The global supply chain faces growing disruptions, with warehouses – which are a critical link – vulnerable to both operational setbacks and cyberattacks. The latest report by Ivanti, ‘Supply Chain and Warehouse Trends in 2024 and Beyond’, highlights the impact of cyber security lapses on warehouse resilience and the broader supply chain.
The research reveals that social engineering and software vulnerabilities each account for 32% of warehouse cyberattacks, with devices contributing 19%. These breaches can cause severe operational downtime, financial losses, and reputational damage. Hackers may also exploit warehouses’ vast data stores to access sensitive customer information, eroding trust and loyalty.
Despite these threats, only 58% of supply chain managers identify cyber security as a top concern, and 13% do not see it as a concern at all. This complacency puts supply chains at significant risk, particularly as modernisation and IoT adoption expand.
Daren Goeson, SVP Product Management, Unified Endpoint Management at Ivanti, warned: “The supply chain industry has been slow to adapt to the evolving cyber security landscape. With the rise of warehouse modernisation, the proliferation of IoT devices, and the growing rate of cyber criminals targeting this industry, the risk of damaging cyberattacks has significantly increased. Without adaptation, the supply chain industry won’t have the resilience needed to address looming threats,”
Findings from the report
Budget priorities and the cyber security gap
Supply chain managers focus on sourcing and procurement (41%), workforce productivity (40%), automation technologies (39%), and lowering operating costs (39%). However, none of these priorities can function effectively during a significant cyberattack, highlighting the need to integrate cyber security into overarching strategies.
Modern warehouses as disruption buffers
Workers value technology-equipped warehouses that can automate repetitive tasks and enhance productivity. Yet only 39% of managers view modern devices as critical for recruitment and retention. Automation solutions such as robotics are also seen as key to addressing workforce shortages, with 35% identifying them as a promising tool.
Methodology
Ivanti’s 2024 survey involved 800 supply chain professionals across the US, UK, France, and Germany, spanning warehouses, manufacturing, and supply chain settings.
The report underscores the urgency for the supply chain sector to prioritise cyber security as part of its response to disruptions, ensuring operational resilience in an increasingly digitised and vulnerable landscape.
