Cybersecurity for logistics & transport
The chain keeps running. Even when someone hits “pause.”
The transport and logistics sector is the backbone of the Dutch economy – and precisely therefore an attractive target. One successful attack on a carrier, freight forwarder, or warehouse can directly affect an entire logistics chain.
ABN AMRO and TLN explicitly name transport and logistics as a vulnerable link for cyberattacks: high dependence on data, planning, and connections; limited security capacity; high pressure when systems go down. Meanwhile, SMEs – including many logistics service providers – are targeted more often than large companies.
That makes questions like NIS2 transport logistics, supply chain security Netherlands, and cybersecurity logistics chain suddenly very concrete.
> Regulation: NIS2 for logistics & chain partners
With NIS2 and the Dutch Cybersecurity Act, attention shifts from “a bit of security” to demonstrable digital resilience.
For major logistics hubs, terminals, port and air freight nodes, and certain (sub)service providers, this may mean they are classified as essential or important entities. Important:
- You must demonstrate that you manage risks – also in the chain.
- Incidents must be detected, reported, and evaluated.
- Chain and supplier risks (TMS/WMS, carriers, platforms, IT service providers) are explicitly included.
In short: “we have a firewall and once had a pentest” will no longer convince NIS2.
> Typical risks in logistics & transport
Chain full of connections
TMS, WMS, ERP, onboard computers, planning tools, customer portals, carriers, customs, marketplaces, 3PL/4PL: everything is connected to everything. Perfect playing field for supply-chain attacks.
Legacy + quick fixes
On-prem systems that “temporarily” stayed, Excel scripts, old SFTP/FTP servers, shared mailboxes for orders. Nobody has the complete overview.
Remote access & telematics
Onboard computers, scanners, terminals, and remote management tunnels to warehouses, cranes, or sorting installations. Often poorly protected or monitored.
People and processes
Planning under high pressure, drivers and warehouse workers who think “practically,” and finance processing large payments daily. Ideal mix for phishing, BEC, and invoice fraud.
Lack of incident & continuity plans
Many companies have no clear answer to: what do we do if TMS or WMS is down for 24 hours? Or if the customer portal is unreachable?
That is why supply chain security Netherlands in logistics is not just an IT topic, but a business risk.
> How Neo Security helps logistics & transport
We look at your environment from two sides: the attacker (how do we get in, how do we move through the chain) and the operator (what happens to planning, deliveries, and customers when things go wrong).
1. Chain & dependency analysis
We first map the digital chain:
- which systems are mission critical (TMS, WMS, ERP, portals, onboard computers);
- which connections exist with customers, carriers, terminals, and platforms;
- which data goes where (orders, customs info, track & trace, invoices);
- where “temporary” solutions exist (scripts, shared accounts, mailboxes).
From this follows a risk analysis of the logistics chain, with a clear priority list: where do you start to truly reduce risk?
More about defensive approach: defensive services and governance & compliance.
2. Pentests on portals, APIs, and logistics applications
Many vulnerabilities in the sector are found in customer and partner portals, API connections, and web apps for planning and docks:
- customer and partner portals (placing orders, tracking shipments);
- API connections between TMS/WMS/ERP and external parties;
- web apps for docks, slot booking, time slots, etc.
We perform targeted penetration testing and, where relevant, red teaming on:
- external portals (customer, carrier, partner);
- internal web apps for planning and warehouse;
- APIs between chain partners;
- authentication and authorisation flows (can we access someone else’s account/shipments?).
More about our offensive services: penetration testing and red team operations.
3. Secure data exchange & MFT
In logistics, enormous amounts of data flow back and forth daily: customs documents, waybills, labels, manifests, planning, EDI, invoices. Instead of loose scripts, unpatched (S)FTP servers, or email with attachments, we set up MFT.
- central MFT hub for all sensitive data flows;
- logging and auditing – useful for NIS2 and client contracts;
- less shadow IT, more control.
More about MFT: GoAnywhere MFT.
4. 24/7 monitoring & incident response
Attacks often happen outside office hours, while planning and warehouses keep running. That is why we set up monitoring and response that fits logistics:
- Managed SOC / Blue Team-as-a-Service with logistics use-cases: suspicious logins on portals, API abuse, unusual RDP/VPN movements, data dumps from TMS/WMS/ERP. More about SOC: managed SOC and Blue Team-as-a-Service.
- Incident Response when things go wrong: containment (which locations/systems do we lose?), forensics (what exactly happened?), recovery plan that accounts for ongoing shipments and SLAs. More about response: incident response
5. People & processes: phishing, BEC, and crisis exercises
Logistics runs on people who switch quickly. Attackers know that.
- Phishing and BEC simulations targeting planners, finance, customer service, and management (fake transport orders, “new bank account,” contract changes). More about phishing: phishing-as-a-service
- Tabletop exercises: what do we do during a ransomware attack on TMS? Who decides about shutting down or fallback? How do we communicate with customers and partners? More about exercises: tabletop exercises
This way, NIS2 becomes not a paper exercise, but something the entire organisation is prepared for.
> Why logistics organisations choose Neo Security
- We think in chains, not in isolated servers.
We look at the entire flow from order to delivery – and what happens when one link fails. - Engineers with practical experience.
No generic consultants, but people who have done infrastructure, automation, and integration projects themselves. - Not with fear, but with facts.
We show where you truly have gaps, what the impact is on planning and chain, and which measures have the most effect.
Our offensive power, your strongest defence - even when the chain cannot stop.
> Want to know how your logistics chain is doing?
One conversation is enough to determine whether a chain analysis, pentest, MFT review, or monitoring is the best first step. We look at your digital chain, NIS2 pressure, and the risks in your supply chain.