Cyber attacks and breach of security can cost companies millions of dollars especially when those breaches affect import/export data and record keeping. In 2017, the NotPetya attack on Maersk’s computer network cost the company over $300 million. In 2018, COSCO had a cyber attack with a breach in security that affected systems and email services. While almost every company knows that data security is a hot topic in 2018, data security failures related to import/export record keeping can be one of the most expensive and painful breaches to suffer. You not only need a plan for data security, but smart companies will also have contingencies that kick in should their import/export data ever be compromised.
- Lessons learned from the COSCO incident
It is crucial for maritime shipping lines to store their data in a secure database. Major Ports of entry are rolling out improved automation and systems for distributed record-keeping in an attempt to keep data security at its highest level and to allow continued operation in the event of a breach. Rolls-Royce for instance, has indicated strategic plans to put autonomous ships in the water by 2025 and fully autonomous vessels carrying cargo across the ocean by 2035. This technology is expected to improve security in the maritime sector making individual vessels more immune to customs data hacks that may occur in other systems. - Freight Tracking & Reporting
It is important that companies use their level and skill of expertise to create a system that communicates seamlessly with all the major carriers, as well as obtain real-time status views of all shipments. Freight tracking and reporting help to monitor regular metrics and set up automated notifications at each event to identify each status of shipments around the world
A Solution To Data Security
One of the advantages of using an established logistics company like J.M. Rodgers Co., Inc. is that we already have highly secure, tracking systems online and available for immediate use by clients. Our systems can track virtually any import or freight activity that is required and report real-time shipping status via live websites any time the user wants, or through alerts that we can send you. The JM Rodgers Air and Ocean Tracking site is easy to customize; it is essentially a small search engine that allows the user to search a shipment by B/L number, container number, PO numbers, invoice numbers, vessel names, and so on. We provide all importers’ paperwork (Customs form 7501, commercial invoices, packing list, airway bill, house bill, J.M. Rodgers bill, Customs release, delivery order, etc…) to the importer electronically. And of course, all records are kept electronically in a secure, encrypted database, with backup hardcopies stored on premise or in secure warehouses.
Tackling problems of data security in import/export operations is a tough, but important challenge for business. Luckily at JM Rodgers, we’ve solved that problem for you.
