Many U.S. recyclers are already painfully aware of how serious cybercrime has become. A recent ransomware attack on many US yards disrupted operations, caused data loss, and left businesses scrambling to recover. It was a timely wake-up call: cybersecurity isn’t an optional extra, it’s a business-critical safeguard.
The scale of the threat is growing fast. In just two years, the cost of cyber-attacks to businesses has skyrocketed from $1 billion in 2022 to $22.5 billion in 2024.
URG has long been driven by a commitment to protect the recycler’s data. Through tools like the URGNet Control Center, members maintain control over where their data goes, who can access it, and how it’s used. By reducing the number of third-party companies that have direct access to yard systems, the URGNet Control Center also lowers the risk of a cyber incident. That focus on data security isn’t just a side feature, it’s at the forefront of everything URG does to support and safeguard member yards.
To help recyclers continue to navigate this evolving landscape, United Recyclers Group (URG) has been running a series of webinars with technology experts and industry insiders. The sessions aim to break down the risks, bust common myths, and equip yards with practical steps they can take now.
Why Cybersecurity Matters for Recyclers
Recycling yards are increasingly being targeted by cyber criminals. While some owners assume their operation is “too small to be on the radar,” the opposite is often true, attackers deliberately look for businesses with weaker defenses. A single breach can expose sensitive customer data, shut down systems, and cost tens of thousands in lost productivity and recovery efforts.
Even seemingly simple choices, like using a free Gmail or Yahoo email account can create major vulnerabilities.
Lessons Emerging from the Webinars
Drawing on both IT expertise and real-world yard experience, the webinars have highlighted four critical pillars of effective cybersecurity:
- People – Employees are the first line of defense. Training teams to spot phishing attempts, manage passwords, and avoid risky behavior is essential.
- Backups – Offsite or offline backups are essential. Storing copies outside your main network ensures you can recover quickly even if attackers compromise your primary system.
- Software – Antivirus alone isn’t enough. Firewalls, email filtering, and multi-factor authentication are key layers that every recycler needs in place.
- Infrastructure – A secure, well-managed IT environment is the backbone of protection. Without it, even the best tools can’t stop an attack.
Key Takeaways for Recyclers
The sessions have underscored that:
- Small businesses are often prime targets, not overlooked ones.
- Data protection and professional email systems aren’t just IT upgrades, they’re business essentials.
- Cybersecurity is not a “one-and-done” task but an ongoing process of training, monitoring, and updating.
Looking Ahead
While cybercrime will continue to evolve, so too will the response from the recycling industry. URG’s initiative is helping recyclers better understand where they’re exposed, what immediate steps they can take, and how to build long-term resilience.
URG is also preparing to roll out a third-party certification program to vet software providers used across the industry. This initiative will help ensure vendors meet proper security standards before they ever connect to a recycler’s system, adding another layer of protection for member yards.
By sharing knowledge and creating access to trusted resources, the industry is taking important steps to safeguard itself, not just from theft on the lot, but from the digital threats that can stop a business in its tracks.
