CBP Warns C-TPAT Members to be Aware of Cyber Intrusions
Importers and customs brokers should be aware of intrusive software increasingly used to attack and disrupt computer systems, CBP warned in a Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) alert. Those "responsible for the clearance of goods through CBP using importers’ information in the entry process, should also be aware of corporate information theft," the alert said. "Unsuspecting U.S. Customs Brokers may have their computer systems compromised with the introduction of malware."
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Importer information, "such as Importer Employee Identification Numbers (EIN) and company addresses have been stolen by cyber criminals who then approach U.S. Customs Brokers with the hijacked information," said the agency. "This information is then used to submit a customs entry under the legitimate importer’s name to import contraband and counterfeit goods into the United States. It could also be used to import weapons and ammunition. The importer information, once obtained, can also be used to create a forged power of attorney, which is required for entry. Once the illegitimate shipment obtains customs release, fees related to broker services, as well as applicable duties and taxes, are not paid. The importer is usually not aware of the theft of its corporate information or the illegitimate importation until after the criminals abscond with the imported goods following the release of the goods from CBP." C-TPAT partners, including brokers, are required to have security measures in place to protect computer systems, it said.