Criminals are becoming increasingly devious, as a recent incident shows in a shocking way. While a truck was rolling at full speed on the highway, thieves managed to plunder it during the journey. The target of the action was high-quality goods such as laptops and other electronic devices. An act that not only requires courage, but also precise planning and criminal ingenuity. However, attacks are not only becoming increasingly sophisticated on the road. In the digital world, too, cybercriminals’ methods are steadily increasing in complexity. This makes it all the more important to think about both physical and digital security measures together. This is precisely where the TAPA EMEA organization comes in.
TAPA EMEA (Transported Asset Protection Association – Europe, Middle East & Africa) is an international security organization focused on improving the security of transportation and supply chains. TAPA develops and promotes security standards for the logistics industry, in particular for the protection of valuable goods against theft and other risks.
TAPA EMEA offers:
- Security of transportation: TAPA helps to improve physical security measures for the transportation of valuable goods. Risk minimization against theft
- Competitive advantage: TAPA certification is a sign of high security standards. Builds trust with customers and partners
- Compliance: Many companies require their suppliers to comply with TAPA standards to ensure that their logistics processes meet the highest security requirements. Security guarantee for customers and partners
- Holistic security strategy: The integration of physical and digital security measures ensures comprehensive protection against threats, both on site and in the digital infrastructure. Digital infrastructure important to us
TAPA EMEA and cyber security:
Although TAPA is originally associated more with physical security, cyber security is increasingly playing a role in TAPA standards. In modern logistics, transport and warehouse data is often digitized and managed through networks and systems.
Relevance in cyber security
- Digital security in the supply chain: TAPA now also takes into account the protection of digital data, particularly in the context of telematics (a platform developed specifically by TAPA to exchange security data and share best practices), GPS systems and other digital tools used in transport logistics. These systems can be targeted by cyber attacks that compromise the security and integrity of the supply chain.
- Integration of IT security measures: TAPA requires companies not only to meet physical security standards, but also to implement IT security measures to protect against cyber threats, such as unauthorized access to logistics data and attacks on the network.
- Protection against “cyber theft”: As a result of the networking of transport processes, supply chain systems are also becoming the target of “cyber theft”. Criminals can penetrate the systems and steal valuable information or carry out manipulations.
CSS – Cyber Security Standard
TAPA EMEA offers 4 Supply Chain Security Standards:
- FSR – Facility Security Requirements
- TSR – Truck Security Requirements
- PSR – Parking Security Requirements
- CSS – Cyber Security Standard
The CSS (Cyber Security Standard) is a security standard specifically designed for cyber security in logistics. It defines how companies must protect their IT infrastructure and information security systems to minimize the risks of cyber attacks.
Key points
- Protection of IT infrastructure: Ensuring that all systems and networks used for logistics processes are protected against cyber attacks.
- Data encryption: Requirement to encrypt data, both in transit and at rest, to ensure sensitive information is protected.
- Access controls: Policies to ensure only authorized individuals have access to critical systems and data.
- Monitoring and audits: Regular monitoring of systems and audits to identify and address potential security vulnerabilities.
- Contingency planning and incident response: Guidelines for contingency plans and response strategies in the event of a cyber attack or security incident.
A SOC is becoming increasingly important for TAPA because it plays a central role in proactively identifying and responding to security threats. This enables companies to optimize their security strategies, efficiently implement TAPA standards, and minimize the risk of incidents in the global transport network.
Conclusion
The creativity and ruthlessness of criminal groups is constantly increasing – whether it’s daring thefts while driving on the highway or sophisticated cyberattacks on the internet. The boundaries between physical and digital crime are becoming increasingly blurred. This makes it all the more important to respond with modern security concepts. Security Operations Centers (SOC) play a central role here: they enable threats to be detected, analyzed and averted in real time – both digitally and in conjunction with physical security measures. In addition, initiatives such as TAPA EMEA provide valuable standards and guidelines for making logistics and supply chains more resilient. The future of security lies in the intelligent networking of both worlds.