In the digital age of today’s connected world, the notion of having a secure “perimeter” surrounding your company’s data is fast becoming obsolete. 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 realm of supply chain attacks, examining the growing threat landscape, your company’s potential vulnerabilities, and crucial steps you can take to strengthen your security.
The Domino Effect: A Tiny mistake can be a disaster for your Business
Imagine the following scenario: Your company does not utilize an open-source software library, which has a known vulnerability. But the service provider for data analytics services upon which you depend heavily, has. This seemingly small flaw is your Achilles ankle. Hackers use this vulnerability, that is found in open-source software to gain access into the system of the service provider. Hackers now have an opportunity to gain access to your system by using a third-party, invisible connection.
The domino effect is an excellent illustration of the sly nature of supply chain hacks. They target the interconnected systems companies rely on, and infiltrate the systems that appear to be secure by exploiting flaws in open-source software, partner software, libraries as well as cloud-based services (SaaS).
Why Are We Vulnerable? The rise of the SaaS Chain Gang
Supply chain incidents are a result of the same forces that fueled the current digital economy and the rising use of SaaS and the interconnection between software ecosystems. It’s impossible to monitor each code element in these ecosystems, even if they’re directly.
Traditional security measures are not adequate.
It’s no longer enough to rely on the traditional security strategies to strengthen your systems. Hackers know how to locate the weakest point, and can bypass perimeter security and firewalls to gain access to your network through trusted third-party vendors.
Open-Source Surprise – Not all free code is created equally
Another vulnerability is the huge popularity of open source software. Open-source libraries have many benefits but their wide usage and potential dependence on volunteers can create security risk. A single, unpatched vulnerability in a widely used library could be exposed to a multitude of organizations who are unaware of the vulnerability and have incorporated it into their systems.
The Hidden Threat: How To Spot A Supply Chain Security Risk
The nature of supply chain attack makes them difficult to spot. But, there are some indicators that may signal a red flag. Unusual logins, unusual information processes, or sudden software upgrades from third-party vendors could signal an insecure ecosystem. An incident of serious security at a library or a service provider that is frequently used is a good reason to act immediately.
Constructing a Fishbowl Fortress Strategies to reduce Supply Chain Risk
What are the best ways to improve your defenses against these hidden threats. Here are some important things to think about.
Verifying Your Vendors: Use an effective process for selecting vendors that involves evaluating their cybersecurity methods.
Mapping Your Ecosystem: Create a comprehensive diagram of all software, services, and libraries that your company relies on directly or indirectly.
Continuous Monitoring: Watch your systems for suspicious activity and keep track of security updates from all third-party vendors.
Open Source with Care: Be careful when adding libraries which are open source, and prioritize those that have good reputations as well as active communities.
Transparency builds trust. Encourage your suppliers to adopt robust security practices.
The Future of Cybersecurity: Beyond Perimeter Defense
As supply chain-related attacks become more frequent companies must reconsider how they approach cybersecurity. A focus on securing your security perimeters isn’t sufficient. The business must shift to an integrated approach to collaborate with vendors, fostering transparency within the software industry, and actively combating risks across their digital supply chain. You can safeguard your business in an increasingly complex and connected digital ecosystem by recognizing the threat of supply chain attacks.
