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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