The idea of creating a perimeter around the information of your business is quickly becoming obsolete in today’s digitally interconnected world. 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 takes a deep dive into the world of supply chain attacks, examining the growing threat landscape, your company’s security risks, and important steps you can take in order to protect yourself.
The Domino Effect – How a small flaw could cripple your company
Imagine this scenario: Your company does not use an open-source library that has a known security flaw. The provider of data analytics on which you rely heavily does. This flaw that appears to be minor could turn into your Achilles’ heel. Hackers use this flaw to gain access to service provider systems. They now could have access to your organization, all through an invisible third-party connection.
This domino-effect perfectly illustrates how nefarious supply chain attacks are. They can penetrate systems that appear to be secure through exploiting vulnerabilities in partners’ programs, open-source libraries or cloud-based applications.
Why Are We Vulnerable? What’s the SaaS Chain Gang?
In reality, the exact elements that have fueled the modern digital age with the advent of SaaS software and the interconnectedness amongst software ecosystems – have led to the perfect storm of supply chain-related attacks. These ecosystems are so complex that it’s impossible to monitor all the code which an organization could interact with at least in an indirect way.
Traditional security measures are not adequate.
It’s no longer sufficient to rely on the traditional security methods to protect the systems you are using. Hackers can identify the weakest point, and can bypass firewalls and perimeter security to gain access into your network via trusted third-party vendors.
The Open-Source Surprise: Not All Free Code is Created Equal
The widespread popularity of open-source software is a risk. Although open-source software libraries are beneficial, they can also pose security risks due to their popularity and dependance on voluntary developers. A security flaw that’s not fixed in a library that is widely used can expose the systems of numerous organisations.
The Invisible Attacker: How To Spot the Signs of an escalating Supply Chain Threat
Supply chain attacks can be difficult to detect due to their nature. But, there are some indicators that could signal red flags. Unfamiliar login attempts, unusual data activity, or unexpected software updates from third-party vendors can suggest a compromised system within the ecosystem you operate in. Additionally, news of a significant security breach at a widely used library or service provider must immediately prompt you to investigate the possibility of exposure.
The construction of a fortress within a fishbowl: Strategies to minimize supply chain risk
So, how do you fortify your defenses against these invisible threats? Here are some crucial things to think about.
Reviewing your Vendors: Follow a rigorous vendor selection process which includes evaluating their cybersecurity methods.
Map Your Ecosystem Make an inventory of all libraries, software and other services your company employs, either directly or indirectly.
Continuous Monitoring: Check every system for suspicious activity and track security updates from third party vendors.
Open Source With Caution: Take be cautious when integrating any of the open source libraries. Make sure to select those with been vetted and have an active maintenance community.
Transparency is a key element to building confidence: encourage vendors to implement robust security measures and encourage an open dialogue with you about possible security risks.
The Future of Cybersecurity: Beyond Perimeter Defense
As supply chain-related attacks become more frequent business must rethink how they approach cybersecurity. No longer is it enough to concentrate on your own security. Organizations must move towards more holistic approaches by collaborating with vendors, increasing transparency in the software ecosystem, and actively taking care to reduce risks throughout their supply chain. Be aware of the risks associated with supply chain attacks and enhancing your security will allow you to improve your business’s security in a more interconnected and complex digital environment.
