What is a supply chain attack?
A supply chain attack occurs when a hacker infiltrates a system by targeting a less secure element in the supply chain, such as a software vendor, hardware provider, or service provider. Instead of attacking the primary target directly, cybercriminals compromise a trusted third party to gain access to larger networks.
These attacks are particularly dangerous as they exploit trust. A business may assume their suppliers have strong security measures in place, leaving them vulnerable to indirect breaches. It is imperative to select suppliers who have proven security measures in place to ensure the safety of your data. With 43% of UK businesses having experienced some form of cybersecurity breach in the last 12 months, it is important to consider how better to protect your business and your data.
The SolarWinds supply chain attack
One of the most infamous supply chain attacks occurred in 2020 when cybercriminals compromised SolarWinds, a major IT management software provider. Hackers inserted malicious code into SolarWinds’ Orion software updates, causing over 18,000 organisations to unknowingly install an infected update, allowing attackers to spy on internal systems for months. Of these organisations, some were US government agencies and Fortune 500 companies, meaning hackers gained access to government and private systems around the globe.
This breach demonstrated how a single weak link in the supply chain can have catastrophic consequences.
How to protect your business from supply chain attacks
Your business can take proactive steps to defend against supply chain threats:
- Audit third-party vendors: Assess suppliers’ security policies and compliance certifications (for example, ISO, GDPR, Cyber Essentials, Cyber Essentials Plus, PCI DSS). Also limit access to only necessary systems.
- Implement least-privilege access: Restrict vendor permissions to minimise damage if a breach occurs.
- Monitor for anomalies: Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) to spot unusual activity.
- Require two-factor authentication (2FA): Ensure all third-party logins use 2FA to prevent credential theft.
- Develop an incident response plan: Prepare for potential breaches with a clear containment and recovery strategy.
How Hyve further protects you from supply chain attacks
While it is important to take proactive steps in-house to protect your business, for the ultimate protection you should consider working with an expert provider, such as Hyve. Our multi-layered security framework is designed to neutralise supply chain threats before they reach your digital environment, combining proactive ransomware defences with rigorous vendor oversight.
Advanced threat prevention at entry points
According to a survey by AAG, 83% of cyber crime instances in the UK were related to phishing. Cybercriminals can target supply chains through phishing emails and compromised vendor credentials. To combat this, we implement multiple defensive layers.
Our enterprise-grade email security scans all incoming messages, including those from vendors, for phishing attempts and malicious attachments. Combined with DNS filtering powered by Cloudflare DNS, we block access to known malicious websites which might host compromised vendor tools or updates. Cloudflare’s robust web protection, filtering, and custom rule capabilities further strengthen our defence against web-based threats and reduce the risk of vendor-related compromise.
All devices accessing your network (internal or vendor-managed), are protected by ESET’s next-gen antivirus with behavioural analysis. This detects and blocks suspicious activity from potentially compromised vendor files or downloads. In addition, our CrowdStrike SIEM platform continuously monitors endpoints and network activity for signs of compromise, providing real-time threat detection and response capabilities to stay ahead of sophisticated attacks.
Secure vendor access management
Third-party access remains one of the biggest supply chain vulnerabilities. We ensure to enforce strict controls.
We implement micro-segmentation to isolate vendor access to only approved systems and data. Even if a vendor account is compromised, attackers cannot move laterally through your network. In addition, we offer DUO 2FA verification for vendor logins if necessary, acting as an additional security layer that prevents credential stuffing attacks, even if a vendor’s passwords are leaked in a breach.
We also apply 2FA controls to our customer portal, MyHyve, ensuring secure client access to critical resources. Similarly, for secure remote access to servers, our OpenVPN solution is configured with 2FA as a standard practice, adding another layer of protection against unauthorised access.
Protected software supply chain
Compromised vendor updates pose significant risks. All third-party software updates undergo malware scanning and integrity checks before deployment. Our team verifies digital signatures and monitors for unusual patterns which might indicate tampering. Hyve also maintains encrypted backups of all critical systems. Even if a vendor’s compromised update encrypts your data, we can restore operations without paying ransoms.
Continuous monitoring and compliance
Supply chain threats evolve constantly. We ensure to adhere and stay up-to-date with certified security standards at all times. As an ISO 27001.27017 certified provider with Cyber Essentials Plus, we ensure all vendors meet stringent security requirements. We also help our customers maintain compliance with NIS2 and DORA regulations.
Incident response and recovery
If a threat emerges, our team of experts immediately isolates affected systems, preventing a further spread. Our disaster recovery solutions ensure business continuity, with tested restoration processes which minimise downtime from supply chain attacks.
Your next steps to protect your organisation
Our approach addresses supply chain security at every critical point, ranging from initial vendor access to potential breach recovery. Combining these best-in-class protections with our certified security practices, we are able to transform your supply chain so that it is a secured asset.
For organisations handling sensitive data or operating critical infrastructure, Hyve provides the assurance that your supply chain partners do not become your weakest link.
To discover bespoke solutions for your organisation, contact us for a consultation with our cloud experts.
