By: Americas Forwarding Editorial Team January 20, 2026

2026 has begun with a clear warning for the North American logistics sector: a company’s most valuable assets no longer just travel inside the trailer—they live on the servers managing the operation. So far this January, ransomware attacks on global supply chains have surged by 15% compared to last year (according to Cybersecurity Ventures), proving that physical security is no longer enough without a robust digital shield.

At Americas Forwarding, we understand that our clients’ trust depends on our ability to protect not only their cargo but also the strategic information that moves with it. In this article, we analyze why cybersecurity is the #1 priority on the 2026 logistics agenda.

1. The Risk of Total Visibility

Digitalization has given us incredible tools: we can track a unit within centimeters and monitor cargo temperature in real-time. However, in the wrong hands, this “total visibility” is a roadmap for organized crime.

In 2026, the concept of “Silent Logistics” has become vital. At Americas Forwarding, we implement military-grade encryption protocols for our tracking communications, aligned with ISO/IEC 27001 international standards. This ensures that only authorized parties have access to fleet locations, preventing hackers from intercepting signals to plan physical hijackings. Today, security starts in the code, not just on the road.

2. Digital Documentation and Data Integrity

With the massive implementation of digital manifests and AI-linked customs documentation, data integrity is a critical legal matter for cross-border trade. Any attack that alters records of origin, destination, or commodity type can result in massive fines or cargo seizures by authorities like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

In 2026, we are seeing the rise of Blockchain in Transportation. Americas Forwarding is investing in systems where every trip event—from loading to delivery—creates an immutable record. This not only prevents internal fraud but also streamlines audits, ensuring that the information seen by authorities is exactly what was generated at dispatch.

3. The Human Factor: Training Against Phishing

Even with the best firewalls in the world, the weakest link remains human access. “Logistics Phishing”—fake emails mimicking clients or customs brokers—is becoming increasingly sophisticated.

The cybersecurity culture at Americas Forwarding dictates that every employee is a security monitor. We recommend always verifying sender authenticity using tools and guidelines provided by the CISA (Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency). In 2026, knowing how to identify a suspicious link is as important for a driver as checking the brakes before a steep grade.

4. Operational Resilience: What if the System Goes Down?

The true test of a logistics provider in 2026 isn’t just avoiding an attack, but how fast they can recover. Operational resilience is our top priority. We utilize cloud-based backups with geographic redundancy.

In a world where trade never stops, a two-hour digital blackout can cost millions in lost production lines. For Americas Forwarding, business continuity is a non-negotiable promise, following the supply chain resilience best practices outlined by the Department of Commerce.

Americas Forwarding Recommendations for Your Cargo in 2026:

To ensure your supply chain remains impenetrable this year, we suggest following these steps:

• Logistics Partner Audit: Ensure your freight forwarders hold up-to-date information security certifications.

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA across all platforms where you view your shipment tracking.

• Digital Emergency Protocol: Have a clear action plan for how you and your carrier will communicate if primary systems fail.

• Software Updates: Never operate with obsolete logistics management systems; old vulnerabilities are the primary entry point for today’s attacks.

Conclusion: The Future is Secure or It Isn’t

2026 logistics is a high-tech industry. At Americas Forwarding, we are proud to lead this transition toward smarter and, above all, safer transportation. Because we know that, at the end of the day, what our clients seek is peace of mind.

Is your supply chain vulnerable to a digital attack? At Americas Forwarding, we don’t just move your freight; we protect your data. Contact us today to learn about our advanced security protocols for 2026.