Transport sector faces rising cyber risks amid AI boom

A new industry survey has highlighted ongoing challenges with networking and security for companies in the transportation and logistics sector, as they navigate increasing IT complexity and adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

The survey, conducted by GatePoint Research, gathered responses from senior executives in transportation and logistics, revealing a focus on simplifying their network environments, achieving stronger security, and improving performance. With the research published by Aryaka, the findings point to mounting pressures on companies as they manage hybrid IT infrastructure and shifts toward cloud-based and AI-enabled solutions.

Driving transformation

Transportation and logistics companies are in a period of rapid digital transformation, typically operating a mix of physical and digital infrastructure that spans warehouses, fleets, air and sea transport, and real-time management systems. The trend towards more connected, cloud-enabled, and AI-integrated operations is resulting in greater network complexity and increased cybersecurity risk.

The survey responses indicate that the most significant networking and security priority over the coming year is simplifying and decreasing network costs. 70% of executives listed cost control as their main objective, followed by 57% who seek enhanced network performance and visibility, and 51% attempting to reduce the workload on internal IT teams. These figures illustrate a desire for operational efficiency and better insight into security and network performance without increased manual oversight.

Cybersecurity and cost hurdles

The survey also found cybersecurity to be the top daily networking challenge, with 81% of respondents naming it as their biggest concern. Cost-effective network modernisation was the second highest daily challenge (62%), while 60% reported problems caused by understaffed IT teams.

When asked about key security threats, 77% of participants pointed to ransomware and malware as their primary concern. Additional challenges cited included enforcing security policies (66%) and managing remote access control (64%).

The investigation further revealed that only 28% of organisations have started implementing solutions to counter GenAI-related network and security threats, while more than half (56%) are still evaluating or unprepared for such risks. This suggests that many companies are still coming to terms with the new threats introduced by AI.

Embracing hybrid IT

Most transportation and logistics companies are operating hybrid IT environments, with 74% stating that they use a combination of private data centres and public cloud resources. This hybrid approach is increasing the need for flexible and robust network solutions. Additionally, most organisations are currently in the process of migrating legacy applications to the cloud, adding to the complexity of their digital transformation efforts.

The findings echo those in Aryaka's own research in the manufacturing industry, showing common priorities like cost management and visibility. However, transportation and logistics respondents showed a stronger emphasis on mobility and remote access, as well as slightly less readiness for GenAI adoption compared to manufacturing.

Calls for a new approach

"To gain agility and accommodate rapidly evolving supply chains, transportation and logistics enterprises are relying more on hybrid IT, highly distributed cloud deployments and GenAI. But these technologies are introducing new network performance, security and visibility challenges that the sector hasn't been equipped to effectively manage with legacy infrastructure," said Ken Rutsky, Chief Marketing Officer at Aryaka. "The industry needs to modernise their approach to networking to mitigate these challenges and successfully move their businesses into the future. Solutions such as Aryaka Unified SASE as a service provides the best path forward via network and security convergence, giving transportation and logistics firms enhanced network performance, security, and observability at scale across their highly distributed, hybrid environments."

Industry perspective

The report also features perspectives from organisations in the sector, including Cathay Pacific. Rajeev Nair, General Manager of IT Infrastructure and Security at Cathay Pacific, commented on their own approach:

"Aryaka's Unified SASE solution and managed services will support Cathay's growth as network demand increases, while allowing us to remain agile and secure in the process. As we continue to rebuild our business, we need a partner that could have an impact on our network and security, limit downtime and interruptions, and give us the flexibility to expand our network and bandwidth with less lead time."

The survey underscores how rising connectivity, the adoption of cloud and AI, and increasing cyberthreats are shaping technology priorities for transportation and logistics organisations. The demand for improved network performance, greater security, and better visibility continues to direct investment and strategic decision-making across the sector.