Supply-chain attack

Supply-chain attack, also known as a supply-chain compromise, is a type of cyber-attack that involves an adversary infiltrating an organization’s supply chain to gain access to their network, data, or systems. This type of attack is especially effective and difficult to defend against because it targets a weak link in a system that often flies under the radar compared to other parts of the organization.

A supply-chain attack begins with an adversary gaining access to a single vulnerable point in the supply chain which can include unsecured products, corrupted software updates, or malicious hardware components. This initial infiltration can then be used as a doorway to the larger system, allowing the malicious actor to gain access to the entire chain. As a result, the organization’s data and systems are put at risk of compromise.

The impact of a successful supply-chain attack can be great due to the potential for widespread contamination. In this instance, a single breach can easily become an epidemic, as all of the components in the supply chain are affected. Furthermore, organizations often do not discover the presence of malicious components until it is too late, making these attacks difficult to defend against.

To protect against supply-chain attacks, organizations should invest in robust cyber security measures that involve regularly evaluating and monitoring their supply chain for vulnerabilities. Additionally, they should ensure that their supply chain partners have adequate security measures in place to protect against this type of attack. Finally, organizations should perform independent testing of all updates and components before they are integrated into their systems.