By Paul Matthew, Global Cold Chain Alliance Director for Africa
In Africa and around the world, logistics businesses are making excellent use of connected technologies, web- based systems and tech integration as the foundations of their operations and relationships.
Over the past two decades the cold chain has been transformed by the connected technologies and systems that are now in widespread use. As we will explore at the GCCA Africa Cold Chain Conference 2025 in Durban in August, AI is set to bring our industry a new raft of exciting and transformational opportunities. By maximising operational and energy efficiency, enhancing crucial food supply chain resilience and improving services, connected technologies are enabling cold chain operators in Africa to grow their businesses and play an even greater part in the availability of safe, quality, affordable food.
As we apply new technologies, we must always be mindful that progress and change also creates potential new opportunities for cyber criminals. Cyberattacks on businesses and organisations in Africa continue to become increasingly sophisticated, severe and frequent. Interpol estimated in 2021 that the financial impact of cybercrime for the continent equated to around 10% of Africa’s total GDP, and the issue has grown since then. High profile examples from recent years include the cyber-attack that disrupted Transnet’s Ports of Cape Town and Durban in 2021, and the major cyber- attack in 2023 that rendered Kenya’s crucial government services platform (eCitizen) inaccessible.One of the greatest current cyber threats for many sectors, including temperature-controlled storage and distribution businesses, are ransomware attacks. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that prevents a business from accessing its own systems and can steal, delete or encrypt data. A payment is usually demanded to unlock the systems or return the data. This type of cyberattack can completely incapacitate its target organisation, and there is added risk of a second extortion where the stolen data is sold on to someone else who demands their own ransom not to release it.
Research from global cyber security firm Check Point found that, on average, in the first quarter of 2023 one out of every 15 organisations in Africa experienced a ransomware attempt every week. Businesses in logistics are attractive targets to ransomware criminals, as incapacitating one logistics business can create disruption across the whole supply chain.
A cold chain business which suffers a ransomware attack can expect to be totally unable to operate. The downtime is significant, often upwards of a full week. Once the attack has ended, a business’ recovery requires a comprehensive process of identifying and isolating infected files and systems, removing the virus, restoring operations and recovering data. The frustration and disruption are often exacerbated by other impacts such as the potential loss of sensitive material, reputational damage and the financial loss of paying the ransom if that is the decision taken.
With a significant chance of being targeted at some point, how a business has protected itself and prepared for this scenario can make a considerable difference to the outcome.
Maximising protection makes it more difficult for criminals to access the business’ systems in the first place. Actions to take now – and to repeat on a regular basis – include:
- Conducting a security audit and threat analysis
- Ensuring the latest system updates are activated, and
- Installing strong network security measures like intrusion detection systems and firewalls that monitor and prevent unauthorised access
In addition, advanced data encryption technologies can increase security of sensitive data. Data should be backed up off-site regularly, with a robust data recovery plan in place. Employees should be given information and training on cybersecurity. Businesses can also consider working with a cyber security provider who can monitor systems. Cyber liability insurance is available but it can be an expensive option.
Connected technologies are central to modern temperature-controlled logistics, and fundamental to the cold chain’s thriving, efficient and sustainable future. As businesses invest in new technologies, systems and programs, investing in the latest cyber-security protections, training and crisis response capabilities is a critical part of the program.