Mass events like the World Cup not only boost demand for products and services linked to e-commerce, but also open the door to greater exposure to digital attacks that can compromise entire logistics operations .

This was warned by Fidel Delgado , a technology and cybersecurity specialist at Salles Sainz Grant Thornton , who pointed out that the impact begins from the first link in the supply chain at the moment the user makes an online request.

“We are going to have a dangerous combination: high demand, operational urgency, and a brutal amount of bots and artificial intelligence generating fake or automated requests,” he explained.

Delgado emphasized that during events like the World Cup, attempts to automate purchases using bots increase , particularly for tickets, experiences, and high-demand products . This can lead to what are technically known as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks , where the server is overwhelmed by massive requests.

He recalled the recent case of ticket sales for an international match in Mexico, where the platform crashed due to demand, forcing the process to be temporarily suspended.

“The problem is not just that the system will crash; the biggest risk is that purchases will be made that cannot be fulfilled later,” he warned.

A supply chain with less predictability

Unlike other events, the next World Cup will take place in three countries, Mexico, the United States and Canada ; with different geopolitical, economic and social contexts, which complicates demand prediction models.

“Logistics planning is based on historical data and consumption cycles. But the current environment is completely different from what it was four years ago,” Delgado explained.

This creates greater uncertainty regarding inventory levels, maximum and minimum stock levels, warehouse capacity, and infrastructure availability. In the case of e-commerce , the pressure for immediate deliveries also increases operational risk.

“Today’s consumer wants to know when their product arrives and where it is at all times. If you don’t have traceability and real capacity, the promise becomes a vulnerability,” he noted.

One of the main risks identified is the prioritization of speed over safety .

Delgado explained that under agile development schemes, companies can implement rapid changes on digital platforms to respond to demand, but omit critical security testing in code and in dynamic environments.

“When there’s an emergency, systems are brought online without sufficient stress testing. A mistake in an update or a poorly coordinated patch can bring the entire operation to a standstill,” he said.

While the specialist acknowledged that there is greater investment in technology, he warned that many companies still see infrastructure as an expense and not as a strategic investment .

“The problem isn’t just having servers, but knowing if they can handle peak demand. How many simultaneous users can you serve? Do you have alternative infrastructure? Are your systems and firmware up to date ?” he asked.

Furthermore, he emphasized that logistics is increasingly dependent on digital systems such as sales platforms, tracking, inventory management, QR codes, and electronic payments. A disruption could halt deliveries, affect flights, block access, or compromise sensitive data.

To address the World Cup scenario, Delgado emphasized three fundamental pillars : constant support and return points, business continuity plans, and disaster recovery plans.

“No one can eliminate risk. What you can do is minimize it and know how long it takes to recover if something goes wrong,” he said.

The specialist recommended conducting business impact analyses, server stress tests, system crash simulations, and responsibility matrices to avoid dependence on a single key person.

“The most important thing is to test the plans before the event. If they aren’t tested, people will panic on the day of the incident. If they’ve already rehearsed, they know what to do,” he emphasized.

With the expectation of a significant increase in digital consumption, bookings and international mobility, the World Cup will not only be a sporting and commercial challenge, but also a test of technological resilience for the logistics sector.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn: @Jennifer Galindo / @GrupoT21

El cargo The World Cup will test logistical and digital resilience in the face of a wave of cyberattacks apareció primero en T21.

Digitalization and the use of cutting-edge technology have become a double-edged sword. The risk of cyberattacks has climbed the latent threat list for businesses in Mexico, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, and logistics.

In 2024, a KPMG study revealed that seven out of 10 organizations in Mexico consider cyberattacks to be the main risk that could significantly impact them in the short term.

Alejandra Olvera, director of the Financial Lines branch at HDI Global Mexico , points out in an interview with T21 that the most affected sectors have been health, technology, education and, increasingly, transportation and manufacturing , given the amount of sensitive information they handle and their critical role in supply chains.

For his part, Esaú Mendoza, Commercial Director and Business Development at Keeper Cargo Insurance , points out that the most common attacks in the logistics sector include ransomware , phishing , identity theft and manipulation of digital documents , where critical systems such as TMS, GPS, ERP or customs systems have become vulnerable points.

“Ninety-four percent of malware is transmitted via email. It’s estimated that around $17,700 is lost globally every minute due to phishing attacks,” Mendoza explains.

According to figures shared by Mendoza, more than 1.5 million cyberattack attempts occur daily in the country , with estimated economic losses of $3.8 million  per incident.

Furthermore, organized crime, former employees, digital activists, and even “tech hitmen” have been identified as the main perpetrators behind these attacks.

