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Almost 30% of business executives have witnessed a significant surge in online breaches targeting their supply chains during the previous half-year, as recently reported digital attacks on well-known companies have underscored this growing risk to modern businesses.

Online security issues climb priority lists for supply chain executives

Cybersecurity threats have moved up the list of priorities for supply chain executives at numerous companies internationally across various sectors including production, power and tech, according to recent professional survey performed in early autumn.

High-profile security breaches result in significant financial losses

Recent security breaches at several major businesses have resulted in losses of tens of millions of pounds, transitioning online protection from being primarily the concern of digital security units to becoming a significant preoccupation for executive leadership and senior leaders.

The character of international commerce, how we consider worldwide distribution systems and the technological supply environment are increasingly connected,

stated a senior sector leader.

Global considerations compound supply chain anxieties

During previous months, procurement executives were particularly anxious about international tensions, including continuing conflicts in multiple regions, along with international tariff measures that weighed on global commerce.

However, digital security risks are now rivalling geopolitical shocks and trade disagreements as the main risk for organizations of worldwide commercial organizations.

Research reveals extensive consequences

The survey found that almost one-third of managers stated that organizations within their logistics networks had been attacked by security breaches in the past few months.

Significant automotive effects

One prominent automotive manufacturer experienced production shutdowns and was found itself incapable to manufacture cars for a full month, following a cyber-attack that required the business to turn off IT networks across multiple global facilities.

The financial consequences of this 30-day production shutdown at the United Kingdom's primary vehicle producer has been estimated at approximately 120 million pounds in foregone income, or one point seven billion pounds in missed sales, according to expert assessment from a commercial economics academic.

Recent global examples

During the autumn, a major Asian beverage company became the most recent organization to be compelled to stop production at its domestic factories following a cyber-attack.

The corporation, which operates several manufacturing plants in its home country producing alcoholic beverages and additional items, reported that its sales management systems, along with distribution activities and call center services, had been halted following a systems outage resulting from the digital intrusion.

Increasing connectivity creates weaknesses

Businesses are more and more assisted by external entities. Have disappeared the times of viewing an organization as an entity functioning in isolation.

Recent major digital breaches have acted as a strong reminder to organizations to devote funding to strong online protection systems, to protect their internal functions and retain customer confidence, leading them to analyze how their supply chains could become potential focus points for digital attackers.