Everstream warns cyberattacks, hybrid warfare, and trade policy weaponization set to disrupt supply chains in 2026 - Industrial Cyber

Attacks and Vulnerabilities Critical infrastructure Industrial Cyber Attacks Malware, Phishing & Ransomware News Supply Chain Security Threat Landscape Everstream warns cyberattacks, hybrid warfare, and trade policy weaponization set to disrupt supply chains in 2026 January 08, 2026 Supply chain risk management company Everstream Analytics outlined that global supply chains are heading into a year defined less by isolated shocks and more by overlapping, high-probability disruptions that are increasingly difficult to contain. In its latest outlook, the supply chain risk management firm identifies four events most likely to disrupt trade and logistics in the near term, drawing on proprietary machine learning models combined with analyst-led intelligence.  The analysis points to a sharp rise in cyberattacks on logistics networks, the escalation of hybrid warfare tactics, mounting failures in aging transport infrastructure, and the strategic use of trade regulations as geopolitical leverage. Together, these forces are reshaping supply chain risk from a cost and efficiency challenge into a persistent security and resilience issue that companies can no longer treat as episodic or regional. Titled ‘2026 Annual Supply Chain Risk Report,’ the Everstream Analytics reported 2,526 cyber incidents across all industries between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30 last year, almost double the 1,295 cyber incidents reported in 2024. “The 61% increase in cyber incidents on logistics was not the largest percentage increase in a particular industry last year. That dubious distinction goes to automotive manufacturing that experienced 304 cyberattacks in 2025, compared to 37 in 2024 – a 722% increase.”  However, the data is clear that cyberattacks on logistics have skyrocketed in recent years. In 2021, Everstream Analytics reported 20 incidents. Between then and 2025, there has been a 965% increase in attacks targeting logistics.  Everstream recognized that ​​the sophistication and geopolitical nature of attacks in 2025 represent a fundamental shift in the threat landscape, with state-sponsored actors from Russia, China, and Iran leading coordinated campaigns against critical maritime infrastructure.  Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the number of Russian hybrid warfare actions against European allies of Ukraine has risen. Escalating interference and defensive actions have prompted increasing logistics interruptions in countries such as Poland and Lithuania. Cyberattacks and a growing number of infrastructure-focused attacks may further disrupt European business operations in 2026.  Everstream outlined a risk mitigation response framework for cyberattacks on logistics that spans procurement, supply chain planning, and logistics functions, with actions mapped across short-, mid-, and long-term horizons. From a procurement perspective, the company advises that in the short term, organizations should immediately contact suppliers to assess the impact of an incident, request that affected suppliers arrange alternative transportation routes until issues are resolved, and evaluate inventory levels for any disrupted materials. Over the mid-term, procurement teams should work closely with supply chain planning and logistics to develop contingency plans that address potential supply disruptions. Over the longer term, Everstream recommends diversifying the supplier base across multiple geographic regions to reduce dependence on any single port, transportation lane, or route. For supply chain planning, Everstream notes that short-term actions should focus on adjusting production and distribution plans to account for delays, while escalating decisions with leadership to prioritize shipments for major customers. In the mid-term, planners should incorporate live risk signals into scenario modeling to better anticipate shortages and delays. Over the long term, enterprise risk assessments should be aligned with supply chain plans to create a more comprehensive and resilient business continuity strategy. In logistics operations, Everstream recommends that companies first confirm any suspected cyberattack directly with ports, third-party logistics providers, or carriers using phone-based communication only, and immediately disconnect application programming interfaces with impacted partners. Internal stakeholders, including procurement and planning teams, should be informed while upcoming shipments are replanned and alternative routes and transportation modes are secured as quickly as possible.  Over the mid-term, organizations should develop contingency routing plans that explicitly account for cyberattacks on critical transportation nodes. Over the long term, as procurement efforts diversify suppliers, logistics teams should redesign distribution networks to remain flexible across transportation lanes and nodes, reducing reliance on any single port, third-party logistics provider, or carrier. Everstream reported that the backbone of global supply chains, including ports, bridges, power grids, and transportation networks, is aging rapidly and facing unprecedented strain, exacerbated by extreme weather conditions. It expects at least one multibillion-dollar disruption in 2026 due to failing infrastructure.  Everstream also outlined a risk mitigation response framework focused on infrastructure failure, with coordinated actions across procurement, supply chain planning, and logistics. From a procurement standpoint, the company advises that in the short term organizations should work with suppliers to establish pre-approved mitigation measures, such as expedited shipping arrangements, to be activated in the event of weather-related or other infrastructure disruptions. Over the mid term, procurement teams should assess and map supplier dependencies on specific infrastructure assets. Over the long term, Everstream recommends diversifying the supplier base across different geographic regions that rely on varied infrastructure systems to reduce concentration risk. For supply chain planning, short-term actions should include adjusting safety stock calculations to reflect extended transit times caused by infrastructure disruptions. In the mid term, planners should collaborate closely with logistics and procurement teams to model the impact of different rerouting and sourcing options, while incorporating live risk signals into scenario analysis to anticipate shortages and delays. Over the long term, enterprise risk assessments should be aligned with supply chain plans to support a comprehensive business continuity strategy. In logistics operations, Everstream recommends acting quickly after receiving notification of a natural disaster, severe weather event, or other infrastructure disruption to secure alternative transportation routes and modes, gaining a first-mover advantage. Over the mid term, logistics teams should develop contingency routing plans that explicitly account for vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Over the long term, distribution networks should be redesigned to minimize reliance on single points of infrastructure failure and improve overall resilience. Looking ahead to 2026, Everstream says companies must move from cost-first supply chain strategies to resilience-first models rooted in quantitative geopolitical risk assessment. The emphasis should shift from simply mapping suppliers to modeling the financial impact of sudden policy and regulatory changes. Trade policy should be treated as a dynamic risk rather than a stable condition. The volatility seen in 2025, marked by abrupt tariff announcements, reversals, and escalations, is likely to continue, requiring scenario planning that accounts for unexpected cost increases of 15 to 25 percent on critical inputs. Everstream also underscores the need to monitor ownership structures and geopolitical exposure, noting that a supplier’s parent company and political ties can be as important as its physical location. Continuous monitoring of these factors has become essential. The firm further points to the importance of investing in predictive policy intelligence. In 2026, success will hinge not just on market awareness but on anticipating trade policy, export controls, and industrial subsidies early enough to act. Finally, Everstream emphasizes strategic diversification and financial buffers as core resilience measures. A multi-bloc sourcing strategy and stress-tested budgets are needed to absorb tariff shocks and ensure that sudden policy moves do not undermine profitability. Anna Ribeiro Industrial Cyber News Editor. Anna Ribeiro is a freelance journalist with over 14 years of experience in the areas of security, data storage, virtualization and IoT. 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