📌 Supply Chain Attack Summary
A supply chain attack is when a cybercriminal targets a business by exploiting weaknesses in its suppliers or service providers. Instead of attacking the business directly, the attacker compromises software, hardware, or services that the business relies on. This type of attack can have wide-reaching effects, as it may impact many organisations using the same supplier.
🙋🏻♂️ Explain Supply Chain Attack Simply
Imagine you order a pizza, but someone tampers with the ingredients before they reach the pizzeria. Even if the pizzeria does everything right, your pizza could still be unsafe. A supply chain attack works in a similar way, where attackers target the sources rather than the final destination.
📅 How Can it be used?
Monitor and verify third-party software and hardware components before integrating them into your project to minimise supply chain attack risks.
🗺️ Real World Examples
In 2020, attackers compromised SolarWinds, a company providing IT management software. They inserted malicious code into software updates, which were unwittingly installed by thousands of organisations, including government agencies and large corporations.
Attackers once targeted a point-of-sale software vendor used by many retailers. By compromising the vendor’s update system, the attackers distributed malware to numerous shops, enabling them to steal customers’ payment information.
✅ FAQ
What is a supply chain attack and why should businesses be concerned?
A supply chain attack happens when cybercriminals target a business by compromising the products or services it relies on, like software updates or hardware components from suppliers. This can be especially worrying because even if a company has strong defences, a weakness in an outside supplier can put it at risk. The effects can spread widely, impacting many organisations that use the same supplier.
How can supply chain attacks affect everyday organisations?
Supply chain attacks can disrupt daily operations, leak sensitive data, or even spread malicious software across many businesses at once. Because organisations often depend on the same suppliers and service providers, a single attack can cause problems for many companies, not just the original target.
What can companies do to reduce the risk of supply chain attacks?
Companies can reduce risk by carefully choosing trusted suppliers, regularly checking for security updates, and keeping an eye on the security practices of their partners. It is also important to have plans in place to respond quickly if something unusual is detected, so any damage can be limited.
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