BLOG: Why You Should Be Monitoring Your Supply Chain For Breaches

In today’s interconnected business world, supply chain security has become a critical concern for companies of all sizes. A supply chain breach can cause significant damage to a company’s reputation, bottom line, and even national security. As such, it is essential for companies to actively monitor their supply chain for breaches in order to protect themselves and their customers.

A supply chain attack is a type of cyber attack in which an attacker targets a weak point in a supply chain in order to gain access to an organization’s network or data. This type of attack takes advantage of the trust relationships that exist between organizations and their suppliers, partners, and vendors. The attacker will typically target a third-party supplier or vendor that has access to the targeted organization’s network or data, and use that access as a stepping stone to launch a more extensive attack.

In a supply chain attack, the attacker can use a variety of techniques such as malware-laced software updates, compromised hardware, and social engineering tactics to gain access to the targeted organization. Once the attacker has access, they can steal sensitive information, disrupt operations, or even launch further attacks against other organizations. Supply chain attacks are considered to be a significant threat because they can be difficult to detect and can have a significant impact on an organization’s operations and reputation.

One of the main reasons to monitor your supply chain is to protect against intellectual property (IP) theft. A supply chain breach can allow hackers to gain access to sensitive information, such as product designs, trade secrets, and customer data. This can lead to the loss of competitive advantage, decreased sales, and even legal action. By monitoring your supply chain, you can quickly identify and respond to any attempts to steal your IP.

Over the recent years, we have seen companies ranging from small to large succumb to supply chain attacks. One of the most significant supply chain attacks was the SolarWinds incident which occurred in December 2020. Hackers were able to gain access to the network of SolarWinds, a company that produces IT management software, and plant malware in updates that were distributed to thousands of customers. The malware then gave the hackers access to the networks of those customers, including numerous government agencies and private companies. The attack is considered one of the most significant cyber attacks in recent history because of the large number of organizations affected and the sensitive information that may have been compromised.

Another reason to monitor your supply chain is to protect against the introduction of malware into your systems. Supply chain breaches can allow hackers to introduce malware into your systems, which can then spread and cause damage. This can lead to data loss, system downtime, and even complete system failure. By monitoring your supply chain, you can quickly identify and respond to any attempts to introduce malware into your systems.

Finally, supply chain breaches can also have national security implications. Many companies operate in critical infrastructure industries, such as energy, transportation, and healthcare. A supply chain breach in one of these industries can have far-reaching consequences, not just for the company but for the country as a whole. By monitoring your supply chain, you can help protect against these types of breaches and ensure the continued functioning of our critical infrastructure.

Supply chain security is a critical concern for companies of all sizes. By monitoring your supply chain, you can protect against intellectual property theft, malware introduction, and even national security breaches. It is essential for companies to take an active role in protecting their supply chain, and to have a plan in place for quickly identifying and responding to breaches. With the right tools and expertise, companies can effectively monitor their supply chain and ensure the security of their systems, data, and customers.

Find out more about how Orpheus Cyber can protect your supply chain here