Cybersecurity audits for the transportation and logistics sector

Companies in the transportation and logistics sector (including fleet operators, warehousing, distribution, cargo valuation, route management, and more) are increasingly exposed to threats and cyberattacks that can paralyze operations, cause substantial financial losses, and damage corporate reputation.

Against this backdrop, cybersecurity audits have become an essential strategic tool. It’s not just about complying with regulations, but about identifying vulnerabilities, assessing existing controls, measuring the impact of potential incidents, and designing improvement plans that ensure the company’s protection.

Conducting regular audits allows organizations in the transportation and logistics sector to stay ahead of cyberattacks and safeguard the integrity of their operations.

Why does the transportation and logistics sector need cybersecurity audits?

The transportation and logistics sector has characteristics that make it especially vulnerable: complex supply chains, multiple actors and third parties (suppliers, carriers, subcontractors), interconnected OT and IT systems (fleet management, IoT, sensors, cargo tracking), and an increasingly intensive use of cloud platforms, mobility, telemetry, and remote systems.

According to an article from Logistics Middle East, the transportation sector was one of the most targeted in 2023, with a 36% increase in cyberattacks compared to the previous year.

Another report indicates that the transportation and shipping sector saw advanced threat detections rise by 11% in the first quarter of 2025.

A study referenced in Security Boulevard highlights critical challenges such as legacy systems (outdated infrastructure), unprotected IoT devices, lack of training, and heavy third-party dependency.

What is a cybersecurity audit?

A cybersecurity audit is a structured process that assesses the security posture of an organization’s information assets (including IT/OT infrastructure, control systems, networks, applications, data, processes, and people) with the goal of identifying vulnerabilities, evaluating existing controls, determining the level of compliance with regulations and standards, and proposing improvements.

In the logistics sector, it takes on an added dimension: supply chain continuity, cargo traceability, transportation safety, protection of sensitive customer and supplier data, and resilience against disruptive attacks.

Objectives of a cybersecurity audit in transportation and logistics

Identification of Specific Risks and Vulnerabilities

The first objective is to identify where transportation/logistics processes may be most exposed: insecure IoT, IT/OT interface weaknesses, vulnerable third parties, unpatched legacy systems, large attack surfaces, and more. For example:

• OT systems used in warehouses or fleet management that are not properly segmented from the corporate network.

• Employee or driver mobility that exposes sensitive data when accessed from insecure environments.

• Dependence on external providers that could serve as an attack vector (supply chain).

Assessment of the impact on operations and business continuity

The second objective is to evaluate how a cybersecurity incident would affect operations: shipping delays, fleet shutdowns, loss of goods, reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and more.

Evaluation of regulatory and standards compliance

The third objective is to verify whether the company complies with applicable regulatory frameworks: data protection laws (such as GDPR in Europe), sector-specific directives, and technical standards (such as ISA/IEC 62443 for industrial environments or CISA recommendations for transportation).

Improvement of security maturity and resilience

Structure and phases of a cybersecurity audit

Below is a recommended methodology for a cybersecurity audit tailored to the transportation and logistics sector, with technical and operational details.

Phase 1 – Preparation and scope

Scope Definition

Determine which assets, systems, processes, locations, third parties, and data flows will be audited. In transportation/logistics, it is advisable to include:

• Distribution centers, warehouses, and logistics hubs.

• Fleet management systems, GPS tracking, and IoT devices in vehicles.

• Network links and data centers, cloud platforms, ERP/TMS applications.

• External transport providers and IT/OT subcontractors.

• Critical data flows: route information, customer data, supply chains, sensors, and inventory.

Document and Context Analysis

Collect policies, procedures, asset inventories, network diagrams, third-party contracts, SLA agreements, and business continuity plans. Also, review the applicable regulatory context.

Phase 2 – Risk Assessment and existing controls

Identification of threats and vulnerabilities

Use techniques such as interviews, questionnaires, system analysis, log review, and penetration testing (if applicable). Consider typical logistics threats: ransomware, phishing, IoT sabotage, OT intrusion, and vendor vulnerabilities.

Risk evaluation

Assess the severity and impact of each vulnerability based on business consequences:

• What happens if a tracking system stops working?

• What if route or customer data is leaked?

• What if a supplier is compromised and affects the supply chain?
  These assessments help prioritize actions.

Evaluation of internal controls and policies

Analyze existing controls: access management, network segmentation, encryption, monitoring, incident response plans, IoT device updates, and staff training. For instance, studies show many IoT systems in logistics lack proper authentication mechanisms.

Phase 3 – Technical Testing

IT/OT Infrastructure Testing

Essential in operational centers, warehouses, and connected vehicle environments. May include vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, IoT device configuration review, wireless network testing, etc.

Scenario simulation

Conduct simulation exercises, e.g.: ransomware targeting fleet management systems, compromise of an external supplier, sensor sabotage. These tests help measure the organization’s response capabilities. Trend reports indicate that “cyberattack simulations” will become increasingly common in logistics.

