Defending Against Software Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

In today's interconnected world, businesses often work with numerous suppliers for various purposes, from ingredients and production materials to outsourced work and technology. This intricate web of relationships forms the supply chain, a potential target for cybercriminals.

A supply chain attack is a type of cyberattack that accesses a business's network via third-party vendors or suppliers, or through the supply chain itself. One such attack, the SolarWinds supply-chain, malware attack, affected notable organisations such as the US Treasury Department, the US Department of Defense, and many others. Another notable example is the SITA data breach, which exposed over 580,000 records from Malaysia Airlines' Frequent Flyer program and affected multiple airlines.

These attacks can be challenging to detect and prevent, especially if vendors aren't maintaining strict cybersecurity policies and using the best tools. Firmware attacks, for instance, insert malware into a computer's booting code, jeopardising the entire system upon boot-up. In hardware attacks, attackers target physical devices that make their way through the entire supply chain to maximise their reach and damage.

Software supply chain attacks are equally insidious. They only require one compromised application or piece of software to deliver malware across the entire supply chain. Attackers often target an application's source code, delivering malicious code into a trusted app or software system. They may also use software updates as entry points, making them difficult to trace.

To minimise these risks, businesses can take several steps. Using an Enterprise Password Management Platform (EPM) can prevent supply chain attacks by giving IT administrators visibility into employee password practices and the ability to enforce password security rules company-wide. Applying vendor access controls can restrict a vendor's access to a business's system, thereby mitigating potential threats.

Investing in SOC (Security Operations Centre) analysts can also help identify problems or missing protection in a business's cybersecurity infrastructure. Cybersecurity experts, specialised mentors, and DeepTech startups focused on cybersecurity solutions can provide additional help, as supported by programs like the ATHENE Accelerator SpeedUpSecure offering expert training and consulting.

Lastly, it is crucial for businesses to protect their supply chains and ensure the companies they work with are as committed to that protection as they are. By taking these measures, businesses can safeguard their networks, data, and reputation from the ever-present threat of supply chain cyberattacks.