Insider Threats in Maritime and Logistics: From RMM to AI Risk

Picture this: a freight broker logs in to confirm a shipment. Minutes later, the load disappears, not because of a broken truck, but because of a hacker halfway across the world. This isn’t a scene from a cyber thriller. It’s the reality of modern cargo theft, where cybercriminals weaponize legitimate tools to infiltrate transportation networks.

Transportation has always been a high-value target for criminals. What was once a physical crime (stolen trucks, hijacked containers) has evolved into a cyber-physical threat. In our blog on the rising insider threat in the airline industry, we explored how complex ecosystems and privileged access create systemic risk. Those same dynamics are fueling attacks across maritime and logistics where trust, connectivity, and operational continuity intersect.

The expanding insider threat landscape

Cargo theft is no longer just a physical crime. Today, cybercriminals blend digital intrusion with real-world theft. Organized crime groups are leveraging Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools (legitimate software used for remote troubleshooting) to hijack dispatch systems, manipulate freight schedules, and steal cargo worth billions annually.

The attack chain is simple: 

• Social engineering and phishing lure victims.
• RMM tools are installed, granting attackers remote access.
• Credentials are harvested, operations are taken over, and security alerts are disabled.

This isn’t just a logistics problem. Airlines have faced similar tactics, with groups like Scattered Spider exploiting social engineering and multi-factor authentication (MFA) bypass techniques to compromise aviation systems.

Maritime operators are equally vulnerable. Recent cyberattacks on shipping lines have disrupted port operations and exposed sensitive cargo manifests. The April 2024 ransomware attack that crippled major ports worldwide highlighted how attackers exploit outdated systems and the convergence of IT and OT environments. These attackers caused hundreds of million in losses, rerouted vessels, and compromised navigation systems, making maritime cybersecurity now a frontline issue for global trade.

Why RMM abuse works 

RMM tools are legitimate, signed software (often whitelisted by IT teams). Their presence in daily workflows make them difficult to distinguish from standard operations, allowing attackers to operate under the radar. This abuse enables attackers to:

• Bypass traditional defenses by operating under trusted software contexts.
• Exfiltrate sensitive data or manipulate logistics workflows without detection.
• Blend in with normal activity, making behavioral anomalies the only reliable indicator.

Because these tools blend into daily operations, traditional security controls often fail to detect misuse. Behavioral visibility (not just perimeter defense) is critical to spotting these threats before they escalate.

The stakes 

The financial impact is staggering. With 90% of global trade moving via maritime routes and cargo theft costs exceeding $34 – 35 billion annually, the ripple effects hit global supply chains hard. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association estimates that if trucking were to stop, the United States would face catastrophic consequences within days: food shortages in just three days, gas stations running dry, and water supplies, hospitals, manufacturing, and banking grinding to a halt.

With such high stakes, regulatory bodies are responding:

• The International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandates cybersecurity risk management under its ISM Code.
• FAA and CISA advisories urge organizations to strengthen insider risk programs and monitor the use of remote access tools.

Beyond RMM: the AI factor

RMM abuse is just the beginning. As the industry adopts AI-driven solutions for route optimization, predictive maintenance, and autonomous operations, new risks emerge:

• Shadow AI: Employees using unauthorized AI tools to process sensitive data, bypassing governance and exposing proprietary information.
• Model Manipulation: Adversarial attacks on AI models used for predictive maintenance can cause false alerts or suppress warnings, leading to equipment failures and cascading supply chain disruptions.

Real incidents are already surfacing. The UN Security Council flagged malicious AI use as an emerging maritime threat in its May 2025 debate on global shipping security, citing risks from autonomous vessel manipulation and AI-driven spoofing of navigation systems.

What leaders can do

Securing transportation operations today means going beyond basic compliance and traditional defenses. Leaders should:

• Restrict and monitor RMM tool usage. Maintain an approved list and block unauthorized installations.
• Extend insider risk programs to vendors and contractors. Third-party access is often the weakest link.
• Implement behavioral intelligence for early detection. Look for deviations in normal user activity.
• Align with IMO and FAA cybersecurity guidelines. Compliance is the baseline, but behavioral monitoring is the key differentiator in setting organizations apart.

By taking these steps, organizations can quickly identify and contain threats, support secure digital and AI transformation, and build lasting trust with customers and partners.

Bringing it all together

Modern transportation security demands more than a traditional approach; it requires real-time behavioral intelligence. By continuously analyzing activity across endpoints, cloud, and networks, organizations can:

• Quickly identify misuse of trusted tools like RMM platforms.
• Confidently advance digital and AI initiatives without increasing risk.
• Proactively preserve customer and partner trust by safeguarding sensitive data and operations. 

A risk-adaptive approach empowers organizations to see risk sooner, understand it faster, and adapt in real time; whether it’s a rogue insider, a compromised contractor, or a hacker hiding behind a trusted tool.

DTEX equips transportation leaders with the knowledge to detect risk earlier, respond faster, and adapt with agility. To learn how DTEX can help reduce insider risk and prevent data loss, request a demo.