In today’s highly connected digital world, the notion of having a secured “perimeter” around your organization’s data is rapidly becoming outdated. 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 examines the supply chain attack as well as the threat landscape and your organization’s vulnerabilities. It also details the steps you can take to increase your defenses.
The Domino Effect: How a small flaw could sabotage your Business
Imagine that your company doesn’t utilize an open-source library that is known to be vulnerable to a security vulnerability. However, the data analytics provider you depend heavily on has. This seemingly minor flaw can become your Achilles heel. Hackers take advantage of this flaw to gain access to the systems of service providers. They now have access into your business, via an invisibly linked third party.
This domino-effect is a perfect illustration of how nefarious supply chain attacks are. They can penetrate systems that appear to be secure through exploiting vulnerabilities in the partner software, open-source libraries, or cloud-based services.
Why Are We Vulnerable? What is the SaaS Chain Gang?
Actually, the very factors which have fuelled the digital revolution – the adoption of SaaS software and the interconnectedness amongst software ecosystems — have led to the perfect chaos of supply chain attacks. The ecosystems that are created are so complicated that it is difficult to monitor all the code that an organization may interact with even in an indirect way.
Beyond the Firewall The traditional security measures Don’t Work
The conventional cybersecurity strategies that focus on securing your own systems are no longer enough. Hackers can evade the perimeter security, firewalls and other measures to penetrate your network with the help of 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. While open-source libraries offer numerous benefits, their widespread use and potential reliance on developers who volunteer to work for them can lead to security threats. An unresolved security flaw in a widely-used library can compromise the systems of many companies.
The Invisible Athlete: How to Spot a Supply Chain Attack
The nature of supply chain attack makes them difficult to detect. However, a few warning indicators can raise red flags. Unusual logins, unusual data activities, or unexpected software upgrades from third-party vendors can signal an insecure ecosystem. A major security breach in a popular service or library might be a sign your ecosystem is compromised.
Building a fortress in a fishbowl: Strategies to limit supply chain risk
What can you do to strengthen your defenses to counter these hidden threats. Here are some crucial ways to look at:
Reviewing your Vendors: Make sure to use a thorough vendor selection process including an assessment of their cybersecurity practices.
Map Your Ecosystem Make a complete diagram of all software library, services and libraries your organization relies on in both direct and indirect ways.
Continuous Monitoring: Actively track the latest security updates and watch your system for suspicious behavior.
Open Source With Caution: Take be cautious when integrating any of the open source libraries. Prioritize those that have a proven reputation and an active community of maintenance.
Transparency builds trust. Encourage your suppliers to adopt secure practices that are robust.
The Future of Cybersecurity: Beyond Perimeter Defense
The rise of supply chain breaches demands a paradigm shift in how businesses take on cybersecurity. A focus on securing your perimeter is no longer enough. Companies must take on an integrated strategy focussing on cooperation with suppliers and partners, transparency in the system of software and proactive risk mitigation across their entire supply chain. Understanding the risk of supply chain attacks and enhancing your security can help ensure your company’s security in a more interconnected and complex digital world.