Safeguarding Your Frozen Food Inventory from Cyberattack

By Mike Kreider, Chief Information Officer North America,
DHL Supply Chain

Key Takeaways:

• Integrate cybersecurity into business continuity planning:
  Treat cyber threats like other operational disruptions, ensuring recovery plans and incident responses include strategies for restoring critical cold storage systems and IT infrastructure.
• Build anticipation and resilience:
  Adopt proactive security measures such as continuous risk assessments, zero trust architecture, and strong digital backups to maintain operations and minimize damage during cyber incidents.
• Secure IoT and third-party vulnerabilities:
  Protect connected devices with encryption, segmentation, and rapid isolation protocols, while rigorously vetting and monitoring supply chain partners’ cybersecurity standards and certifications.

Cyberattacks have become an unfortunate part of doing business in today’s digital age. Supply chains, due to their complexity and reliance on third parties, are particularly exposed. Modern supply chains are intricate webs of vendors, software dependencies, and logistical partners, where a single weak link can invite an attack.

Food manufacturers, especially those using cold storage, face heightened cybersecurity threats. As digitization and automation enhance efficiency, they also widen the attack surface for cybercriminals. Cold storage facilities risk significant operational disruptions, particularly as the perishable products they handle have shorter shelf lives and strict temperature requirements.

Operational dependencies on internet-connected sensors and data loggers make cold storage facilities particularly vulnerable. A cyberattack could result in more than just operational downtimes; sensitive product data might be compromised, which could lead to spoilage or significant quality issues.

Given that complete protection is unattainable, food manufacturers must adopt reducing-risk measures and prepare for incident recovery. Below are four essential steps for enhancing cybersecurity alongside established best practices like employee training.

1. Integrate Cybersecurity into Business Continuity Planning

Manufacturers should view cyberattacks akin to natural disasters. Incorporating cybersecurity within business continuity plans will elevate its significance from an IT issue to a core business concern. Robust supply chain risk management programs can help identify vulnerabilities and set mitigation strategies.

Companies need to integrate cyber events into their disaster recovery plans, focusing on restoring critical IT systems vital for cold storage. Regular testing of incident response plans can ensure preparedness.

2. Foster Anticipation and Resilience

Organizations must anticipate evolving cybersecurity threats rather than reacting to them post-factum. This involves adopting advanced threat intelligence and a zero trust architecture to verify every access point within the network.

Resilience is equally important; implementing cloud-based backups and redundant pathways enhances operational continuity. Regular stress testing can identify hidden vulnerabilities and refine response strategies.

3. Secure Connected Devices and Systems

IoT devices have revolutionized cold storage operations, yet they remain vulnerable due to default credentials and insufficient encryption. Ensuring that all devices utilize encrypted updates and data protection helps mitigate risks.

Isolation of IoT systems from corporate IT networks can prevent comprehensive damage during a compromise. Employing multiple sensors in critical areas ensures tampering can be detected early on.

4. Scrutinize and Verify Supply Chain Partners

Often, the most significant vulnerabilities come from third-party logistics providers. Companies must vet partners’ cybersecurity practices rigorously. This includes requiring security certifications, conducting audits, and ensuring compliance with recognized standards.

It’s essential to engage 3PL partners with established cybersecurity strategies, especially those managing multi-temperature environments. Proactivism in securing partnerships can significantly reduce risk exposure.

Mike Kreider is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of
DHL Supply Chain
in North America, where he leads DHL’s digital transformation efforts and oversees innovative technology implementations. Prior to his current position, Mike served as CIO for Global Service Logistics, eCommerce, and Warehousing, focusing on improving operational efficiencies.