What All Freight Brokers Should Know About Ransomware

In 2013, trucking transported nearly 15 billion tons of cargo. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that by 2040, that number is expected to increase to 18.79 billion tons. Many non asset based freight brokers have been turning to the many different types of transportation broker software in order to optimize efficiency and everyday operations. But in the midst of transportation, shipment tracking, and other essential aspects of freight management, it can be difficult to remember to make security a main priority. However, keeping your information as secure as possible should be an absolute goal for every freight broker. Here are just a few things all freight brokers should know about ransomware, a type of malware that often affects the transportation industry.

Ransomware
U.S. e-commerce revenue is about $423.3 billion and is steadily climbing. Whether it\’s full truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), or parcel, carriers are being forced to adjust to changes in the retail industry. Keeping data secure is a concern across many industry sectors, but for freight brokers, ransomware in particular may be the biggest.

Ransomware is a type of malware that occurs when a computer essentially becomes locked from the outside and money is demanded in order to unlock it. It\’s usually spread using phishing emails or infected websites and media, and unfortunately, it often takes just one infected computer for it to spread to the entire network.

How To Stay Protected
Avoiding a ransomware attack isn\’t always easy, but taking some simple steps can help protect your network. First, keep all essential data backed up. Many types of transportation broker software can assist with this, and cloud storage is also a viable option.

It\’s also a good idea to undergo a professional network vulnerability assessment to analyze any imminent risks. However, those using a reliable freight management software shouldn\’t come across any problems.

Ultimately, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the value of freight moved is expected to increase from $882 per ton in 2007 to $1,377 per ton in 2040. Knowing how to keep your network protected is essential to being a responsible and reliable freight broker. For more information about freight broker software, contact 3PL Systems.