In today’s interconnected digital world, the concept of having a secure “perimeter” around your organization’s information is rapidly 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 explores the supply chain attack and the threat landscape, as well as the vulnerabilities of your company. It also discusses the steps you can take to strengthen your defenses.
The Domino Effect – How a small flaw could cripple your business
Imagine this scenario: your company doesn’t use a particular open-source software library that has been identified as having a security vulnerability. However, the analytics provider you count heavily on is vulnerable to. This seemingly minor flaw can become your Achilles heel. Hackers exploit this flaw in the open-source code to gain access to the service provider’s systems. They now have access into your business, via an unnoticed connection to a third partner.
This domino-effect perfectly illustrates how nefarious supply chain attacks are. They attack the interconnected ecosystems that companies depend on. Infiltrating systems through vulnerabilities in software that partners use, Open-Source libraries, and even Cloud-based Services (SaaS).
Why Are We Vulnerable? What’s the SaaS Chain Gang?
Supply chain attacks are a consequence of the same elements that drove the modern digital economy with the growing use of SaaS and the interconnectedness of software ecosystems. The ecosystems that are created are so complicated that it is difficult to monitor all the code that an organisation may interact with at least in an indirect manner.
Beyond the Firewall Beyond the Firewall: Security measures that are traditional Don’t meet
The traditional cybersecurity measures that focused on securing your own systems no longer suffice. Hackers can identify the weakest point, and can bypass firewalls and perimeter security in order to gain entry into your network via reliable third-party suppliers.
Open-Source Surprise It is important to note that not all free software is created equal
Another risk is the immense popularity of open-source software. While open-source libraries can provide many benefits, their wide-spread use and the potential dependence on developers who volunteer to work for them can lead to security issues. A security vulnerability that is not addressed within a library used by a lot of people could expose the systems of numerous organizations.
The Invisible Athlete: How to Spot an attack on your Supply Chain
It can be difficult to recognize supply chain-related attacks due to the nature of their attacks. But, there are some indicators that could signal red flags. Unusual logins, unusual information activity, or unanticipated software updates from third party vendors can signal an unsecure ecosystem. An announcement of a serious security breach in a popular service or library may be a sign your entire ecosystem has been compromised.
A Fortress to build inside a Fishbowl Strategies to Reduce Supply Chain Risk
So, how do you fortify your defenses against these threats that are invisible? Here are some crucial steps to think about:
Reviewing your Vendors: Follow a stringent selection process for vendors that involves evaluating their cybersecurity practices.
Mapping Your Ecosystem Create a detailed map of all software library, services and libraries your company depends on in both direct and indirect ways.
Continuous Monitoring: Check your system for any suspicious activity, and follow security updates from every third-party vendors.
Open Source with Care: Be careful when installing libraries that are open source and place a higher priority on those with a good reputation as well as active communities.
Building Trust Through Transparency: Encourage your vendors to implement robust security procedures and to promote open communications about potential vulnerabilities.
The Future of Cybersecurity: Beyond Perimeter Defense
The increasing threat of supply chain threats requires change in the way businesses tackle cybersecurity. It’s no longer sufficient to focus solely on securing your own perimeter. Companies must take an overall approach to collaborate with vendors, fostering transparency within the software ecosystem, and actively combating risks across their supply chain. Recognizing the threat of supply-chain attacks and strengthening your defenses will ensure your business’s safety in an increasingly connected and complex digital environment.
