In the age of digital connectivity of today, the idea of an “perimeter” which protects your personal data is rapidly being replaced by technology. 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 into the world of supply chain attack, and focuses on the increasing threat landscape, your company’s possible vulnerabilities, and the crucial measures you can adopt to increase your security.
The Domino Effect: How a small flaw could sabotage your Business
Imagine that your company doesn’t utilize an open-source library, which is known to have a security vulnerability. But the data analytics services, on which you depend heavily, has. This flaw that appears to be minor could turn into your Achilles’ heel. Hackers can exploit this flaw to gain access to the systems of service providers. They now could gain access to your organization, all through an invisibly third-party connection.
This domino effect is a perfect illustration of the sly character of supply chain attacks. They target the interconnected ecosystems that businesses depend on, gaining access to the systems that appear to be secure by exploiting flaws in software used by partners, open source libraries, or even cloud-based services (SaaS).
Why Are We Vulnerable? What’s the SaaS Chain Gang?
In reality, the exact factors which have fuelled the modern digital age and the rise of SaaS software and the interconnectedness of software ecosystems — have created the perfect storm of supply chain attacks. The ecosystems that are created are so complicated that it’s difficult to trace all the code that an organization may interact with, even in an indirect way.
Beyond the Firewall Beyond the Firewall: Security measures that are traditional Don’t meet
The conventional cybersecurity strategies that focused on securing your own systems are no longer enough. Hackers are adept at identifying the weakest link in the chain, and evading firewalls and perimeter security to infiltrate your network through trusted third-party vendors.
Open-Source Surprise It is not the case that all code is developed equally
Open-source software is a hugely popular software. This presents a vulnerability. While open-source software libraries can be an excellent resource however, they also present security threats due to their popularity and dependance on developers who are not voluntarily involved. Security vulnerabilities that are not addressed in widely used libraries could expose a variety of organizations who have integrated them into their systems.
The Invisible Athlete: How to Spot an attack on your Supply Chain
Supply chain attack are hard to detect due to their nature. Some warning signs may raise a red flag. Unusual login attempts, strange activity with your data, or unexpected updates from third-party vendors could be a sign that your network is compromised. A major security breach at a library or a service provider that is used widely should prompt you to take action immediately.
Building a fortress in a fishbowl: Strategies for mitigate supply chain risk
What can you do to strengthen your defenses in order to ward off these hidden threats. Here are some essential things to think about.
Reviewing your Vendors: Follow an effective process for selecting vendors which includes evaluating their cybersecurity practices.
Cartography of your Ecosystem: Create an exhaustive list of all the software and services that you and your organization depend on. This covers both indirect and direct dependencies.
Continuous Monitoring: Monitor the latest security updates and watch your system for suspicious activities.
Open Source with Care: Be careful when using libraries that are open source, and give priority to those with good reputations as well as active communities.
Transparency helps build trust. Encourage your suppliers to adopt robust security practices.
Cybersecurity Future Beyond Perimeter Defense
As supply chain-related attacks become more frequent, businesses must rethink how they approach cybersecurity. It’s no longer sufficient to be focusing on only securing your security perimeter. Companies must implement an integrated approach that focuses on collaboration with vendors, promotes transparency within the software ecosystem, and actively mitigates risks across their interconnected digital chain. Be aware of the risks associated with supply chain attacks and strengthening your defenses will ensure your business’s security in an increasingly connected and complicated digital world.