As we continue to rely heavily on computer systems and networks in various aspects of our lives, our exposure to cyber threats has increased exponentially. One such threat that has gained notoriety in recent years is the supply chain attack cyber.

In order to understand what is a supply chain attack cyber, we need to first understand what a supply chain is. A supply chain involves a network of organizations, activities, people, information, and resources involved in the production and delivery of a product or service from the supplier to the customer. In a cyber context, the supply chain refers to the processes and activities involved in the development, distribution, and maintenance of software or hardware systems.

What is a Supply Chain Attack Cyber?

A supply chain attack, also known as a value-chain or third-party attack, happens when a cybercriminal exploits vulnerabilities in the supply chain to launch an attack on a target system. The attacker typically infiltrates the network through a less secure element in the supply chain, such as a third-party vendor, supplier, or service provider, and uses this as a stepping stone to launch an attack on the main target.

How Supply Chain Attacks Work

There are many ways a supply chain attack can be enacted, but some of the most common involve compromising a trusted third-party software, hardware, or service provider. Once the attacker has gained access, they can implant malicious code, gain control over systems or even manipulate the functions of the compromised component in a way that benefits them.

Common Types of Supply Chain Attacks

The complexity of supply chains and the myriad ways in which they can be attacked means there are many types of supply chain attacks. Some of the most common include:

• Software Supply Chain Attacks: In this type of attack, cybercriminals might inject malicious code into a software update or a legitimate software package. Once the compromised software is installed, the attacker can access the system and launch additional attacks. For example, the infamous NotPetya attack involved a legitimate tax accounting software that was compromised by hackers.
• Hardware Supply Chain Attacks: These involve the malicious alteration of hardware at some point during production or distribution. The altered hardware could provide a backdoor for the attacker into an organization’s network once the device is installed.
• Third-Party Service Provider Attacks: Here, the attacker targets a third-party service provider that has access to a company's network. This could be a cleaning service, a heating and air conditioning service, or a software updating service. The attacker exploits the fact that these third-party providers tend not to have a high level of cybersecurity protection.

Strategies for Mitigating Supply Chain Cyber Attacks

Detecting and preventing supply chain attacks can be challenging due to their complex nature. However, several strategies can be adopted:

• Risk Assessment: Regularly evaluate the security posture of your suppliers and third-party vendors, especially those with network access.
• Update and Patch Management: Regularly apply patches and updates to software and systems. Some supply chain attacks exploit known vulnerabilities that have been addressed by patches, but the organization hasn't yet applied the fix.
• Implement Stronger Security Policies and Controls: Implement robust security measures like multi-factor authentication, access privileged accounts, and network segmentation.
• Security Awareness and Training: Regular training of employees and contractors can increase their understanding of supply chain risks and teach them how to identify potential threats.

In conclusion, understanding what a supply chain attack cyber is and how it can affect your organization is the first step in safeguarding your systems from these intricate threats. By ensuring regular updating and patching of software and hardware, conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing robust security measures, and investing in security training for all parties within the supply chain, you can significantly decrease your chances of falling victim to such an attack. Supply chain attacks represent a complex and evolving threat, but by educating ourselves and taking proactive steps to strengthen our systems, we can avoid becoming easy prey for attackers.