Is Your IT Solutions Provider Protecting You From Supply Chain Attacks?
Despite the fact that security systems are always being upgraded by the best minds in IT security, cybercriminals are never far away, and they sometimes get past even the most advanced cybersecurity techniques.
That’s the case with supply chain attacks, an emerging form of cybercriminal activity. Don’t worry though—there are some simple measures you can take to protect your business from supply chain attacks. Let’s start with understanding how these attacks happen.
How Do Supply Chain Attacks Occur?
The goal of a supply chain attack is to send a virus through a legitimate service, like an app. The hackers can then access source codes, build processes, or update mechanisms to hurt a company’s revenue.
Attackers are on the lookout for insecure network protocols, risky coding practices, and exposed server infrastructures. When they find loopholes, hackers change the source codes and conceal viruses in build and update processes (this is when the developer converts files and other assets into the final form of a software product for the user).
Since we usually only use apps from trusted companies, these apps and their updates are signed off to be launched and updated. This is what makes supply chain attacks so dangerous—the vendors don’t even know that their app has been infected with bad code.
Even the biggest companies aren’t immune to these tricky attacks—Microsoft Exchange Servers was a victim in 2021 and US software vendor SolarWinds was hit in 2020, affecting 18,000 organizations.
Supply chain attacks can come in many different shapes and sizes but here are some of the most common according to Microsoft:
Compromised software building tools or updated infrastructure
Stolen code-sign certificates or signed malicious apps using the identity of the developer company
Compromised specialized code shipped into hardware or firmware components
Pre-installed malware on devices (cameras, USB, phones, etc.)
What Threats Do Supply Chain Attacks Pose?
Data for 2022 isn’t available yet but in 2021, supply chain attacks were expected to happen four times more than they did in 2020. Remember, even if your business doesn’t have an app that could be hacked, you most likely use apps from trusted software developers, so your data could still be at risk.
Theft of data and money isn’t the only thing you have to worry about when it comes to supply chain attacks. These attacks can also lead to:
Reputational damage
Legal ramifications
Loss of customer trust
Decrease in productivity
How to Protect Your Organization Against Supply Chain Attacks
There are a few best practices that businesses can follow to protect themselves from supply chain attacks. First, endpoint detection and response (EDR) can help identify malicious activity, including infections from supply chain attacks.
Businesses should also improve their security posture overall, including tightening up their typical cyber defenses and increasing the training of their employees.
Also, using a software bill of materials (SBOM) can help businesses keep track of all the open-source components being used in their code. This will allow businesses to quickly identify which parts of their code may be vulnerable to attack.
You need to have a strong relationship with your IT solutions provider or in-house team so that they can quickly address any issues that may arise. By working together, businesses can ensure that their IT infrastructure is as secure as possible.
Talk to Your IT Solutions Provider
If you’re concerned about supply chain attacks, or any other type of cyber threat, reach out to your IT solutions provider. They can help you assess your current security posture and make recommendations on how to improve it.
You should learn what protections your IT vendor is currently providing or using to fight against supply chain attacks. If they’re not currently using those services for your company, talk to them about implementing those practices into your company’s IT strategy.
Tekscape Can Help!
At Tekscape, we’ve been protecting our clients against supply chain attack damage for years. We offer a comprehensive suite of IT security services, including endpoint detection and response (EDR), cyber threat hunting, managed detection and response (MDR), and more.
We also offer security awareness training to help your employees stay up-to-date on the latest threats and best practices to protect your business. Contact us today to learn more about our IT security services and how we can help you protect your business against supply chain attacks.
