industry knowledge, allowing hackers to impersonate insiders and exploit supply chain technology [5] - One tactic involves compromising load boards, where hackers send emails with malicious links to carriers responding to fraudulent load postings [6][7] Group 3: Industry Impact - The urgency for carriers to secure loads leads to hasty decisions, increasing the likelihood of clicking on malicious links, especially when they appear to come from trusted brokers [8][9] - The most targeted commodities include food and beverages, with energy drinks often stolen and shipped overseas due to restrictions in other countries [9] - The issue of cargo theft is not limited to North America, as indications suggest that hackers may be operating from Russia or Eastern Europe, representing a global problem [10]