In today’s highly connected digital world, the idea of a secure “perimeter” for your company’s data is quickly 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 takes a deep dive into the world of supply chain attack, and focuses on the evolving threat landscape, your organization’s potential vulnerabilities, and crucial steps you can take in order to protect yourself.
The Domino Effect – How a small flaw could cripple your company
Imagine the following scenario: your business doesn’t use a particular open-source software library that has been identified as having a security flaw. The data analytics service on which you heavily rely does. This seemingly insignificant flaw turns into your Achilles’ Achilles. Hackers exploit this vulnerability, present in open-source software to gain access to the systems of the service provider. They now are able to gain access into your business, via an invisibly third-party connection.
The domino effect is an excellent illustration of the insidious nature of supply chain attack. They target the interconnected ecosystems businesses rely on, infiltrating seemingly secure systems through weaknesses in the software of partners, open-source libraries, or even cloud-based services (SaaS).
Why Are We Vulnerable? The rise of the SaaS Chain Gang
In reality, the exact elements that have fueled the current digital age – in the past – the widespread adoption of SaaS software and the interconnectedness of software ecosystems – have led to the perfect chaos of supply chain attacks. The ecosystems that are created are so complicated that it’s impossible to trace all the code that an organization can interact with, even in an indirect way.
Traditional security measures are inadequate.
The traditional cybersecurity measures that focus on strengthening your security systems do not work anymore. Hackers can bypass the perimeter security, firewalls and other security measures to gain access to your network through trusted third party vendors.
Open-Source Surprise! Not all code is created equally
Another vulnerability is the huge popularity of open-source software. Although open-source software libraries are a great resource however they can also be a source of security risks because of their ubiquity and dependence on the voluntary development of. A security vulnerability that is not addressed within a library used by a lot of people could expose the systems of numerous companies.
The Invisible Threat: How To Find a Supply Chain Security Risk
It is hard to identify supply chain-related attacks due to the nature of their attack. Certain indicators could signal an alarm. Unfamiliar login attempts, unusual data activity, or unexpected software updates from third party vendors could be a sign of a compromised system within your network. A serious security breach in a library or service provider widely used is a good reason to take immediate action.
Building a Fortified Fortress inside the Fishbowl: Strategies to Mitigate Supply Chain Risk
How do you protect yourself from these threats that are invisible? Here are a few important points to consider.
Do a thorough analysis of your vendor’s security practices.
Mapping your Ecosystem: Create an exhaustive list of all the software and services that you and your business rely on. This includes both direct and indirect dependencies.
Continuous Monitoring: Check your system for any suspicious activity and actively monitor security updates from all third-party vendors.
Open Source With Caution: Use cautiously when integrating any open source libraries. Prioritize those that have a proven reputation and an active maintenance community.
Transparency is a key element to building confidence: encourage vendors to use robust security measures, and encourage an open dialogue with you about possible vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity in the Future Beyond Perimeter Defense
As supply chain threats increase business must rethink how they approach security. It’s no longer sufficient to be focusing on only securing your personal perimeter. Companies must implement a holistic approach that prioritizes collaboration with vendors, promotes transparency within the software ecosystem and actively minimizes the risk of their digital chains. Recognizing the threat of supply-chain attacks and enhancing your security will allow you to improve your business’s protection in a constantly interconnected and complicated digital world.
