Cybersecurity in the supply chain: Direct attacks

According to the following article from seguridadred.com, in 2023, eight out of ten companies felt vulnerable to cyberattacks against the supply chain. The introduction of new technological tools for greater efficiency, such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT), has intensified cyber threats in the supply chain.

Types of cyberattacks in the supply chain

Next, we will present some of the most common cyberattacks that cybercriminals use to infect and access a system or IT infrastructure through the supply chain.

• Malware attacks: These include viruses, worms, trojans, and ransomware that can spread through the supply chain by infiltrating the computer systems of suppliers, partners, or customers. These attacks can cause operational disruptions or theft of confidential data.

• Social engineering attacks: Social engineering is a manipulation technique designed by cybercriminals to deceive users into taking specific actions that could expose their data, such as banking information, confidential documents or reports, passwords, etc., and steal them. Some examples include phishing, pretexting, and spear phishing.

For more information about this attacks, we dedicated an article about social engineering attacks:https://www.esedsl.com/en/blog/what-is-social-engineering-and-how-to-protect-yourself-complete-guide

• Identity spoofing attacks: Spoofing, or identity spoofing, is one of the most commonly used cyberattacks today because it easily achieves its goal. These attacks are difficult to detect and often trick users into falling for them. They involve impersonating or falsifying the identity of a legitimate supplier or partner to deceive an organization and gain access to systems or sensitive data

• Data interception attacks: Cybercriminals can intercept and steal confidential data as it travels through the supply chain. This can occur by intercepting communications on unsecured networks or, for example, infiltrating supplier systems to access confidential information.
  
  

• Denial of Service attacks (DDoS): DDoS or distributed denial of service attacks are a type of attack aimed at disabling a server, service, or infrastructure. Disrupting a system means disrupting the business activity of the organization, resulting in economic losses for the company.
  
  

• Physical infiltration attacks: Cybercriminals can physically infiltrate supplier or partner facilities to access systems or devices and steal confidential information or install listening or recording devices.
  
  To prevent these cyberattacks across the supply chain, it is essential to implement robust cybersecurity solutions tailored to the needs of each company. The technology used, as well as the way processes are executed, influence the creation of a cybersecurity strategy. 

How to prevent cyberattacks in the supply chain

As cybersecurity specialists, we recommend taking the following actions to prevent cyberattacks in the supply chain.

• Risk analysis: It's essential to conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities in the supply chain. This involves analyzing both the organization's own infrastructure and that of suppliers and involved partners/collaborators.
  
  

• Work with suppliers with cybersecurity guarantees: When deciding to work with a supplier, you must ensure they meet appropriate cybersecurity standards. To do this, you can conduct cybersecurity audits and assess your risk management practices.
  
  

• Establish security/privacy policies: Privacy policies outline how a company collects, uses, and protects users' personal information. Currently, companies must comply with many laws and regulations related to data privacy, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Privacy policies serve as assurance that the company takes the necessary measures to comply with these legal regulations.
  
  

• Access control and limits on file downloads: One of the main risks of privileged access is information theft. Cybercriminals, through phishing attacks, attempt to obtain access credentials to acquire specific information. To prevent this type of attack, we also recommend limiting file downloads.

  At ESED, we have developed WWatcher, a specific tool to limit the volume and number of files downloaded, preventing data leaks and information theft.
  
  

• Continuous monitoring: Continuous monitoring of activity in the supply chain is essential for detecting and responding promptly to any security incidents.
  

  As you can see, cybersecurity in the supply chain is becoming an increasingly important necessity for businesses to ensure the continuity of their operations.
  
  At ESED, as cybersecurity specialists, we assist you in developing a cybersecurity strategy and implementing the cybersecurity solutions your system requires.