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Supply chain attacks have become a growing concern for organisations across various industries.
These attacks target the systems and processes that facilitate the delivery of goods and services, aiming to exploit vulnerabilities in the supply chain to gain unauthorised access to or compromise sensitive information.
To protect your business from these evolving threats, here are three essential things you need to know about supply chain attacks.
1. An ever-expanding threat landscape
Supply chain attacks have witnessed a significant rise in frequency and sophistication in the last 12 months. Attackers have shifted their focus from directly targeting organisations to infiltrating their supply chain partners. By compromising a trusted vendor or supplier, attackers can gain a foothold in an organisation’s network, often bypassing traditional security measures.
The repercussions of such attacks can be devastating, including data breaches, intellectual property theft, disruption of operations, and reputational damage. All you need to do is look at the impact of the MOVEit file transfer hack, which has seen hundreds of companies exposed through third-party software.
2. Attack vectors and techniques
Supply chain attacks can take various forms, each exploiting different weak points. One common technique is the injection of malicious code or malware into software updates or applications distributed by trusted vendors. When the unsuspecting recipient installs the update, the malware gains access to their system. Another approach is the compromise of hardware components during the manufacturing process, where attackers implant backdoors or tamper with the hardware to gain unauthorised access later on.
Attackers may also employ social engineering tactics, such as spear-phishing emails or targeted communication, to trick employees within the supply chain into revealing sensitive information or providing access credentials. Zero-day exploits further amplify the risk, making it crucial for organisations to remain vigilant and implement robust security measures.
3. Mitigation and prevention
To effectively mitigate the risks associated with supply chain attacks, organisations must adopt a multi-layered approach to security. Here are some key measures to consider:
With a proactive approach and a commitment to cyber security, organisations can safeguard their operations, protect customer data, and maintain trust.
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
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