Supply Chains

Supply chain vulnerabilities refer to security risks that arise from the interconnected network of suppliers, vendors, and third-party entities involved in the development and distribution of hardware or software components. Some common computer security vulnerabilities due to supply chains include:

  1. Counterfeit or Tampered Hardware: Infiltration of counterfeit or tampered hardware components during the supply chain process can introduce vulnerabilities and compromise the integrity of computer systems.
  2. Malicious Software Insertion: Malicious actors may inject malware or unauthorized software into the supply chain, which can be unknowingly installed on systems and lead to unauthorized access or data breaches.
  3. Lack of Security Assessments: Insufficient security assessments and screenings of suppliers or vendors can result in the integration of vulnerable or compromised components into computer systems.
  4. Limited Visibility and Control: Organizations may have limited visibility and control over their supply chain, making it challenging to ensure the security of all components and detect potential security breaches.
  5. Dependency on Third-Party Providers: Reliance on third-party providers for critical components or services increases the risk of supply chain attacks, where an attacker compromises a trusted entity to gain unauthorized access to the target organization.