Threat Overview

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybercrime, a new and sophisticated threat vector has emerged that specifically targets the trucking and logistics sector. According to a recent AlienVault threat report published on 2025‑11‑03, cybercriminals are exploiting remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools to infiltrate the networks of transportation companies, gain control over their systems, and orchestrate large‑scale cargo theft. This report consolidates evidence from multiple campaigns dating back to June 2025 and highlights the alarming rise of this multi‑million‑dollar criminal enterprise.

Attack Landscape

The attackers employ a multi‑stage approach that begins with the delivery of seemingly legitimate RMM applications such as ScreenConnect, SimpleHelp, and PDQ Connect. These tools are commonly used by IT departments for legitimate remote support, making them attractive as a first‑stage payload. Once installed, the RMM software provides the attackers with full administrative control over the compromised machine, allowing them to pivot across the network, exfiltrate data, and manipulate critical business processes.

From there, the threat actors target three key vectors:

• Load Board Compromise: Attackers infiltrate online platforms that manage freight assignments, injecting malicious code or hijacking sessions to manipulate shipment bids.
• Email Thread Hijacking: By compromising employee accounts or phishing victims, the criminals intercept email communications related to cargo manifests, allowing them to alter shipment details or redirect freight to their own accounts.
• Direct Email Campaigns: Targeted phishing emails containing malicious attachments or links lure employees into installing the RMM tools or revealing credentials.

Once inside the network, the attackers use the RMM foothold to place backdoors, modify routing tables, and gain visibility into cargo manifests. They then bid on shipments through the compromised load board, secure the cargo, and transport it to secondary destinations for resale. This method leverages the digital transformation of the logistics industry, where many companies rely on cloud‑based platforms and remote access solutions.

Impact Assessment

For trucking and logistics companies, the ramifications are severe:

• Financial Losses: Direct theft of cargo, loss of revenue, and increased insurance premiums.
• Reputational Damage: Public perception of a company’s inability to secure its operations can lead to client churn.
• Regulatory Exposure: Non‑compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) if customer data is compromised.
• Operational Disruption: Interference with scheduling, routing, and inventory systems can halt delivery pipelines.

Given that the threat has been active for at least nine months and has seen nearly two dozen campaigns in the last two months alone, the industry faces a persistent and evolving risk.

Recommendations for Security Analysts

Security teams should adopt a layered defense strategy that addresses both the technical and human factors of this threat:

1. RMM Tool Hardening: Limit the use of third‑party RMM solutions to trusted vendors. Apply least‑privilege access controls, enforce MFA for all RMM accounts, and monitor RMM usage logs for anomalous activity.
2. Network Segmentation: Isolate critical logistics and load board systems from the rest of the corporate network. Use micro‑segmentation to prevent lateral movement from compromised workstations.
3. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Deploy EDR solutions that can detect abnormal RMM tool behavior, such as unauthorized remote sessions or persistence mechanisms.
4. Phishing Awareness Training: Conduct regular, role‑specific phishing simulations focusing on supply‑chain and logistics scenarios. Reinforce the importance of verifying email senders and attachments.
5. Load Board Security: Implement multi‑factor authentication for all load board access, monitor for unauthorized bid changes, and use integrity checks on manifest data.
6. Incident Response Playbook: Update playbooks to include procedures for rapid isolation of compromised RMM sessions, forensic analysis of cargo data, and coordination with law enforcement agencies.
7. Threat Intelligence Sharing: Subscribe to industry‑specific threat feeds and collaborate with peers in the transportation sector to share indicators of compromise (IOCs) related to RMM tools and phishing campaigns.

By integrating these controls, analysts can reduce the attack surface, detect intrusions earlier, and mitigate the financial and operational impact of cargo theft.

Conclusion

The convergence of digital transformation and cybercrime has given rise to a sophisticated threat that leverages legitimate remote access tools to orchestrate large‑scale cargo theft. The evidence presented by AlienVault underscores the urgency for trucking and logistics organizations to strengthen their security posture, particularly around RMM usage and supply‑chain operations. Proactive measures, continuous monitoring, and collaboration across the industry will be essential to counter this evolving menace.