Supply Chain Attack

What Is Supply Chain Attack?

A supply chain attack is a type of cyberattack that targets the supply chain of an organization. It is a malicious attack that seeks to compromise the flow of goods and services from the supplier to the customer by targeting less-secure elements in the supply chain. Attackers exploit trust relationships between vendors, software providers, and their customers.

Description

Supply chain attacks can take many forms, including the insertion of malicious code into software updates, the compromise of hardware components, or the use of social engineering to gain access to supplier systems. Once the attacker has gained access to the supply chain, they can use it to distribute malware, steal data, or conduct other malicious activities. Supply chain attacks can also be conducted through phishing campaigns targeting suppliers or partners.

Usage and Examples

Supply chain attacks can target any organization that relies on third-party suppliers for goods or services. Examples of supply chain attacks include the SolarWinds attack, in which attackers inserted malicious code into a software update that was distributed to thousands of organizations, and the Target breach, in which attackers gained access to Target's network through a third-party HVAC vendor.