Gone are the days when securing transport meant just locks and security cameras. The industry faces a new reality where digital threats are just as real as physical ones. 

With transport now classified as critical infrastructure, cybercriminals have placed a target on the sector’s back, seeing it as a gateway to disrupting national supply chains.

However, this isn’t just another regulatory Government checkbox – it’s a complete rethink of national transport security as one cyber breach can now shut down entire networks. Australian transport companies are now realising the potential dangers and are using innovative technology to stay one step ahead of threats.

The Growing Threat 

According to recent findings from the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), over 11% of cybersecurity incidents in the 2023-24  financial year involved critical infrastructure. State-sponsored cyber actors persistently target Australian businesses and infrastructure, using increasingly sophisticated methods to conduct espionage, exert influence, and potentially disrupt essential services.

With cyber threats evolving rapidly, transport businesses must stay ahead of attackers. Let’s break down the latest risks and how companies like TSS Sensitive Freight are responding.

Synergy Case Study: TSS Sensitive Freight

“As a company handling highly sensitive and valuable products, we needed security measures to keep pace with our growth,” says Managing Director of TSS Sensitive Freight Christian Di Donato. The company, which specialises in transporting sensitive cargo for customers who prefer not to use general carriers, faced increasing cybersecurity challenges as it experienced rapid expansion over the past three years.

“Day-to-day phishing scams and other cybersecurity threats were becoming a major concern,” Christian explains. “We needed a solution that could protect not just our central operations but our entire distributed workforce.”

Working with Synergy who are partnered with Cisco, TSS implemented two key solutions:

1. AI-Powered Email Security: Cisco’s Secure Email Threat Defense uses artificial intelligence to analyse and predict unsafe emails before they reach employees’ inboxes, effectively eliminating a significant vulnerability.
2. Network Protection: Cisco Umbrella was deployed to secure their distributed workforce’s home networks, ensuring consistent security standards across all operations.

“Having these security measures in place has made our aggressive growth much easier,” Christian notes. “The scalability of these solutions means our security grows right alongside our business.”

Watch the TSS case study video below

The Government’s Response

Recognising the importance of these threats, the Australian Government has committed $15-20 billion to enhance cyber domain capabilities through the 2024 Integrated Investment Program. 

This funding isn’t just for national security; it also equips transport companies with resources to fortify their defences, improve threat intelligence, and access cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.

This investment aims to:

• Improve threat visibility for critical infrastructure
• Increase infrastructure resilience against cyber attacks
• Develop new intelligence functions
• Enable offensive cyber operations when necessary

Practical Steps for Transport Companies

For transport and logistics businesses, cybersecurity is no longer optional, and companies need to consider and implement strengthened defence systems to enhance their cybersecurity measures.

Embrace AI for Defence: Modern cybersecurity solutions use artificial intelligence to detect and prevent threats in real time. With its ability to learn and adapt, AI can effectively screen for malicious emails and network threats before they cause damage, making it a crucial component of any cybersecurity strategy.

Protect Distributed Operations: With many transport companies operating across multiple locations and using remote workers, securing all network access points is crucial. TSS’s implementation of Cisco Umbrella demonstrates how companies can maintain consistent security standards across distributed operations.

Develop a Security-First Culture: Regular training and awareness programs help ensure all employees understand their role in maintaining cybersecurity. This is especially important as cybercriminals often target human vulnerabilities through techniques like phishing.

Partner with Security Experts: Consider working with specialised IT security providers who understand the transport industry’s unique challenges.

As Christian from TSS emphasises, “The partnership with Synergy ensures our security measures grow with the company, accommodating our rapid expansion.”

The Road Ahead

The transport industry’s classification as critical infrastructure brings many challenges and new opportunities. While it makes the sector a more attractive target for cyber attacks, it also drives innovation in security solutions and government support for protecting these essential services.

For transport companies, cybersecurity investments are as crucial as physical security measures. As TSS’s success story shows, implementing security solutions early can support sustainable growth while protecting against advanced cyber threats. Government support, advanced AI-powered security solutions, and industry expertise provide a strong foundation for protecting Australia’s critical transport infrastructure.

• If you want to learn how AI-powered solutions can secure your business against evolving cyber threats, contact the team at Synergy.