Rise of Cyber-Enabled Cargo Theft in the Logistics Sector

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting trucking and logistics companies through coordinated digital intrusions that lead to real-world cargo theft and payment diversion. Researchers have identified a significant rise in cyber-enabled freight theft, with losses in North America projected to reach $6.6 billion by 2025. This trend highlights the growing sophistication of cyberattacks aimed at disrupting supply chains and generating illicit profits.

Researchers Warn, Logistics Companies Face New Cyber Threat As Cargo Theft Grows

Recent investigations revealed that attackers have been employing remote access campaigns to infiltrate logistics operations. In a notable incident in late February 2026, a malicious payload was executed within a controlled environment managed by Deception.pro partners. This compromised environment remained exposed for over a month, allowing researchers to observe the attackers' activities and tools. The group, active since June 2025, has been linked to organized crime, specifically targeting food and beverage shipments.

Researchers Warn, Logistics Companies Face New Cyber Threat As Cargo Theft Grows

On February 27, 2026, attackers breached a load board platform, disseminating emails to carriers that advertised fake shipping jobs. These emails contained a malicious VBS file that initiated a PowerShell script, which installed ScreenConnect for remote access while masquerading as a legitimate agreement.

Researchers Warn, Logistics Companies Face New Cyber Threat As Cargo Theft Grows

Once inside the targeted systems, attackers focused on maintaining long-term access by deploying multiple remote management tools, including ScreenConnect, Pulseway, and SimpleHelp. They utilized a method known as signing-as-a-service to create stealthy instances of ScreenConnect, allowing them to bypass detection mechanisms. Their activities included checking accounts on platforms like PayPal and using custom tools to extract cryptocurrency wallet data, which was then sent to Telegram.

Researchers Warn, Logistics Companies Face New Cyber Threat As Cargo Theft Grows

Researchers reported that the attackers employed over a dozen PowerShell scripts to gather extensive information about their victims. This included profiling user data, browser history, and access to banking and logistics platforms. The scripts were designed to operate with SYSTEM privileges, enabling them to scan for valuable services and store data in hidden folders.

Researchers Warn, Logistics Companies Face New Cyber Threat As Cargo Theft Grows

The findings underscore a broader trend in which attackers exploit legitimate trust mechanisms to evade detection. The focus on financial fraud and cargo diversion poses significant risks for transportation and logistics organizations. Experts emphasize the need for these companies to remain vigilant against unauthorized remote management tools, suspicious PowerShell activity, and unusual browser telemetry linked to financial platforms.

Researchers Warn, Logistics Companies Face New Cyber Threat As Cargo Theft Grows

Critics highlight the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals and the challenges faced by logistics firms in safeguarding their operations. The reliance on digital systems makes these organizations vulnerable to attacks that can have severe financial repercussions. As cybercriminals refine their tactics, there is growing concern about the potential for widespread disruption in the logistics sector.

Researchers Warn, Logistics Companies Face New Cyber Threat As Cargo Theft Grows

• “They know the transportation industry really, really well for sure, and know how to target that particular space. But they're also cybercriminals, and they're looking for any way that they can monetize a workstation that they've landed on,” — Ole Villadsen, Researcher

Report sheds light on cargo hackers’ post-compromise activity

The rise of cyber-enabled cargo theft represents a significant threat to the logistics industry, necessitating enhanced security measures and awareness to combat these evolving cyber threats.

Researchers Warn, Logistics Companies Face New Cyber Threat As Cargo Theft Grows