Learn how to identify and defend against supply chain attacks targeting software, hardware, and service providers.
The Supply Chain Attack Risk
Supply chain attacks are increasingly sophisticated, compromising trusted vendors to reach their customers. Rather than attacking organizations directly, attackers compromise suppliers and distribute malicious updates. This approach provides access to many targets simultaneously.
High-Impact Examples
Recent supply chain attacks have compromised software updates, firmware, and cloud services. These attacks are particularly dangerous because victims trust the compromised suppliers.
Defense Strategies
Defense requires software composition analysis, vendor risk management, and monitoring for anomalous behavior from trusted providers. Organizations should validate software before deployment and maintain segmentation to limit lateral movement if compromises occur.
Software Composition Analysis
Understanding what software components you use is critical. Many organizations don't know what open-source or third-party libraries their applications contain. Software composition analysis tools identify known vulnerabilities in supply chains.
Vendor Risk Management
Organizations should evaluate vendors' security practices, incident response procedures, and communication capabilities. Vendor agreements should require breach notification and audit rights.
Detection and Response
Organizations should monitor for unusual behavior from trusted vendors and be prepared to rapidly deploy patches or workarounds if compromises are discovered.