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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.