On December 8, the White House issued a statement saying that recent supply chain attacks on vital services and infrastructure should serve as a wakeup call. Schools, healthcare facilities, food suppliers, and airlines have all been hit by supply chain attacks. We know they’re happening. We know they’re dangerous. The only question left is WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
Supply Chain Attacks Rising
Supply chain attacks have escalated in frequency and sophistication, making them one of the most formidable adversaries in the world of cybersecurity. Just like a Trojan horse, they disguise themselves within seemingly harmless packages, making it challenging to detect and thwart their nefarious intentions. Here’s a few recent ones:
- Ongoing Operations (December 2023): Major vendor for financial institutions got attacked resulting in at least 60 credit unions experiencing damage and struggling.
- Applied Materials Supply Chain Attack (February 2023): A key partner of Applied Materials was targeted, resulting in a staggering $250 million loss in Q1 2023. The attack caused significant shipment delays and financial turmoil.
- University of San Francisco Attack (February 2023): Think about a scenario where a doctor can't perform life-saving surgeries because the system is offline for several days. In this attack, staff members couldn't access records or schedule surgeries, and personal information belonging to clinical trial participants was stolen.
- MOVEit Supply Chain Attack (June 2023): Personal data and flight safety were compromised in a massive breach, putting travel security for thousands at risk.
- 3CX Supply Chain Attack (March 2023): Malware was silently delivered to and hidden within several client organizations, acting as a ticking time bomb with hackers in control of the detonator switch.
A Unique Challenge
Unlike traditional attacks, supply chain attacks don't knock on your front door; they slip in through the back, often bypassing even the most robust security measures.
These attacks exploit the trust that exists within the supply chain, preying on established relationships and dependencies. When a supplier or vendor is compromised, they become the perfect gateway for attackers to infiltrate your network. This means that your MSP's reputation is on the line, and, shockingly, your clients' security is in jeopardy because of you.
The undeniable reality is that supply chain attacks are not going away. In fact, they are evolving, becoming more sophisticated with each passing day. To protect your MSP and clients, proactive steps are not just advisable; they are essential.
Are you assessing supply chain risk as part of your client communication?
You may read out a vulnerability report. You may even perform penetration testing within their environments and get them to buy into advanced security solutions. All of that is good, but there needs to be more. Your clients need effective communication and proactive steps to keep them safe. And since you certainly don’t want to be the vendor a hacker uses for attacking your clients, it’s time to shield your MSP and your clients from the looming threat of supply chain attacks by being proactive.
Begin by conducting a Level 1 pen test to identify vulnerabilities in your client's environment. This initial step can uncover weak links that attackers might exploit.
However, don't stop there. The key is to establish a recurring cadence with comprehensive Level 3 pen tests that specifically focus on supply chain attack vectors. Remember, it only takes one weak link to devastate your reputation and put your clients in jeopardy.
Build a stronger analysis that creates awareness AND action.
A comprehensive test is your major line of defense against supply chain compromises. By conducting regular assessments, you can guide your clients in transitioning from basic defense to a powerful shield of defense in layers. These layers will protect your clients from the unseen threats that lurk within the supply chain.
Our Commitment to Your Security
We understand the gravity of the supply chain attack threat within the MSP ecosystem. That's why we are committed to helping you safeguard your MSP and your clients. We will include supply chain attack-related details in our pen test findings to ensure you are well-prepared for this invisible menace.
Reach out to today about recurring Level 3 pen tests for you and your clients today. Don't let a mistake made by another company become your problem.
Not a partner? Take the first step by seeing how supply chain results can help you work with clients to create supply chain risk strategies.
