The idea of an enclosure around the company’s information is rapidly becoming obsolete in the digitally connected world of today. A new breed of cyberattack, the Supply Chain Attack, has emerged, exploiting the complex web of software and services that businesses rely on. This article dives deep into the world of supply chain attacks, examining the evolving threats to your business, its vulnerability, and the most important steps you can take in order to protect yourself.
The Domino Effect – How a small flaw could cripple your business
Imagine the following scenario: Your organization is not using an open source software library that is vulnerable to an open vulnerability. The provider that provides data analytics which you heavily rely does. This seemingly minor flaw can become your Achilles ankle. Hackers exploit this vulnerability to gain access to the systems of service providers. Now, they are able to gain access into your organization, all through an invisible third-party link.
This domino-effect is a perfect illustration of the extent to which supply chain threats are. They can penetrate systems that appear to be secure by exploiting weaknesses of the partner software, open-source libraries or cloud-based service.
Why Are We Vulnerable? The rise of the SaaS Chain Gang
The same forces that have fueled the modern digital economy – the increasing usage of SaaS solutions and the interconnectedness of software ecosystems have also created an ideal storm for supply chain attacks. These ecosystems are so complex that it’s impossible to keep track of all the codes that an organization can interact with even in an indirect way.
Beyond the Firewall Traditional Security Measures fail
The traditional cybersecurity measures which focused on securing your own systems are no longer sufficient. Hackers can identify the weakest link, bypassing firewalls and perimeter security in order to gain access into your network via trusted third-party vendors.
Open-Source Surprise! Not all code is created equally
The wide-spread popularity of open-source software presents another vulnerability. While open-source libraries have many benefits, their widespread use and reliance on volunteer developers can create security risks. An unresolved security flaw in a library that is widely used can compromise the systems of many organizations.
The Hidden Threat: How To Be able to Identify a Supply Chain Security Risk
Supply chain attacks can be difficult to spot due to their nature. Certain indicators can be cause for concern. Unfamiliar login attempts, unusual information activity, or even unexpected software updates from third-party vendors can indicate a compromised system within your system. Also, any news of a security breach in a widely used library or service should prompt immediate action to assess the possibility of exposure.
Constructing an Fishbowl Fortress Strategies to Reduce Supply Chain Risk
How do you strengthen your defenses against these invisible threats? Here are some essential things to take into consideration.
Verifying Your Vendors: Perform a a thorough vendor selection process and a review of their security methods.
Mapping Your Ecosystem Create an outline of every library, software, and services your organization uses, in either a direct or indirect manner.
Continuous Monitoring: Check your system for any suspicious activity, and monitor security updates from all third-party vendors.
Open Source with care: Take your time when installing libraries that are open source and prefer those with good reviews and active communities.
Building Trust Through Transparency Help your vendors to implement robust security procedures and promote open communication regarding potential security risks.
Cybersecurity Future: Beyond Perimeter Defense
Supply chain breaches are on the rise and this has caused businesses to reconsider their approach to cybersecurity. A focus on securing your security perimeters isn’t enough. Organizations must take a holistic strategy that focuses on cooperation with vendors, encourages transparency in the software ecosystem, and actively manages risks throughout their digital chains. Be aware of the risks associated with supply chain attacks and enhancing your security will allow you to improve your company’s security in a constantly interconnected and complex digital world.