Supply chain attacks are becoming now prevalent, and they can impact your business in ways you might not expect. These attacks target the companies and partners you rely on, using them to access your systems.
A Gartner study predicts that by 2025, 45% of organizations will have experienced a software supply chain attack. Understanding how these attacks work and how to protect yourself is more important than ever.
How Does A Supply Chain Attack Work?
A supply chain attack happens when cybercriminals target the tools, software, or systems that companies use to get their work done—these are the “supply chains” that businesses rely on to operate smoothly. Instead of directly attacking a company, they sneak in through trusted suppliers or partners.
One of the most famous (and alarming) examples of this type of attack is the SolarWinds attack. SolarWinds is a big player in network management, helping organizations, including government agencies, monitor their IT networks. What makes the SolarWinds attack stand out is how long the attackers went unnoticed—they had access to SolarWinds’ supply chain for over a year before anyone discovered the breach.
During this time, the attackers inserted malicious code into a software update for SolarWinds’ system. When thousands of SolarWinds’ customers (big companies, including government offices) installed that update, they unknowingly allowed the attackers to slip into their networks. This created a ripple effect that spread to many organizations, all because they trusted a tool that was supposed to help them.
These kinds of attacks represent a big change in how hackers operate. Instead of just going straight for their target, they might take multiple, indirect paths. It’s no longer going from point A to point B. Threat actors use these routes to make their way to the real target, all without being noticed.
Common Types Of Supply Chain Attacks
Supply chain attacks don’t always occur in the way you’d expect. Instead of malicious actors just targeting a company directly, they sneak in through trusted connections—like a supplier, a software vendor, or a partner.
There are different ways they can pull off these attacks, and it’s important to know the most common types so you can be aware and stay protected.
1. Software Updates Compromise
One of the most well-known ways hackers get in is by tampering with software updates. This is exactly what happened in the SolarWinds attack, where they sneak in a malicious piece of code into those updates.
Once you download the update, thinking it’s safe, the hacker can get into your system. Since the update comes from a trusted source, you might not think twice about it. This method can affect not just you, but everyone else who uses that software, causing a domino effect of attacks.
2. Compromising Third-Party Vendors
Sometimes, attackers don’t go after the main target directly—they go after the businesses or vendors that the main company works with. For example, a company that uses a third-party vendor, like a Managed Service provider (MSP), to help manage their IT infrastructure. If that vendor’s systems are compromised, the attacker could gain access to your company through the vendor’s back door.
Hackers might target small suppliers or companies that have access to your sensitive information. Even if you’re careful with your security, if the vendor isn’t as secure, your information can be at risk. This is a common strategy because it’s often easier to attack a smaller, less protected target and use that as a gateway into bigger, more secure networks.
3. Hardware Tampering
It’s not just software that can be targeted in a supply chain attack—hardware is also a common point of entry. In some cases, attackers can physically tamper with hardware, like servers or networking devices, before they even reach the company that buys them.
For example, a piece of equipment could be altered in a way that it secretly collects or sends data back to the hackers. When you install this compromised hardware, you might not even know it’s happening until it’s too late. Since companies usually trust the hardware they receive, this is a cunning way for hackers to get in unnoticed.
4. Credential & Identity Theft
Another type of supply chain attack happens when hackers steal login credentials from trusted partners or vendors. Once they have these credentials, they can access your network or sensitive data as if they’re part of the trusted group. This could be through phishing, where they deceive someone into giving away their username and password, or by exploiting weak security measures.
Once the hacker has these credentials, they can move around inside the system without raising suspicion. They can even impersonate employees or vendors, making it harder for your organization to pinpoint the attack.
5. Cloud Service Breaches
Many companies now use cloud services to store data and run apps. However, if a cloud provider is compromised, the data of all its clients can be at risk. Hackers can access the provider’s systems and steal or manipulate data.
According to IBM X-Force’s recent Cloud Threat Landscape Report, phishing is the most common way hackers breach cloud systems. Since multiple companies often rely on the same cloud service, a breach can impact many organizations at once.
6. Social Engineering
In some cases, hackers use social engineering to manipulate trusted partners into giving up information or access. This could be as simple as impersonating a trusted supplier or employee in an email or phone call. They might mislead someone in your supply chain into clicking on a link or downloading an attachment that gives the hacker access to your systems.
Social engineering takes advantage of human behavior and trust. Even if the technology is secure, people still play a big role in keeping systems safe. Hackers know this and use it to their advantage.
Being aware of these types of attacks is the first step in protecting yourself and your business. It’s not just about locking down your systems but also being cautious about the partners, vendors, and services you rely on. Keeping a close eye on those connections and checking up on the security measures of those you work with can help reduce the risk.
Protecting Your Business Against Supply Chain Attacks
When it comes to securing your business from supply chain attacks, there’s a lot more to consider than just updating software and using strong passwords. A recent survey of 500 top executives found that about 45% of them think they’re only halfway to securing their software supply chain. This means they’re still working on things like code signing, managing software, and limiting dependencies to trusted sources.
But what’s even more concerning is that 64% of these executives wouldn’t know who to turn to first if their software supply chain was attacked. Despite 93% of them feeling prepared to handle cyberattacks, it’s clear there’s a big gap in how ready they actually are when it comes to real-life threats.
So, what does this mean for your business? The answer is simple: you need to go back to the basics. Regular internal reviews of your own network security are key to protecting your business—and your customers—because you’re all part of the larger supply chain. you should pay special attention to the risks that come with using third-party vendors. It’s important to do thorough checks on their security measures to make sure they’re not putting you at risk.
In an episode of The Cybersecurity Insider podcast, 2Secure’s Yigal Behar recommends doing regular internal reviews of your own network security to protect your business—and your customers—because you’re all part of the larger supply chain.
You should also pay special attention to the risks that come with using third-party vendors. It’s important to do thorough checks on their security measures to make sure they’re not putting you at risk.
In simple terms, securing your business against supply chain attacks isn’t just about having the right tools—it’s about having the right practices in place.
FAQ
What Is A Supply Chain Attack?
A supply chain attack ensues when hackers target a company’s suppliers, vendors, or partners to sneak into your systems. Instead of attacking you directly, they get in through your connections It’s important to secure not just your business but your entire network of people and companies that you work with.
What Is The Most Common Entry Point For A Supply Chain Attack?
It’s when threat actors compromise a third-party vendor, like an MSP. Since these vendors have deep access to your systems, attackers can slink in through them often without you even realizing it, putting your business at risk. It’s advisable to vet vendors and monitor their security practices carefully.
What Is A Powerful Countermeasure To Supply Chain Vulnerabilities?
According to 2Secure Corp’s Yigal Behar, a countermeasure against supply chain vulnerabilities is conducting regular internal reviews to secure your network and those of your partners. Due diligence with third-party vendors is also necessary to ensure their security. Change passwords (especially admin ones) to 30 characters, and implement separation of duties. Also, use endpoint protection across all devices to prevent unauthorized access and educate employees and staff to reduce human errors.
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Source:
- Gartner. (2024). Top Cybersecurity Trends and Strategies for Securing the Future | Gartner. Gartner. https://www.gartner.com/en/cybersecurity/topics/cybersecurity-trends
