Supply chain attack

A supply chain attack is when hackers target a trusted third-party service to access your data or systems. These attacks often focus on software or services that many businesses use, like cloud platforms, software updates, or payment processors. By compromising one part of the supply chain, attackers can reach multiple organizations without having to break into each one individually.

Why it matters is because supply chain attacks can be hard to detect. They often appear as normal updates or services, making it easy for hackers to slip through security defenses. For example, a hacker might inject malicious code into a software update, and when businesses install the update, they unknowingly install the malware on their systems.

What to do is to carefully vet all third-party services and software. Regularly check for updates and verify their authenticity. Also, use tools that can scan for unexpected changes in your systems. If you suspect something is wrong, contact the service provider and your security team immediately.