How to Ensure Security in Freight Forwarding
If your company deals with exports and imports, you already know that data security during freight forwarding is crucial for the success of your business. A slight data breach can cost you millions of dollars and reputation damage, which may be hard to retrieve.
Unfortunately, with the ever-changing digital world, cyber attackers are always coming up with new ways to hack into data systems, putting your company at greater risk. Luckily, hiring a reputable freight forwarder in Sydney who offers transparent freight quotes and follows the best practices to ensure data security can help get your cargo in and out of the state without any hassle.
Wondering what are some of the best practices that ensure data security? That’s precisely what this article aims to uncover. Stick around to learn more!
Data Security Protocols in Freight Forwarding Industry
Document Confidentiality
Shipping documents such as interstate freight quotes hold a lot of sensitive information that can be used against you by competitors or, even worse, facilitate theft. How, you may ask? Most shipping documents will mainly contain all the information about your business, the products, prices, and customers. With your competitors accessing such information, they can get a hold of your customers and offer them better deals.
At On Time Freight Management, we ensure all our shipping documents, whether freight quotes or arrival notices, are delivered to you confidentially. Moreover, we have strict access control policies to ensure that only authorised personnel have access to such sensitive information.
Encrypted Cloud-Based Data Storage Systems
Freight forwarding in Sydney involves a lot of documentation processes, from customs declaration bills of lading to certificates of origin. Having loads of such printed documents makes it easy for anyone to access the information or misplace some documents. And this is where encrypted cloud-based data storage systems come into play.
Most interstate freight transport companies will have your data stored in a centralised cloud-based system. This implies that only the personnel needed with the correct encryption key can access the information. Also, the cloud system makes it easy to retrieve lost data, saving companies time and money.
Use of Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems
Firewalls and intrusion detection systems provide a layered approach to protection. Let’s get technical here for a minute. A cyber attacker may be able to bypass one layer of your network; however, with your data storage system having significant tools like firewalls and intrusion detection systems, automatically, your network adds another layer that prevents unauthorised access between computer networks.
Freight forwarding companies in Sydney employ firewalls and intrusion detection systems to ensure that only authorised personnel have access to sensitive information, including freight quotes. These security network tools also help them detect and monitor suspicious activity, preventing data breaches.
Comprehensive Employee Training and Awareness
Let’s be honest, there are lots of incidents of theft that occur in oversize load trucking companies due to a lack of knowledge or neglect from employees. For example, some employees from the supply chain security may allow an unknown driver out of a warehouse without verifying the identity. Employee training and awareness help prevent such avoidable incidents.
Freight forwarding industries are now taking employee training seriously. Regardless of the designation, every employee should understand the risks associated with data breaches and on-site theft. They should also know what procedures should be followed in the event of data breaches or theft. This will ensure that all matters are acted upon promptly, preventing significant losses.
Strict Access Control Policies
Cyber attacks aren’t always from the outside; data breaches can also occur within the freight forwarding company. This is more likely to happen if every employer can easily access sensitive information. Implementing strict access control can help ensure that only authorised personnel have access to sensitive data.
On Time Freight Management uses a role-based access control (RBAC) to assign permissions based on job roles and responsibilities. This ensures all the data, including any freight quotes, is utilised for its intended use, minimising the risks of data leaks.
Now that you have a grasp of the security data protocols used in freight forwarding industries, are you ready to make that shipment? If yes, trust On Time Freight management to handle all your shipment needs with ease. Whether oversized load trucking or interstate freight transport, On Time Freight guarantees you will receive your full shipment as indicated in the freight quotes.
Here at On Time Freight, we are committed to providing you with optimum security at every step of the way, from the logistics loading to the delivery. We aim to surpass your expectations and earn your trust. If you don’t know where to begin your shipment journey, get in touch with our friendly professionals, and we will be happy to help!