The concept of a perimeter around the data of your organization is rapidly disappearing in today’s digitally interconnected world. A new type of cyberattacks, called 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 world of supply chain attacks, looking at the ever-changing threat landscape, your company’s vulnerability, and the most important steps you can take in order to increase your security.
The Domino Effect: A Tiny Flaw can Cripple your Business
Imagine this scenario: Your organization is not using an open source software library with an identified vulnerability. But the provider of data analytics services, on which you heavily rely, does. This flaw that appears to be minor could become your Achilles ‘ heel. Hackers exploit this vulnerability found in open-source software, in order to gain access to system of the provider. They now could gain access to your company’s systems, thanks to an invisibly third-party connection.
This domino effect perfectly illustrates the insidious nature of supply chain attacks. They infiltrate seemingly secure systems by exploiting weaknesses of partner programs, open source libraries, or cloud-based services.
Why Are We Vulnerable? What’s the SaaS Chain Gang?
Supply chain attacks are the result of the same factors that drove the digital economy of today and the rising use of SaaS and the interconnection between software ecosystems. The sheer complexity of these ecosystems is difficult to track every single piece of software an organization has interaction with and even in indirect ways.
Traditional security measures aren’t enough.
It’s no longer sufficient to rely solely on traditional cybersecurity measures aimed at fortifying the systems you utilize. Hackers can identify the weakest link, bypassing perimeter security and firewalls in order to gain access to your network through reliable third-party suppliers.
Open-Source Surprise – Not all free code is created equally
The open-source software is an extremely popular software. This can be a source of vulnerability. While open-source libraries can provide many advantages, their wide use and reliance on volunteer developers can create security risks. A single, unpatched security flaw in a widely used library could be exposed to a multitude of organizations who are unaware of the vulnerability and have incorporated it into their systems.
The Invisible Attacker: How to Identify the Symptoms of a Supply Chain Threat
Supply chain attack are hard to spot due to their nature. Certain indicators could signal the alarm. Unusual login attempts, abnormal activities with data or updates that are not expected from third-party vendors might be a sign that your network is at risk. Additionally, news of a major security breach at a widely used library or service provider should immediately be taken to evaluate your potential exposure.
Constructing an Fishbowl Fortress: Strategies for Mitigating Supply Chain Risk
So, how can you fortify your defenses against these invisible threats? Here are some crucial steps to take into consideration:
Perform a thorough assessment of your vendors’ cybersecurity practices.
Mapping Your Ecosystem Make a map that includes all libraries, software, and services your organization makes use of, whether in either a direct or indirect manner.
Continuous Monitoring: Monitor all security updates, and continuously monitor your system for any suspicious activity.
Open Source with Attention: Be mindful when installing libraries which are open source and give priority to those with good reputations and active communities.
Building Trust Through Transparency: Encourage your vendors to implement security measures that are robust and promote open communication regarding potential vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity in the future Beyond Perimeter Defense
The increasing threat of supply chain attacks necessitates an entirely new way of thinking about how businesses deal with cybersecurity. It’s no longer enough to be focusing on only securing your personal perimeter. Organizations must take a holistic approach that prioritizes collaboration with vendors, fosters transparency within the software ecosystem, and actively mitigates risks across their digital chains. Understanding the risk of supply chain attacks and strengthening your defenses can help ensure your business’s safety in a more interconnected and complex digital environment.