Cyber firm warns that hackers are teaming up with crime rings to hijack cargo — phishing emails and social engineering deployed to steal physical shipments

Cyber firm warns that hackers are teaming up with crime rings to hijack cargo — phishing emails and social engineering deployed to steal physical shipments

Proofpoint says threat actors are now collaborating with organised crime groups to intercept and steal physical cargo loads.

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(Image credit: Getty / Karl Hendon) Hackers are working with organised crime groups to steal physical freight, posing as brokers or carriers, deploying malware, and rerouting real-world shipments, according to new research from cybersecurity firm Proofpoint, as reported by Bloomberg . The attackers are targeting freight brokers and trucking carriers with phishing emails and social engineering tactics. These messages often include credential stealers or remote-access malware, allowing hackers to manipulate shipment details once inside a company’s network.

Proofpoint says it has “high confidence” that the hackers are coordinating with organised criminal networks. The goal is to hijack loads, and the stolen goods are likely resold online or shipped overseas.

In one example, hackers impersonated a broker and emailed a “setup packet” to a responding carrier. That email included a malicious link disguised as shipment details, such as load weight and pickup window. Proofpoint says this attack vector relies on industry urgency as carriers scramble to secure jobs and may click links without hesitation if they appear to come from known sources.

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