What’s at the top of your priority list? Did supply chain security make the top 5? If it didn’t, it should.
Your organization’s supply chain offers a convenient entry point into your network, and it’s completely out of your control. Yes, that’s right. You could have the best security in the world, and still get hit by a supply chain attack.
That’s what happened to 60 credit unions at the end of November, when a vendor all of them used and trusted got hit. The attackers entered through the vendor and then easily attacked the credit unions. You see, when you have a vendor relationship, you grant them access to your network. That access can then be used by attackers.
Proliferation of Supply Chain Attacks
Supply chain attacks have become disturbingly common in recent times, and 2023 saw a steady stream of them, each with potentially life-altering consequences. This is not an exaggeration. Hospitals, schools, airlines, food suppliers and many other vital services are being hit. These attacks have wreaked havoc on various sectors, from financial institutions like credit unions to critical infrastructure providers.
No one is exempt. You need vendor relationships to conduct business and when you engage with a vendor, you often grant them access to your systems to facilitate a productive relationship. This access becomes a double-edged sword. In the event the vendor's security is compromised, hackers gain easy access to your systems, essentially bypassing your cybersecurity defenses.
Think of it this way. You know that holiday cookie you love to purchase at your favorite grocer or bakery? Imagine one tainted ingredient, like expired milk, turning something you enjoy into a health hazard. And, of course, even if you recover quickly, that seller’s reputation is tarnished forever.
That’s how a supply chain attack works. One compromised element causes widespread damage that can tarnish your reputation long after the attack occurs.
Don’t Wait To Be Victimized
Now is the time to take proactive steps to protect yourself. The first step is to get educated about your network and its vulnerabilities. Did you know that you can undergo an assessment to evaluate your readiness to respond to supply chain attacks? By taking this proactive approach, you can significantly enhance your security posture and set the stage for a safer and more successful 2024.
We’re Committed to Your Protection
We understand the severity of supply chain attacks and the need to safeguard your organization from this invisible menace. To achieve this, we offer specialized, recurring assessments specifically designed to evaluate and enhance your readiness for supply chain attacks.
We work closely with a trusted third-party partner that specializes in these assessments. As part of our commitment to your security, they've offered to conduct supply chain risk assessments for five of our clients this month. While you may not yet be a client of ours, we believe that the best protection against supply chain attacks comes from a layered approach to security and rigorous testing of these layers.
Layered Security
In the complex world of cybersecurity, a single line of defense is rarely sufficient. Hackers are growing more sophisticated daily, and your organization needs a layered security approach to be successful. By having multiple security layers in place and regularly testing their effectiveness, you can significantly reduce the risk of supply chain attacks.
No organization is immune, regardless of the strength of its cybersecurity measures, but by prioritizing supply chain security and taking proactive steps to evaluate and strengthen your defenses, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability to these attacks. Don't wait until a supply chain attack becomes your problem. Take action now to protect your organization, your reputation, and your future success. Reach out to us today to explore how we can help you secure your supply chain and fortify your defenses against this ever-present threat.
Final Thought
When it comes to supply chain attacks, it’s not about IF....it’s about WHEN. Is your organization ready?
