The concept of protecting the company’s information is quickly becoming obsolete in our digitally interconnected world. Supply Chain attacks are a brand new type of cyberattack which exploits complex software and services employed by companies. This article focuses on the supply chain attack and the threat landscape, as well as the weaknesses of your business. It also outlines the steps you can take to increase your defenses.
The Domino Effect – How a tiny flaw can ruin your business
Imagine this scenario: your organization does not utilize an open-source library that has a known security flaw. But the provider of data analytics services upon which you heavily rely, does. This seemingly minor flaw can become your Achilles’ point of pain. Hackers exploit this vulnerability to gain access to services provider systems. They now could gain access to your company, through an invisibly third-party connection.
The domino effect is an ideal illustration of the nefariousness of supply chain attacks. They attack the interconnected ecosystems that companies depend on. Infiltrating systems through vulnerabilities in partner software, Open Source libraries, and even Cloud-based Services (SaaS). Talk to an expert for Software Supply Chain Attack
Why Are We Vulnerable? What is the reason we are vulnerable?
In reality, the exact things that fuel the modern digital age in the past – the widespread adoption of SaaS software and the interconnectedness of software ecosystems – have led to the perfect storm of supply chain attacks. The immense complexity of these systems makes it difficult to track each piece of code that an organization uses, even indirectly.
Beyond the Firewall Traditional Security Measures Do not work
It’s no longer sufficient to rely on traditional cybersecurity strategies to strengthen your systems. Hackers are able bypass the perimeter security, firewalls, as well as other measures to breach your network with the help of trusted third party vendors.
Open-Source Surprise It is important to note that not all free code is created equally
The open-source software is an extremely popular product. This is a risk. While open-source libraries have many benefits, their wide-spread use and the potential dependence on the work of volunteers can present security issues. Security vulnerabilities that are not addressed in widely used libraries can be exposed to many companies who have integrated them into their systems.
The Invisible Athlete: How to Identify an Attack on the Supply Chain
Supply chain attacks are difficult to identify due to their nature. Certain indicators can be reason to be concerned. Unusual login attempts, strange data activity, or unexpected software updates from third-party vendors may suggest a compromised system within your system. A significant security breach at a library, or service provider that is used widely will also trigger you to act immediately.
Building a Fortified Fortress within a Fishbowl: Strategies to Mitigate the Supply Chain Risk
How do you build your defenses to ward off these invisible threats? Here are some essential things to keep in mind.
Do a thorough analysis of your vendor’s cybersecurity practices.
The Map of Your Ecosystem: Create a comprehensive diagram of all software libraries, services, and other software that your company relies on, both directly and indirectly.
Continuous Monitoring: Monitor all security updates, and continuously monitor your system for suspicious activity.
Open Source with Caution: Take care when integrating open source libraries. You should prioritize those with an established reputation and active maintenance communities.
Transparency creates trust. Encourage your vendors to adopt solid security practices.
Cybersecurity in the Future: Beyond Perimeter Defense
Attacks on supply chain systems are on the rise and this has forced businesses to rethink their approach to 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, increases transparency within the software industry and reduces risk across their digital chains. Being aware of the dangers of supply chain attacks and strengthening your defenses will help you to ensure your company’s security in a more interconnected and complex digital environment.