In today’s highly connected digital world, the idea of a secure “perimeter” around your company’s data is quickly becoming obsolete. A new form of cyberattack, the Supply Chain Attack, has emerged, leveraging the intricate web of software and services that businesses rely on. This article dives into the realm of supply chain attacks, looking at the growing threat landscape, your company’s possible vulnerabilities, and the crucial steps you can take to protect yourself.
The Domino Effect: A Tiny Flaw can Cripple your Business
Imagine that your business doesn’t use an open-source library, which is known to have vulnerabilities in security. The data analytics provider on which you depend heavily has. This small flaw could be your Achilles’ heel. Hackers exploit this flaw to gain access to systems used by service providers. They now have a potential backdoor into your company, through an invisible third-party connection.
This domino effect perfectly illustrates the insidious nature of supply chain attacks. They attack the interconnected ecosystems that businesses depend on. Exploiting vulnerabilities in partner software, Open Source libraries and even Cloud-based Service (SaaS).
Why Are We Vulnerable? What is the SaaS Chain Gang?
In reality, the exact factors that fueled the current digital age – in the past – the widespread adoption of SaaS software and the interconnectedness between software ecosystems — have led to the perfect storm of supply chain-related attacks. The complex nature of these ecosystems makes it difficult to trace every piece of code an organization uses or even interacts with indirectly.
Traditional security measures aren’t enough.
The conventional cybersecurity strategies that focus on strengthening your own systems are no longer sufficient. Hackers are skilled at identifying the weakest link in the chain and bypassing firewalls and perimeter security in order to gain access to your network with trusted third-party vendors.
Open-Source Surprise It is not the case that all code is produced equally
The huge popularity of open source software poses a further security risk. While open-source software libraries are an incredible resource however they can also be a source of security threats because of their popularity and dependence on developers who are not voluntarily involved. Insecure libraries can compromise the security of many organizations who have integrated them in their systems.
The Hidden Threat: How To Spot A Supply Chain Danger
It can be difficult to spot supply chain attacks because of the nature of their attack. But, there are some indicators that may signal a red flag. Unusual login attempts, strange activity with your data or updates that are not expected from third-party vendors could be a sign that your network is affected. A serious security breach at a library or a service provider that is widely used is a good reason to take action immediately.
Building an Fishbowl Fortress Strategies to reduce Supply Chain Risk
So, how do you fortify your defenses against these threats that are invisible? Here are some essential things to take into consideration.
Checking Your Vendors : Use the process of selecting your vendors thoroughly and a review of their cybersecurity practices.
Mapping Your Ecosystem Make the map that covers every library, software and other services your company uses, in either a direct or indirect manner.
Continuous Monitoring: Check all your systems for suspicious activity and keep track of the latest security updates from third-party vendors.
Open Source with care: Take your time when using libraries which are open source, and prioritize those that have good reviews as well as active communities.
Transparency increases trust. Inspire your suppliers to implement solid security practices.
Cybersecurity in the Future: Beyond Perimeter Defense
As supply chain threats increase companies must reconsider how they approach cybersecurity. A focus on protecting your security perimeters isn’t sufficient. The business must shift to an overall approach to collaborate with vendors, increasing transparency within the software ecosystem, and actively combating risks across their supply chain. You can protect your business in an ever-changing, connected digital environment by being aware of the risk of supply chain threats.