A software update is installed, a new library is integrated into the code, or an external service provider is integrated into an IT system – seemingly everyday occurrences. But this is exactly where supply chain attacks come in, exploiting these interfaces in a targeted manner. Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in the supply chain to gain access to systems via trusted third parties. Instead of attacking a target system directly, attackers smuggle their malicious code in via trusted third parties. Access is gained through the back door, inconspicuously, often unnoticed, and with far-reaching consequences. Supply chains are thus becoming an attractive gateway for cybercriminals and pose a growing challenge to IT security.
At their core, supply chain attacks aim to exploit the relationships of trust between companies and their partners. Attackers manipulate components before they reach the actual target system. This can be done through infected software updates, compromised third-party tools, or manipulated hardware. The attackers place their code where it appears unsuspicious, in systems that are considered secure because they come from a trusted source.
Once the manipulated component is integrated into the company’s infrastructure, the attacker gains indirect access. This access is often detected late because it occurs via legitimate channels and usually leaves no immediately visible traces. This makes supply chain attacks particularly insidious: they bypass classic security mechanisms because they start before the actual security boundary, in the middle of the supply chain.
Risks
- Unnoticed access to internal systems: Attackers gain access to the network via trusted third parties, often without being detected immediately.
- Loss of sensitive data: Customer data, trade secrets, or internal documents may have been leaked before the attack is detected.
- Manipulation of systems and processes: Code that has been injected can disrupt or sabotage business processes or deliberately introduce false information.
- Damage to brand reputation: An attack via the supply chain signals a lack of security controls, including at partners, which undermines the trust of customers and investors.
- High costs for damage control and recovery: Remediating security incidents, forensic analysis, and rebuilding secure systems can be very expensive.
- Legal and regulatory consequences: Data protection violations or failures to secure third-party systems can have legal consequences.
- Dependence on insecure third-party providers: Companies lose control over security standards if partner companies are inadequately protected.
- Delays and production downtime: Compromised software or delivery components can paralyze operations or interrupt supply chains.
Our tips
- Careful selection and testing of third-party providers: Regularly review and contractually define the security standards, certifications, and compliance of suppliers.
- Create transparency in the supply chain: Maintain a clear overview of all components used, suppliers, and their origin, especially for software, libraries, and hardware.
- Use trusted sources: Only use signed, tested software and updates from official repositories or channels.
- Code and update checks: Check the code, configurations, and updates used for manipulation and anomalies before deployment (e.g., hash checks, sandboxing).
- Introduce zero-trust architecture: Do not automatically trust internal or external components. All communication and access must be verified.
- Monitoring and anomaly detection: Continuously monitor systems to detect unusual activity at an early stage.
- Minimize access rights (least privilege): Only grant third-party providers and internal systems the permissions that are absolutely necessary.
- Regular security audits and penetration tests: Regularly test your own systems and external integrations and proactively fix vulnerabilities.
- Update incident response plans: Include attack scenarios through supply chains in emergency plans and clearly define responsibilities and procedures.
- Employee awareness and training: Train technical and non-technical employees about the risks posed by third-party providers and insecure integration.
Conclusion
Supply chain attacks clearly show that cyber threats are no longer limited to a company’s external borders. Instead, the risk is shifting deep into the structures, where trust, routine, and dependency converge. The increasing complexity and interconnectedness of supply chains requires a rethink of IT security strategies: Not only your own system, but also the entire environment must be protected. Those who fail to face this reality risk silent attacks through the back door, with potentially devastating consequences. Security does not end at the company boundary; it begins with the supply chain.