In the fast-paced world of third-party logistics (3PL), warehouses rely on advanced technology to manage inventory, track shipments, and ensure seamless operations. However, with the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, the industry faces significant risks. Without robust security measures and reliable backup strategies, businesses can suffer from data loss, prolonged downtime, and financial setbacks.

The Growing Threat of Cyberattacks in 3PL

Cyberattacks are no longer rare—they are an escalating threat to logistics companies of all sizes. A single ransomware attack can lock businesses out of their systems, preventing them from processing orders, tracking shipments, or communicating with customers. The consequences can be severe, including financial losses, reputational damage, and customer dissatisfaction.

Cybercriminals target supply chains because logistics companies handle vast amounts of sensitive data. Common cyber threats include:

  • Ransomware & Malware Attacks – These attacks encrypt business data, demanding a ransom for restored access. Without proper backups, businesses may be forced to pay or risk permanent data loss.
  • Phishing & Social Engineering – Hackers manipulate employees into clicking malicious links, providing unauthorized access to critical systems.
  • Data Breaches – Unauthorized access to customer, inventory, or financial data can result in compliance violations, legal consequences, and reputational harm.

Without strong security measures, warehouses risk major disruptions, productivity losses, and corrupted data, potentially setting operations back by days or even weeks.

Strengthening Security in 3PL Operations

To protect against these threats, 3PL providers must implement comprehensive security protocols, including:

1. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Adding an extra layer of protection beyond passwords ensures unauthorized users cannot easily access systems. MFA should be mandatory for all employees accessing warehouse management systems (WMS).

2. Employee Cybersecurity Training

Human error is one of the biggest security risks. Regular training on identifying phishing attempts, using strong passwords, and avoiding suspicious downloads can drastically reduce the risk of an attack.

3. Regular Security Audits & Patch Management

Cybercriminals exploit outdated software. Ensuring that security patches and system updates are applied regularly closes vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

4. Network Segmentation & Firewalls

Separating critical systems from less secure ones prevents malware from spreading across an entire network. Firewalls should be in place to monitor and block suspicious traffic.

The Importance of Regular Backups

While strong security measures minimize risks, they do not eliminate them entirely. Reliable backups ensure quick recovery in case of an attack.

1. Daily Data Backups (Onsite & Offsite)

Essential data should be backed up daily, with at least one copy stored securely offsite. This safeguards against localized cyber threats and system failures.

2. Cloud-Based Disaster Recovery

A cloud-based recovery system enables businesses to restore operations quickly without relying on potentially compromised physical servers.

3. Regular Backup Testing

Simply having a backup isn’t enough—it must be tested regularly to ensure it functions properly when needed. Many companies fail to verify their backups, only realizing they are corrupted when it’s too late.

4. Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Planning

Warehouses should have a well-defined action plan for responding to cyber incidents. Who initiates recovery? How quickly can operations be restored? Answering these questions in advance ensures a smoother recovery process.

How MAVES Helps Secure 3PL Operations

At MAVES, we recognize the critical need for security, reliability, and uninterrupted operations in 3PL warehousing. Our flagship 3PL Management Suite, ViewPoint Logistics (VPL), is available in two deployment options:

1. On-Premise Installation

For 3PL businesses that prefer to maintain their own IT infrastructure, MAVES offers on-premise installation of VPL. While this option provides greater internal control, it also requires dedicated management of hardware maintenance, security, and backup strategies. Proper IT governance is essential to prevent downtime and security breaches.

2. Cloud-Based Installation – The Growing Industry Standard

Our most popular and rapidly growing solution is our cloud-based installation, which eliminates the burden of IT management. Hosted on Google Cloud, our cloud solution offers:

  • 99.9% Uptime Guarantee – Ensuring uninterrupted warehouse operations.
  • Enterprise-Grade Security – Google Cloud employs top-tier encryption, firewall protection, and DDoS mitigation to protect against cyber threats.
  • Automatic Backups & Disaster Recovery – Data is securely backed up multiple times a day, ensuring quick recovery in case of an incident.
  • No Hardware or IT Maintenance Required – MAVES handles all software updates, security patches, and server maintenance, reducing IT overhead.
  • Regular Software Updates – Ensuring 3PL businesses always have access to the latest security enhancements and system improvements.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Security Access – Adding an extra layer of security to protect against unauthorized system access.

By choosing MAVES’ cloud-based WMS, 3PL businesses significantly reduce their exposure to cyber threats while ensuring maximum system reliability and scalability.

Proactive Security: The Key to Business Continuity

Cyberattacks and system failures can occur at any time. The best defense is a proactive approach to security and data protection. Warehouses that implement strong security measures and reliable backups minimize risks, safeguard operations, and avoid costly downtime.

At MAVES, we help our clients stay ahead of cyber threats by offering a secure, cloud-based WMS with industry-leading uptime, automated backups, and enterprise-grade security.

Don’t wait for a cyberattack to disrupt your business. Contact MAVES today to learn how our cloud-based WMS can keep your warehouse running securely and efficiently.

Protect your data. Secure your business. Ensure continuity.