The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a new alert regarding an alarming rise in cyber-enabled cargo theft. Hackers are increasingly targeting brokers and carriers with sophisticated tactics, posing a significant threat to the logistics industry.
Emerging Threats in Cargo Theft
This warning from the FBI aligns with previous observations by cybersecurity firm Proofpoint in late 2025. Around the same period, the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) alerted the logistics sector about a shift from traditional cargo theft to high-tech heists.
In 2025, cyber-enabled cargo theft resulted in losses exceeding $700 million, marking a 60% increase from the previous year. Criminal groups have focused their efforts on high-value goods, contributing to this substantial financial impact.
Techniques Employed by Cybercriminals
The FBI has identified that hacker-enabled cargo theft has been ongoing since at least 2024. Attackers employ various tactics, including phishing emails, fake websites, malware deployment, and remote access tools to infiltrate company systems.
Typically, attackers initiate their schemes by sending emails that appear to be routine business communication to shipping brokers. These emails contain links to malicious sites that deliver malware and remote access software, giving hackers full control of the company’s internal networks.
How Cybercriminals Exploit the System
Additionally, these criminals exploit trucking load boards where freight postings are made. By compromising broker accounts, they post fraudulent listings, enticing legitimate carriers to download malware and subsequently gain system access.
Once they have access, cybercriminals use stolen identities to bid on valuable shipments. They even manipulate federal databases to update insurance and contact information, enhancing their credibility.
After securing a contract, criminals engage in illegal double-brokering, hiring unsuspecting drivers to collect goods. These goods are then quickly moved or transferred to complicit carriers to be sold on the black market.
In some cases, the stolen cargo is held for ransom, with demands made to the original broker for information on the location of the goods.
Protective Measures and Indicators
The FBI has outlined indicators for companies to identify potential targeting. These include unexpected contact about shipments, suspicious email addresses, requests for downloads via questionable links, and unauthorized email rules like forwarding or auto-deletion.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, staying informed and vigilant is crucial for businesses in the logistics and transportation sectors to safeguard against these sophisticated cybercriminal activities.
