IT Security in Logistics: Why IAM Is Important for Logistics Companies

The logistics industry plays a crucial role in modern economy. With the steady growth of e-commerce and increasing globalization, the demands on the logistics industry have become much greater. Companies must be able to manage complex, global networks of warehouses, transportation and IT systems to meet customer demand while remaining competitive.

In this dynamic and challenging environment, the issue of security is becoming critically important. Although the increasing digitalization and the networking of logistics processes open up numerous opportunities to enhance efficiency, they also pose considerable risks. Cyberattacks, data loss and unauthorized access to sensitive information can have serious consequences. Therefore, logistics companies must implement robust security measures to protect their IT infrastructure and sensitive data.

This is where Identity and Access Management (IAM) comes into play.

IAM systems provide comprehensive solutions to control access to critical resources and ensure that only authorized individuals have access to important information and systems.

By implementing an effective IAM solution such as Garancy®, logistics companies can not only improve their cyber hygiene, but also increase the efficiency of their processes and ensure compliance with legal regulations such as NIS1, NIS2 and KRITIS. In addition, Garancy® guarantees transparency and traceability by documenting authorization changes, which also supports companies in audit situations.

The logistics industry is an appealing target for cyber attacks as it manages a large amount of sensitive data and critical systems. Attacks on logistics companies can have devastating consequences, ranging from business disruption to significant financial losses and reputational damage.

Garancy® helps to minimize these threats by ensuring that only authorized persons have access to sensitive data and systems when they need it. The documentation of authorization changes is another essential function.

Logistics companies must comply with a variety of legal regulations and industry standards to ensure the protection of personal data and internal company information. Regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and various ISO standards require strict controls over data access.

Effective Identity and Access Management helps to meet these compliance requirements by providing the necessary controls and protocols to manage and monitor user access. This not only facilitates compliance, but also reduces the risk of penalties and legal consequences.

Managing user access in a large and diverse logistics company with a global presence is a complex and time-consuming job. Without a centralized IAM system, it can easily lead to incorrect assignments of permissions and an accumulation of too many access rights. IAM automates many of these processes and ensures that people have the right access rights at the right time, following the principle of least privilege. This improves both security and efficiency by reducing the need for manual intervention and associated errors.

An Identity Access Management system provides a comprehensive solution to address the complex challenges of the logistics industry.

Heterogeneous infrastructure

Logistics companies often have a diverse IT landscape with different operating systems, networks, third-party tools or in-house developed solutions. The historically evolved complexity of IT infrastructures results in organizational diversification.

It gets even more complex with new locations in countries outside the EU, where other standards and norms apply. Furthermore, logistics companies often work with subcontractors or assign orders to third parties, which further increases the complexity of access management.

Garancy® provides centralized user access management, regardless of location, and offers an interface in English, German, French and Spanish. Upon request, the IAM solution can also be translated into other languages. This ensures that security policies are applied consistently across all locations and facilitates the rapid provisioning, modification and deactivation of access rights. Central management through a single IAM tool also helps to efficiently control access from subcontractors and third-party providers, minimizing the risk of security breaches.

Global presence with multiple locations and languages

Organizations with a global presence need to manage access to their systems and data worldwide, often dealing with diverse languages.

Garancy® provides centralized user access management, regardless of location, and offers an interface in English, German, French and Spanish. Upon request, the IAM solution can also be translated into other languages. This ensures that security policies are applied consistently across all locations and facilitates the rapid provisioning, modification and deactivation of access rights.

Use of various programs and applications

The use of numerous applications, including customized industry solutions and in-house developments, increases the complexity of access management. Garancy® makes it possible to manage rights and roles centrally and comes with a variety of so-called connectors to control access management in programs and applications for you. In addition to these preconfigured connectors, you can also control applications that have been individually created for your company, for example.

Different procedures and processes within the organization

A lack of standardized processes can lead to inconsistencies and security gaps. Garancy® helps to implement standardized access processes and ensure that all users are subject to the same security guidelines. This promotes a uniform and transparent approach within the organization and minimizes the risk of errors.

Pressure to perform

Automation and process optimization are decisive factors when it comes to reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Garancy® automates many access management aspects, such as creating, updating and deactivating user accounts. For example, if a decision is made to no longer work with a dispatcher, access rights can be revoked immediately. This reduces manual effort, lowers administration costs and speeds up processes – and contributes positively to your company’s cyber hygiene.

High quality requirements from customers

Customers, especially from regulated sectors such as the automotive or arms industry, place high demands on the security and quality of their supply chain. Logistics companies are an essential part of this supply chain and some of them belong to Critical Infrastructures (KRITIS) themselves.

Garancy® supports the fulfillment of such demands by implementing comprehensive security measures and guidelines based on the “Need to Know” principle. By controlling and logging access rights, companies can provide proof that they meet applicable standards.

ISO certification

Achieving and maintaining ISO certification requires strict security and management processes. IAM systems provide the tools and protocols necessary to meet the requirements of ISO standards. By centrally managing and monitoring user access, Garancy® enables compliance with certification requirements and facilitates audits and inspections.

Let’s strengthen your company’s cyber resilience together. Regardless of whether you use standard applications or self-developed solutions: With Garancy® you control access rights centrally and are perfectly prepared for recertifications and audits. Simply get in touch with us to work out your specific requirements for an IAM system.