AI Data Security Risks Rising in Supply Chain as One in Six Professionals Report Exposure Incidents

## AI Data Security Risks Rising in Supply Chain One in six supply chain professionals — approximately 17% — report that their organisation has experienced an incident in which customer or supplier data was exposed through an AI tool, according to new survey findings reported by FreightWaves. The results underscore a growing tension between the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence across logistics and freight operations and the data governance frameworks needed to support it safely. As AI-powered platforms become increasingly embedded in freight management, port operations, vessel tracking, and cargo optimisation, the maritime and broader supply chain sector faces mounting pressure to address the cybersecurity and data privacy implications that accompany these tools. The survey highlights a critical gap: while businesses are accelerating their use of AI to drive efficiency and reduce costs, many appear to be doing so without adequate safeguards in place to protect sensitive commercial data. Customer records, supplier contracts, pricing information, and logistics data are among the categories most at risk when AI tools are deployed without proper access controls or data handling policies. ### Why This Matters for Maritime and Freight The maritime industry has been an enthusiastic adopter of AI applications, from predictive maintenance on vessels to automated port scheduling and real-time cargo tracking. However, the integration of these tools often involves feeding large volumes of proprietary and third-party data into platforms that may not be fully understood by the organisations using them. Data exposure incidents can carry significant consequences, including regulatory penalties under frameworks such as GDPR, reputational damage with commercial partners, and potential competitive harm if commercially sensitive information is compromised. Industry analysts have warned that the pace of AI adoption in supply chain environments has outstripped the development of internal governance policies, leaving many companies exposed. The survey findings appear to validate those concerns. ### Calls for Stronger AI Governance The findings are likely to intensify calls for clearer industry standards around AI use in supply chain and logistics contexts. Organisations are being urged to conduct thorough due diligence on AI vendors, implement data minimisation practices, and establish clear internal policies governing what data employees may input into AI systems. For maritime operators and freight professionals, the message is clear: the efficiency gains offered by AI tools must be weighed carefully against the data security risks they introduce — and robust governance frameworks are no longer optional. *Source: FreightWaves*