Phase 4 – Reporting and recommendations

Findings report

Provide a document detailing detected vulnerabilities, associated risks, impact, priority level, and the status of controls. Address both technical teams and executive management, including an executive summary.

Improvement plan

Propose concrete actions: IT/OT network segmentation, patching legacy systems, vendor audits, staff training, 24/7 monitoring, and MDR (Managed Detection & Response) implementation. Include a roadmap with responsibilities, deadlines, estimated costs, and KPIs for tracking progress.

Phase 5 – Implementation and follow-Up

Execution of measures

Activate prioritized improvements. In logistics, where operational availability is critical, ensure measures do not disrupt business continuity.

Continuous monitoring and review

Benefits of conducting cybersecurity audits in the transportation and logistics sector

Improved operational continuity

Logistics chains rely on uninterrupted flows. An audit helps identify potential points of failure, integrate contingency plans, and ensure that a cyberattack does not halt business operations.

Risk and cost reduction

By identifying vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them, the likelihood of incidents and their financial impact is reduced. For example, the average cost of incidents in the transportation sector can reach millions of dollars per disruption.

Regulatory compliance and increased trust

Compliance with regulatory frameworks and standards builds confidence among customers, suppliers, and investors. In logistics, where the supply chain extends beyond the company, demonstrating strong security is essential for strategic partnerships.

Enhanced security maturity and competitive advantage

A company that audits and improves its cybersecurity can turn it into a differentiating factor. In a market increasingly aware of risks, security becomes a value-added asset.

Early detection of technological improvement areas

Challenges and best practices for cybersecurity audits in logistics

Sector-Specific challenges

• Fragmented Supply Chain: Numerous actors with varying levels of cybersecurity maturity. Studies indicate logistics suffers from decentralization and heterogeneous standards.

• Legacy OT/IT Systems and Diverse IoT Devices: These complicate having a comprehensive security view.

• High Operational Pressure: Security measures must not compromise transportation agility.

• Third-Party Dependence: Suppliers often have weak cybersecurity practices.

Recommended best practices

• Engage Leadership and Business Processes Early: The audit should understand logistics operations before addressing technology.

• Clearly Define Scope and Prioritize Critical Assets: Focus on fleets, routes, customer and supplier data.

• Segment IT/OT Networks and Control IoT Devices: Apply the principle of least privilege.

• Provide Continuous Staff Training: Employees and drivers should be aware of risks such as phishing, credential theft, and social engineering.

• Implement 24/7 Monitoring and Detection Tools: Use MDR (Managed Detection & Response) solutions.

• Review the Supply Chain: Assess cybersecurity of suppliers and subcontractors, including contractual security clauses.

• Establish Incident Response and Business Continuity Plans: Audits should address response capability, not just prevention.

• Conduct Regular Audits and Realistic Simulations: Incident simulations are becoming increasingly common in logistics.

Integration with the company’s overall strategy

For a cybersecurity audit to have a real impact, it must be integrated into the company’s business and technology strategy.

• Link Security to Operations and Business Model: For example, ensure traceability, supply chain visibility, and protection of transportation reputation.

• Include Cybersecurity in Supply Chain Planning: From supplier selection to the management of connected fleets.

• Establish Relevant Security KPIs for Logistics: Examples include the percentage of patched IoT devices, number of fleet incidents, and average intrusion detection time.

• Leverage Audit Results to Justify Security Investments: Such as network segmentation, new technologies, and staff training.

• Create a Company-Wide Cybersecurity Culture: Security should not be solely an IT department responsibility, but embraced across all levels, including logistics, operations, and commercial teams.

How to choose the right provider for a cybersecurity audit

When selecting a partner or provider to conduct a cybersecurity audit, it is important to consider:

• Sector-Specific Experience: The provider should have expertise in transportation and logistics, including knowledge of fleets, IoT, and logistics management systems.

• Holistic Approach: The audit should cover technology, processes, people, and the supply chain.

• Focus Beyond Compliance: The audit should aim to enhance operational resilience, not just meet regulatory requirements.

• Clear Reporting for Management: The provider should deliver an executive-ready report with a roadmap for improvement and tracking metrics.

• Ongoing Review and Follow-Up: The provider should establish a plan for periodic audits and monitoring of implemented improvements.

In the transportation and logistics sector, a cybersecurity audit allows companies to understand and manage risks, protect operational continuity, reduce costs from incidents, build trust with customers and suppliers, and maintain a competitive advantage in an increasingly digital and connected environment.

For companies that import goods, manage fleets, or handle warehousing and distribution, a well-designed and properly executed cybersecurity audit is not just a matter of survival, it is an opportunity to turn security into a strategic asset.

At ESED, we work with transportation and logistics companies to guide them through this journey: from the initial audit to improvement plans, staff training, IT/OT segmentation, continuous monitoring, and the integration of cybersecurity into the organization’s daily operations.