If you wish to continue reading this text, we invite you to consult the June 2025 edition of T21 magazine, clicking here to review the electronic version .

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El cargo Logistics, in the crosshairs of digital crime apareció primero en T21.

In the digital era, companies have undergone significant transformation thanks to the integration of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain. However, this evolution has also exposed them to new and sophisticated cyber threats, making cybersecurity a critical priority to protect global supply chains as they digitize.

Cybersecurity teams in Mexican companies are facing increased stress due to the growing sophistication of cyberattacks, a shortage of trained professionals in digital security, and lack of support from other areas.

However, this situation could be mitigated by the proper adoption of cybersecurity tools, services, and solutions designed to provide cyber intelligence skills to organizations.

“The increasing frequency of cyberattacks, exacerbated by Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), is not the only variable affecting the workload of professionals in this field. The adoption of inadequate cybersecurity solutions also plays a significant role,” stated Fernando Guarneros, Director of Operations at IQSEC.

According to the Latin America Cybersecurity State Survey 2024 by ManageEngine, 59% of executives and security professionals in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) experienced increased concern related to work in recent years, with the top three causes being the growing number of cybersecurity issues (53%), lack of support from other areas within the work environment (46%), and adoption of cybersecurity solutions that do not meet the organization’s needs (44%).

In this regard, Guarneros indicated that 65% of organizations reported experiencing successful attacks during 2023, emphasizing the need for cybersecurity allies to determine appropriate measures according to their needs.

Cyberintelligence, cyber patrolling, and digital forensic analysis

In response to the growing number of cyberattacks, cyberintelligence emerges as an essential solution to equip organizations with cyber patrolling and digital forensic analysis capabilities.

This allows them to detect both individual criminals and organizations engaged in fraud and crimes, as well as track their activities in open sources.

“Through monitoring on the internet, social networks, and the deep and dark web, organizations can identify the sale of sensitive and confidential information such as usernames, passwords, bank cards, customer databases, and corporate plans that may have leaked from their organizations and are being offered on the black market, as well as identify counterfeit and fraudulent websites for the illegal acquisition of personal data,” explained the specialist.

Likewise, he explained that forensic analysis uses specialized investigation techniques and technologies to determine if illegal events have occurred in computer systems.

“This solution goes deeper, as it will allow analyzing the root causes, the consequences that have occurred, the technique used, and finally, detecting and preventing cybersecurity weaknesses that have caused the attack or incident,” explained Fernando Guarneros.

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El cargo Cybersecurity, a priority for organizations. apareció primero en T21.

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has pointed out that by 2030 customs authorities will be immersed in the use of artificial intelligence (AI), but with risks.

Cyber ​​attacks have occurred around the world on foreign trade systems, resulting in million-dollar losses. Therefore, the use of technology is a double-edged sword and must be approached with caution, according to specialists in the field.

During the first edition of IAduana 2024: Innovation and Security in Foreign Trade, organized by the Latin American Confederation of Customs Agents (CLAA), John Willy, its president, emphasized that in the daily work of foreign trade, care must be taken to automate the functions of a customs agent, ensuring, among other things, a well-made customs declaration.

“In an increasingly interconnected and digitized world, the logistics and customs industry plays a crucial role. The efficiency and security of customs processes are essential to facilitate international trade and ensure the flow of goods. The implementation of AI and cybersecurity represent an unprecedented opportunity to optimize operations, combat smuggling, prevent fraud, and strengthen border security,” he said.

Mexico ranked first in cyber ​​attacks worldwide with 97% of companies affected at least once in 2023, according to the CyberEdge Group.

Jorge Moreno, an AI and cybersecurity specialist, stated in the presentation “AI in Customs Operations” that this is because there are no barriers in disruptive technologies, and the risk increases.

In addition, the panorama of companies certified in ISO 27001, certification in security management systems, shows that China has 30 thousand certified companies, Japan almost seven thousand, and Mexico almost 400.

This discouraging landscape highlights the need to manage risks with these technological tools, especially because in foreign trade, a large amount of information is shared among different actors that could be vulnerable to cybercriminals.

“One of the greatest assets is your information: suppliers, customers, customs, origin, costs, etc. The customs declaration is rich in information and the information is sent by email, without any confirmation, without any security, without encrypting the information,” Moreno emphasized.

He pointed out that criminals are becoming increasingly specialized, even by type of traffic in foreign trade, so he recommends having cyber resilience: anticipating by identifying critical assets and managing risks; resisting through controls; recovering with a remediation plan; evolving communication; and finally, continuous improvement.

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El cargo The use of AI in foreign trade, risk or threat? apareció primero en T21.