Building cyber resilience across a vast logistics network

Given the scale and complexity of your logistics network, what are the core pillars of your cybersecurity strategy today?

Considering the size and complexity of our logistics network, Blue Dart employs a sophisticated multi-layered strategy for protecting infrastructure and sensitive information across multiple IT systems. A key aspect of this strategy is the safeguarding of data and systems during and after critical and sensitive processes, especially during data generation and processing.

Strong compartmentalization and enforcement techniques achieve this. We employ persistent validation and strong enforcement of access policies, which mandate all internal users and systems to be authenticated and authorized. Proactive threat intelligence and incident readiness provide crucial value by engaging the cybersecurity arena and receiving relevant information prior to threats, enabling a swift response using established crisis management frameworks.

There is also a need to strike a compromise between innovation and compliance by aligning all corporate innovation with changing regulatory policies. Importance is given to the compliance outlined and understanding the privacy risks at play with public-facing information, focusing instead on advancing brand safety features.

Logistics companies have seen a sharp rise in ransomware incidents, targeting both large and mid-sized operators. These attacks can halt supply chains, disrupt port operations, and lead to significant financial losses.

A significant portion includes alerting staff and customers, targeting phishing and brandjacking. We provide them with security awareness training and can benchmark against our evaluations on training to refine the information and strategies used to better address these risks. We can also benchmark the data gathered from the internal audits and the campaigns to evaluate and improve on attempts made.

With over 9,000 terminals and a vast network of physical and digital endpoints, how do you manage risk at the edge—especially in areas like last-mile delivery, EV fleets, and mobile vendor access?

Managing risk at the “edge” of Blue Dart’s vast logistics network, which includes over 9,000 terminals, last-mile delivery, EV fleets, and mobile vendor access, is crucial.

To enable the management of cybersecurity risks across a 9,000+ terminal, last-mile delivery systems, EV fleets, and mobile vendor access edge network, we are utilizing a complete toolkit of abilities to assure we are on top of things. Real-time tracking and control towers provide 100% visibility to our entire network which is essential to identify and respond to deviations in real-time.

Last-mile applications through us are secure mobile apps with secure mobile applications and good multi-authentications and encryption that ensure data are protected all the way to the end, even in the deep roots of the last mile of delivery. Through our programs and initiatives, we have moved from relying on paper processes in a paper world to secure digital vendor portals, significantly diminishing security pathways weaken data and risks in route to the last mile.

For the EV fleets and mobile vendors, we are leveraging dynamic routing access controls, and geo-fencing capabilities that provide context into making route management both secure and efficient, while having nothing less than the basics of security in action in our users. For our ride share offerings, or mobile app offerings, regular training drills and threat and incident response mechanisms and processes that provide probabilities to improve on safeguarding our digital user assets, while improving our security posture in the physical realm with a ubiquitous edge on their user’s mobile act.

Our layered defence approach consists of endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, advanced threat intelligence feeds catered to logistics-related threats, and round-the-clock monitoring via a Security Operations Center (SOC).

Cyber threats targeting the logistics sector are growing, particularly ransomware and supply chain attacks. How is Blue Dart enhancing its threat detection and incident response capabilities

At Blue Dart, we are aware of the growing threat landscape in the logistics industry, especially the increase in supply chain attacks and ransomware. We’ve greatly improved our threat detection and incident response capabilities to stay ahead. Our layered defence approach consists of endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, advanced threat intelligence feeds catered to logistics-related threats, and round-the-clock monitoring via a Security Operations Center (SOC).

Behavioural analytics and anomaly detection have also been used to automate threat detection throughout our infrastructure. In order to guarantee quick containment and recovery, we have a formal playbook in place, regularly perform tabletop exercises, and work with national CERTs. We’ve tightened vendor risk assessments for our supply chain, mandated security attestations (such as ISO 27001), and consistently monitor third-party integrations for vulnerabilities. Ultimately, our goal is resilience — not just protection.

What kind of regulatory or compliance pressures do you face in securing customer data across national and cross-border logistics operations?

Since Some parts of our operations are cross-border, the logistics industry is subject to a complex web of regulatory and compliance pressures. Depending on the data we handle, and data protection laws like the GDPR in Europe and the DPDP Act in India. Regarding data residency, consent management, breach notification, and cross-border data transfers, every jurisdiction has different regulations.

We’ve addressed this by putting in place a unified data governance framework that guarantees compliance wherever data flows. To satisfy requirements for accountability and transparency, we employ data minimization techniques, role-based access controls, encryption both in transit and at rest, and audit trails. We also assess and monitor third-party data processors to ensure they meet the same standards. Our ultimate objective is to view data privacy as a fundamental component of customer trust, not just a legal requirement.

We use behavioural analytics and anomaly detection to automate threat detection. A formal playbook, regular exercises, and collaboration with CERTs ensure quick response. Strong vendor checks and third-party monitoring drive our goal: resilience.

Looking ahead, what are the most critical cybersecurity challenges in the logistics sector, and how is Blue Dart preparing for them?

Some of the critical cybersecurity challenges in India’s Logistics Sector are:

• Ransomware and Malware Attacks

Logistics companies have seen a sharp rise in ransomware incidents, targeting both large and mid-sized operators. These attacks can halt supply chains, disrupt port operations, and lead to significant financial losses.

• Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

India’s logistics sector is highly fragmented, with thousands of small and medium-sized operators. Attackers often exploit weaker cybersecurity practices among smaller partners to gain access to larger networks.

•  IoT and Fleet Management Risks

The rapid adoption of IoT devices for vehicle tracking, warehouse automation, and cargo monitoring has increased the attack surface. Logistics firms use legacy systems or low-cost IoT devices with minimal security, making them vulnerable to data breaches and operational sabotage.

To mitigate these challenges, at Blue Dart, we continuously strengthen our cybersecurity protocols, ensuring resilience against emerging digital threats while safeguarding operations across our network.

aanchalg@cybermedia.co.in