3D Printing Threatens Global Trade

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Leading global security firm G4S has reported that the rise in availability and popularity of 3D printing has created increased risk for the theft of cargo.

The development of new technology has been a growing issue in the shipping community, with losses last year stable or even lower than the previous, but cybercrime had increased.

Robert Dodge, Senior Vice President of G4S Corporate Risk Services, said: “Technology that once required an understanding of computer-aided design (CAD) and expensive and large equipment to fabricate items is now in the range of hundreds of dollars to purchase and lacks the knowledge levels previously required.

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“For a few hundred dollars, a person can purchase a 3D scanner that eliminates the need to understand CAD and can not only provide the dimensions for any item but also creates the CAD technical specifications needed to produce a near-perfect replica.”

In order to minimise the threat of 3D printing, G4S advises placing GPS devices in random shipments and conducting a professional, third-party security assessment of any company used for shipment of goods.

PTI previously reported that cybercrime is also a growing trend in the port and shipping industry, with piracy and commercial threats increasing as a result of the use of digital tools to hack into logistics firms.

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