No matter how much you invest in safeguarding your business’s network against cyberattacks, your efforts can be undermined if your partners and vendors don’t uphold the same level of security. A supply chain attack can succeed through no fault of your own and cause significant damage before they are discovered.
Here are six ways you can protect your company from such attacks and keep all of your network’s loopholes and backdoors covered.
What is a supply chain attack?
A supply chain attack is a cyberattack directed through an IT vendor or a business partner that has access to your network. This way, cybercriminals don’t have to crack your robust cybersecurity, just the weak defenses of one of your partners.
Once they gain an access point or some other digital advantage, perpetrators can launch a variety of attacks against your company and every other organization the compromised network has access to. The different kinds of supply chain attacks include:
- Malware: Attackers exploit their access to your network and deliver malicious software, typically ransomware, which can cripplie your operations entirely.
- Phishing: By utilizing company email addresses and other legitimate communication channels, attackers can easily fool one of your employees into divulging confidential information and credentials such as passwords.
- Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks: Instead of planting malware or stealing data, attackers overwhelm your network with junk traffic, paralyzing your operations.
One of the most famous supply chain attacks was the SolarWinds attack in 2020, where Russian state hackers compromised a network monitoring tool and gained access to hundreds of companies and government agencies.
How to defend your company from supply chain attacks
Fortunately, there are many ways by which you can protect your network from these attacks without spending a fortune on new tools or programs. Some basic steps you can take include the following:
Understand your supply chain
First, you need to know which vendors have access to your systems or sensitive data. Make a list of all your business’s third-party software, cloud services, and outsourced IT providers. Understanding your digital ecosystem helps you assess where potential vulnerabilities lie.
Vet vendors thoroughly
Prioritizing cybersecurity is paramount when choosing a third-party provider. So, no matter the size or reputation of any supplier, be sure to inquire about their cybersecurity practices. Do they conduct regular audits? Are they compliant with industry standards such as ISO 27001 or SOC 2? Do they have incident response plans in place? These are all important questions to ask before finalizing any partnerships.
Limit third-party access
Granting a vendor access to your systems doesn’t mean they should have unrestricted access. Allow only the permissions necessary to do the job required of them, a practice known as the principle of least privilege. Restrict their access to sensitive systems and data, and review these privileges regularly.
Require security policies from partners
Request vendors to share their security policies and incident response plans to hold them accountable for their practices. These policies should outline clear expectations for data handling, breach notifications, and compliance requirements, providing a solid foundation for secure partnerships. If you have a trusted IT provider such as XBASE Technologies, have them review vendors’ policies.
Segment your network
Segmenting your network restricts lateral movement in the event of an attack by isolating parts of your network from each other. For example, if a specific tool is breached, it won’t automatically endanger your entire business. While the specific segment they had access to might be affected, the impact will be contained, preventing the attack from spreading further.
Train employees to spot red flags
Human error is one of the top causes of supply chain attacks, so minimizing it is vital to staying protected. Train your team to identify suspicious emails, unusual software behavior, and other warning signs of potential threats. Above all, they should be able to recognize questionable communications, even when they appear to come from trusted sources such as partners or service providers.
Prevent supply chain attacks with a reliable cybersecurity services provider
XBASE is one of Canada’s most trusted cybersecurity experts, providing reliable and comprehensive protection for businesses. Backed by over 35 years of expertise, XBASE has earned a reputation for providing cutting-edge solutions that protect sensitive data and deliver peace of mind.
Our expert consultants can help evaluate potential partners before granting them access to your network. We carefully analyze their connections and address any vulnerabilities to guarantee your network always stays secure. Additionally, we implement innovative, customized solutions designed to meet your specific needs and budget.
Ready to strengthen your cybersecurity posture? Contact XBASE for a free consultation today.