Parcel and Postal Technology International
  • News
    • A-E
      • Automation
      • Business Diversification
      • Construction / Development
      • Cross-border
      • Delivery
      • E-commerce
      • Expo
    • F-O
      • Freight
      • IT & Systems
      • Last Mile
      • Lockers / PUDO
      • Logistics
      • Mail
      • Operations
    • P-R
      • Packets
      • Parcels
      • Peak
      • Retail
      • Returns
    • S-Z
      • Sorting Systems
      • Staff / Personnel
      • Sustainability
      • Technology
      • Vehicles / Fleet
  • Features
  • Online Magazines
    • March 2025
    • September 2023
    • June 2023
    • March 2023
    • December 2022
    • SHOWCASE 2019
    • Archive Issues
    • Subscribe Free!
  • Opinion
  • Videos
  • Analysis
  • Awards
    • 2025 Awards
    • Previous Winners
  • Supplier Spotlight
  • Parcel + Post Expo
LinkedIn YouTube Twitter
  • Sign-up for Breaking News Emails
  • Meet the Editors
  • Contact Us
  • Media Pack
Subscribe
LinkedIn Facebook
Parcel and Postal Technology International
  • News
      • Automation
      • Business Diversification
      • Construction / Development
      • Cross-border
      • Delivery
      • E-commerce
      • Expo
      • Freight
      • IT & Systems
      • Last Mile
      • Lockers / PUDO
      • Logistics
      • Mail
      • Operations
      • Packets
      • Parcels
      • Peak
      • Retail
      • Returns
      • Sorting Systems
      • Staff / Personnel
      • Sustainability
      • Technology
      • Vehicles / Fleet
  • Features
  • Online Magazines
    1. December 2024
    2. September 2024
    3. June 2024
    4. March 2024
    5. SHOWCASE 2019
    6. Subscribe Free!
    Featured
    April 2, 2025

    In this Issue – March 2025

    Online Magazines By Web Team
    Recent

    In this Issue – March 2025

    April 2, 2025

    In this Issue – December 2024

    December 5, 2024

    In this Issue – September 2024

    September 19, 2024
  • Opinion
  • Videos
  • Analysis
  • Awards
    • 2025 Awards
    • 2024 Award Winners
    • 2023 Award Winners
    • 2022 Award Winners
    • 2021 Award Winners
    • 2020 Award Winners
    • 2019 Award Winners
    • Previous Winners
  • Supplier Spotlight
  • Parcel + Post Expo
LinkedIn Facebook
Subscribe
Parcel and Postal Technology International
Features

Responding to the threat of ‘malware’

mmBy Dan SymondsJune 26, 20183 Mins Read
Share LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email

Hackers and malicious software present a real challenge for global delivery organizations. Vanderlande’s Marco Vijfvinkel explains how having the right IT partner can make the difference

Malicious software or ‘malware’ is a term used to define many different types of dangerous computer software. Among the more well-known variants are Trojan horses, spyware and worms. Malware can be used by criminal organizations to disrupt businesses and occasionally society at large, or to steal sensitive data from large corporations. In recent years, hackers have been able to further professionalize their activities, making them increasingly harder to detect and track.

One of the latest types to appear is ransomware, which has the ability to take a computer hostage through the encryption of data. This makes it almost impossible for the user to re-obtain their information without making payment to the hacker. For the parcel industry, this can include the theft of valuable customer data.

Being aware
Recognizing the ongoing threat from malware, Vanderlande is clear on the type of security measures large delivery firms need to take. “Employee awareness is a challenge,” says Marco Vijfvinkel, Vanderlande’s executive manager – service technology.

“It is possible for an entire company to be infected if a single employee opens a suspect email or uses an infected USB drive. Everyone needs to pay attention to the small details, because hacking groups are highly professional. This means that their emails can appear to be entirely legitimate.

“Another concern is outdated software. Some companies still rely on (legacy) software, which is not properly updated or maintained. Criminal organizations know about this vulnerability, and are able to exploit any software that is not fully secure.”

Keeping pace
One of the main challenges for parcel companies is global connectivity. Leading distributors don’t operate from a single location, they rely on a worldwide network of sites in order to serve their customers. However, if a system on one site becomes infected, every other system in the network is put at risk.

“This requires the software ‘patching’ of hundreds of mission-critical IT systems effectively, and in the shortest time possible, worldwide,” adds Vijfvinkel. “This can only be achieved if the process is well organized and executed in a controlled way. Otherwise, it could have a significant impact on business continuity.

