In today’s highly connected digital world, the concept of having a secured “perimeter” for your company’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 takes a deep dive into the realm of supply chain attack, and focuses on the evolving threats to your business, its potential vulnerabilities, and crucial steps you can take in order to protect yourself.
The Domino Effect: How a small flaw could sabotage your Business
Imagine the following scenario: your business does not employ a specific open-source library with a known security vulnerability. But, the data analytics provider you depend on heavily does. This seemingly small flaw is your Achilles’ heel. Hackers exploit this flaw in the open-source code, gaining access to the service provider’s systems. They now could have access to your business, via an invisible third-party connection.
This domino-effect is a perfect illustration of how nefarious supply chain attacks are. They target the interconnected ecosystems that businesses depend on. Infiltrating systems via vulnerabilities in the software of partners, Open Source libraries and even Cloud-based Service (SaaS).
Why Are We Vulnerable? The rise of the SaaS Chain Gang
Attacks on supply chain systems are a result of the same causes that fuelled the current digital economy with the growing use of SaaS and the interconnection between software ecosystems. It’s impossible to monitor each piece of code in these ecosystems even if it’s indirectly.
The security measures of the past are insufficient.
Traditional cybersecurity strategies centered around protecting your systems is not enough. Hackers are adept at locating the weakest link within the chain, able to bypass firewalls and perimeter security to penetrate your network using reliable third-party suppliers.
The Open-Source Surprise The Open-Source Surprise: Not All Free Code is Created Equal
The open-source software is an extremely well-known product. This is a risk. Although open-source libraries provide a myriad of benefits, their widespread use and the possibility of relying on volunteer developers can create security risks. Insecure libraries can compromise the security of many organizations that have integrated them into their systems.
The Invisible Attacker: How to Identify the Signs of an escalating Supply Chain Threat
Supply chain attack are hard to identify due to their nature. Certain indicators could signal warning signs. Unusual logins, unusual information actions, or sudden software updates from third-party vendors can indicate an unstable ecosystem. The news of a major security breach in a popular library or service provider may be an indication that your system is in danger.
Building a Fortified Fortress in a Fishbowl Strategies to Reduce Supply Chain Risk
What are the best ways to improve your defenses in order to ward off these invisible threats. Here are a few important tips to be aware of:
Checking Your Vendors Out: Create an extensive process of selecting your vendors which includes evaluating their cybersecurity practices.
Map Your Ecosystem : Create an inventory of all the software, libraries and services your organization employs, either directly or indirectly.
Continuous Monitoring: Actively track the latest security updates and watch your system for any suspicious or suspicious activity.
Open Source with Caution: Use caution when integrating open-source libraries. Prioritize those with an established reputation and active maintenance communities.
Transparency is essential to build trust. You should encourage vendors to adopt robust security measures and promote an open dialogue with you regarding potential vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity in the future Beyond Perimeter Defense
Supply chain breaches are increasing, which has forced companies to rethink their approach to cybersecurity. It’s no longer sufficient to focus solely on securing your security perimeter. Organizations must move towards a more holistic approach and prioritize collaboration with vendors, fostering transparency in the software industry, and actively combating risks across their digital supply chain. In recognizing the threat of supply chain threats and actively bolstering your security and ensuring that your business remains secure in a constantly changing and interconnected digital world.