A supply chain attack is a type of cyberattack in which a threat actor targets a less secure element within an organization’s supply chain—typically a trusted third-party vendor, supplier, or service provider—in order to gain unauthorized access to the primary organization’s systems or data.

How it works:

  • Attackers compromise a third-party that provides software, hardware, or services to the target organization.
  • Once the third-party is breached, attackers can use that established trust or access to infiltrate the target organization, often bypassing its direct security controls.
  • This method allows attackers to potentially impact not just one company, but all organizations that rely on the compromised supplier or product.

Types of supply chain attacks:

  • Software supply chain attacks: Malicious code is injected into legitimate software or updates, which are then distributed to all users. The 2020 SolarWinds attack is a prominent example, where malware was distributed via a trusted software update to thousands of organizations.
  • Hardware supply chain attacks: Physical components are tampered with during manufacturing or distribution, embedding malware or vulnerabilities before reaching the end user.
  • Service provider attacks: Managed service providers (MSPs) or other vendors with network access are compromised, giving attackers a pathway into customer environments.

Why are they effective?

  • Organizations often have strong internal security, but their vendors or suppliers may not, making these third parties the “weakest link” in the security chain.
  • The interconnected nature of modern business means a single breach can have widespread, cascading effects across multiple organizations.
Synonyms:
Supply-Chain Attack
Alternative Meanings:
  • Supply Chain Attack

    A supply chain attack is a type of cyberattack in which threat actors target less secure elements within an organization’s supply chain, typically by compromising a trusted third-party vendor, supplier, or service provider that has access to the organization’s systems or data. The attacker exploits the trust relationship between the target and its suppliers, often inserting malicious code or hardware during manufacturing, software development, or distribution processes.

    There are two main types:
    • Software supply chain attacks: Attackers inject malicious code into software or updates distributed by a trusted vendor. When organizations or individuals install the compromised software, attackers gain access to their systems. A notable example is the SolarWinds attack, where malware was distributed to thousands of customers through a legitimate software update.
    • Hardware supply chain attacks: Attackers tamper with physical components, such as adding spying devices or malware during manufacturing or distribution, to compromise systems once the hardware is deployed.

    Supply chain attacks are particularly dangerous because they can bypass robust security measures by exploiting trusted relationships, and a single compromised vendor can lead to widespread impact across many organizations.