“The reality is that legitimate businesses will always be one step behind the hackers. However, it’s certainly not advisable to be 10 steps behind! Put simply, if a system is never updated, the threat to it will be greater.

“Software patches are usually released after a new malware threat has emerged, which is why it’s essential for parcel companies to stay up to date with their IT security. At Vanderlande, the message we promote is to think ahead and be prepared.”

Peace of mind
For Vijfvinkel, detection and prevention are key: “Our advice is to take a holistic view and talk to us about an IT service continuity plan. Putting a single patch on to your software is a limited and short-term solution. It’s better to have a long-term strategy. Proactivity is at the core of Vanderlande’s IT services, and we can identify risks and put effective measures in place.”

However, there is no 100% defense against malware, as Vijfvinkel concludes: “Having a continuity plan in place is the perfect start, but if something does go wrong, having the support of a reliable partner is crucial. In a potentially dangerous situation, we know what to do.”

Share. Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Email
Previous ArticleEntries now open for PostalPitch startup competition
Next Article The untimely death of Pass My Parcel

Related Posts

Features

FEATURE: Overcoming cross-border e-commerce customs challenges

May 14, 202514 Mins Read
Features

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Egypt Post

May 1, 202511 Mins Read
Features

FEATURE: Improving reverse logistics with better data and collaboration

April 15, 202514 Mins Read

Receive breaking stories and features in your inbox each week, for free


Enter your email address:


Latest News

Bloq.it supports Vinted Go locker expansion in Spain and Portugal

May 15, 2025

ANALYSIS: What does PostNord’s announcement mean for the future of letter delivery?

May 15, 2025

DHL eCommerce UK and Evri merge to create premium parcel delivery company

May 14, 2025
Getting in Touch
  • Contact Us / Advertiser
  • Meet the Editors
  • Download Media Pack
  • Breaking News Emails
Our Social Channels
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
Supplier Spotlights
  • OMNIC
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Notice & Takedown Policy
  • Site FAQs
© 2025 UKi Media & Events a division of UKIP Media & Events Ltd

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.

CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie records the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie records the user consent for the cookies in the "Analytics" category.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional1 yearThe GDPR Cookie Consent plugin sets the cookie to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie records the user consent for the cookies in the "Necessary" category.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie stores user consent for cookies in the category "Others".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie stores the user consent for cookies in the category "Performance".
elementorneverThe website's WordPress theme uses this cookie. It allows the website owner to implement or change the website's content in real-time.
JSESSIONIDsessionNew Relic uses this cookie to store a session identifier so that New Relic can monitor session counts for an application.

Functional

Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.

CookieDurationDescription
__cf_bm30 minutesCloudflare set the cookie to support Cloudflare Bot Management.

Analytics

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

CookieDurationDescription
CONSENT2 yearsYouTube sets this cookie via embedded YouTube videos and registers anonymous statistical data.
uidsessionThis is a Google UserID cookie that tracks users across various website segments.
vuid1 year 1 month 4 daysVimeo installs this cookie to collect tracking information by setting a unique ID to embed videos on the website.
_ga1 year 1 month 4 daysGoogle Analytics sets this cookie to calculate visitor, session and campaign data and track site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognise unique visitors.
_ga_*1 year 1 month 4 daysGoogle Analytics sets this cookie to store and count page views.

Advertisement

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.

CookieDurationDescription
OAGEOsessionOpenX sets this cookie to avoid the repeated display of the same ad.
OAID1 yearCookie set to record whether the user has opted out of the collection of information by the AdsWizz Service Cookies.
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE5 months 27 daysYouTube sets this cookie to measure bandwidth, determining whether the user gets the new or old player interface.
YSCsessionYoutube sets this cookie to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages.
yt-remote-connected-devicesneverYouTube sets this cookie to store the user's video preferences using embedded YouTube videos.
yt-remote-device-idneverYouTube sets this cookie to store the user's video preferences using embedded YouTube videos.
yt.innertube::nextIdneverYouTube sets this cookie to register a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.
yt.innertube::requestsneverYouTube sets this cookie to register a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.

Others

Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.

CookieDurationDescription
VISITOR_PRIVACY_METADATA5 months 27 daysDescription is currently not available.

SAVE & ACCEPT
Powered by