Protecting Your Company from Growing Risks of Software Supply Chain Attacks

Software is ubiquitous across almost each and every walk of life. We use it both socially and professionally to make our lives more convenient and interconnected. From apps on our phones to word processing programs, modern lives are increasingly dependent on software.

This is especially true for businesses, who need to often base entire basic operations in the online world. Documents are stored in the cloud, rather than a filing cabinet, schedules are documented on Trello rather than a clock-in sheet, and meetings nowadays are held on Zoom, rather than a boardroom.

However, software isn’t without its risks. Rogue actors, scammers, and cybercriminals can take advantage of the unique vulnerabilities found in some software to access personal information and infiltrate sensitive data banks.

Software supply chains in particular are an increasingly frequent target for attack by scammers. And when you’re running a business, that is especially worrying. There are going to be consequences for flawed security, for you, for your business, and for the clients and customers you serve.

So, how can you protect your company against these risks?

Before we discuss how you can protect your company, we first need to define what we mean when we talk about the software supply chain. Much like any product, software is designed and developed over time, often using numerous different tools and requiring input from a range of different people, such as engineers, programmers, and analysts. Before a piece of software is released and made available for the public, it is tweaked and augmented over and over, often going through numerous iterations and stringent rounds of testing.

Anything that influences or contributes to the development of a particular piece of software is said to be part of that software’s supply chain. Each of these contributors works to create a potential vulnerability that can be exploited by cybercriminals. As finished software becomes more secure, scammers are targeting the development process itself to commit their crimes. As a result, software supply chain security is becoming a top priority for many companies.

Software development is a complex and involved process. As a result, supply chain attacks can come in various forms and can have a range of different implications.

A concerning amount of these attacks are actually perpetrated internally, and that number is only rising as working from home becomes the norm. So, rather than looking out for a teenager in a hoodie who just wants to cause trouble – although that is also very common – you’re likely to be facing a member of your own team who, whether willingly or not, has abused their access to your company’s data.

The tools and structures used to build software can be compromised, while login details and user account information can be stolen. This can give cybercriminals access to sensitive code in the early stages of development. From there, they can hide malware in the code itself that can go undetected as the software is made available to the public.

Any supply chain attack on software can have devastating implications for all involved. The end user using compromised software can have their personal details stolen, while the company that developed the software will suffer significant damage to their brand’s image and reputation. 

Implementing strict security measures and safety policies is the first step you should take to protect your company against such attacks. Use secure logins and two-factor authentication wherever possible, and ensure all tools and patches are regularly updated to prevent scammers from identifying areas of vulnerability.

Perhaps the most effective way to safeguard your company against such attacks is by using a comprehensive supply chain solution. Such a solution will contain everything your company needs to stay on top of cybersecurity policies and will ensure that your supply chain is not vulnerable to attack from rogue third parties. An effective solution will be dynamic and able to respond to changing practices and standards as new cybersecurity threats develop, meaning your company will be safeguarded well into the future.

However, a simple means of keeping your system secure is with training. A common tactic amongst hackers is phishing, so make sure that your team knows when they are being tricked and when to ignore an email without opening it.

Software supply chain attacks are an emerging threat in the tech industry. Companies must be vigilant and ensure their supply chain remains secure in the face of attacks from cybercriminals. Failure to do so can have severe consequences for your software and the future of your business. Use the advice in this guide to protect your company and your software from these new security threats.