Cybersecurity and International Trade: Avoiding Digital Trade Risks

Jul 14, 2022 - 11:02 AMAuthor - Emerio Banque

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Ever since the global pandemic exposed the flaws of paper-based traditional international trade finance processes, most organizations have made efforts to shift their business processes to digital platforms. Trade parties like importers, exporters, or supply chain finance providers, no matter SMEs or established ones, started to insert, share or store trade documents or confidential data/information online on more secure & safe channels. 

Take the example of blockchain technology in trade finance that uses a decentralized network to enable participants to initiate transactions even in the absence of a trusted, legal central authority. It eliminates fraudulent activities as no participant can edit, change or alter shared data without the consent of other participants. MLETR (Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records) is another example.

Undoubtedly, digitization is the future of trade but every new technology has its drawbacks also. While various countries are on their way to transforming traditional trade processes into digital, trade is being exposed and becoming more vulnerable to cyber-attacks & threats. It is experiencing disruptions in the forms of denial of access, breach of confidentiality, sensitive information theft, manipulation, and broken trust between parties.

Companies need to incorporate the basic or advanced levels of cybersecurity measures to protect themselves & customers from any upcoming fraud. The trade finance industry is considering DLT adoption amid COVID-19. But with so much dependency of international trade on digital systems, where every trade information is kept on a computer, it is not as easy as it seems. Navigating & reducing these risks requires a mass-level adoption of cybersecurity steps by every transnational company.

Here are the major cybersecurity threats -

1. Form-Jacking - JavaScript is used to steal data such as payment information
2. Supply Chain Hacking -Invasion of third-party services
3. Ransomware - Encrypting data and asking for money to provide access

Governmental Endeavors Over Cybersecurity In International Trade

Many countries have incorporated high-quality cybersecurity policies and regulations, especially around payments that take place in international trade. Many of these policies require global corporations and supporting standardized policies, to ensure frequent transactions. This cooperation will be required to develop efficient systems to protect against the dangerous impacts of cyberthreats.


Trade Policies To Cope Cybersecurity 

1. Information access and sharing 

Artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics are the two most critical instruments for companies to detect & fight against cyberattacks in the trade industry. These fintechs are proving to be a boon for small exporters. But these preventive measures will only get effective when they can have access to a large pool of information where all the sensitive data is kept in different location paths, formats, and languages with different access levels. 

2. Standards and compliance certifications for cybersecurity

Many organizations such as ISO and ICC are introducing several standards with guidelines as “frameworks for managing risks,” so that they could be widely incorporated across the world. Trade policies following these standards can help ensure solid protections with timely access to the authority in case of any disputes. 

3. Risk-Based Approach 

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is initiating the adoption of a risk-based approach to cope with cybersecurity with its associating members. It is also considering international trade policy for the same as it will help form a system where risks can be minimized to a bearing level without affecting the flow of trade. 

Steps To Improve Cybersecurity

Here is what organizations indulged in international trade are required to improve their firm’s cybersecurity:

1. Review Insurance Policy 

Digital assets get covered in every business’s policies but when any revolutionary techniques or complications arise in the company, not every insurance policy is capable enough to handle these additional aspects. So, companies should review their policy to ensure that it protects them from upcoming overseas dangers, covers informational breaches and cyberthreats or any other physical damage, etc.

2. End-to-end security

End-to-end security typically means the use of encrypted data to protect against cyber threats in international trade. According to a report, most cybersecurity breaches take place due to human inconsistencies or errors. It means that an employee who is authorized to access the company’s information commits phishing, identity spoofing, or malware-related activities through a false email or webpage. To cure the situation, employees should be provided with a basic level of cybersecurity training or knowledge to prevent cybersecurity breaches such as locking down software, data, etc.

3. FIPS Compliant

The Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 is the cybersecurity basis that third parties like regulated industries should comply with to initiate transactions with the US government.

4. Frequent Reviews & Improvements 

Every organization is required to keep an eye on their web security protocols, no matter how secure their systems are as every system is prone to be hacked. Companies should update, adapt and incorporate new changes to their security strategy to completely reduce potential risks. 

We Highly Favor Cybersecurity In Global Trade

At Emerio Banque, we incorporate high-end technologies with expert banking staff who are capable of managing the safety & security of our wider trade infrastructure. Blockchain technology is our focused area as it is one of the most popular & preferred technologies to prevent cyberthreats in the banking & trade finance service.  

Disclaimer

Emerio Banque is an innovative global financial institution incorporated in England and Wales with Legal Entity Identifier 875500DGPPWAFABBK130. Emerio Banque does not offer its products and services to businesses and/or persons registered in the United Kingdom.

No information on this website should be construed as a solicitation, offer, recommendation, and representation of suitability or endorsement of any security, investment or strategy.

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