What Are Supply Chain Attacks and How to Avoid Them?

Supply chain attacks are becoming a growing cybersecurity concern, especially in industries like manufacturing, where interconnected systems and suppliers are critical for operations. The manufacturing sector is particularly vulnerable due to the reliance on third-party suppliers and tools, creating multiple entry points for malicious actors.

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security warns that as supply chain compromises increase, both cybercriminals and state-sponsored actors are leveraging these vulnerabilities to infiltrate organizations and target critical infrastructure worldwide. 

But what exactly are supply chain attacks, and how can you safeguard your operations against them? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to stay protected.

What Are Supply Chain Attacks?

A supply chain attack exploits vulnerabilities in a company’s supply chain—whether it’s third-party software, tools, or even physical suppliers—to gain unauthorized access to the organization’s systems or data. Rather than targeting a company directly, attackers breach a trusted third-party partner, using their access to infiltrate the main target. 

For manufacturing businesses, this can mean compromised machinery software, tampered production tools, or malware infections via third-party platforms. Once the attacker is in, they can steal intellectual property, disrupt operations, or expose sensitive customer data.

Common Types of Supply Chain Attacks

1. Software Exploits: Cybercriminals target vulnerabilities in software updates or unsupported legacy systems used in manufacturing, as seen with the infamous SolarWinds attack.
2. Third-Party Breaches: Vendors or contractors with weak cybersecurity protocols are often exploited as entry points into your systems.
3. Physical Supply Chain Threats: Counterfeit or tampered hardware can enable spying or malware introduction from the ground up.

Key Stats to Be Aware Of

The National Cyber Threat Assessment 2023-2024 by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security highlights the escalating risks:

• Ransomware Predominance: Ransomware remains a leading form of cybercrime because it is both disruptive and financially lucrative.
• Exploitation of Critical Infrastructure: Supply chains connected to critical infrastructure, like manufacturing or transportation, are increasingly being targeted.
• Growth of State-Sponsored Threats: Countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are among the highest creators of state-sponsored cyber threats, targeting industries for espionage or to weaken international competition.

With threats multiplying globally, it’s no longer a question of if your organization will be targeted but if you’ll be prepared for the when. 

How to Avoid Supply Chain Attacks

There are actionable steps every manufacturing business can take to reduce the risk of supply chain attacks. Proactive measures ensure both your organization and supply chain partners are secure.

1. Conduct Regular Risk Assessments

Take a deep dive into your supply chain’s security framework. Identify potential vulnerabilities by assessing:

• Systems and software being used
• Third-party vendors’ cybersecurity measures
• How information is shared across the supply chain

Tip: Develop an audit checklist or enlist a cybersecurity firm to perform these assessments regularly.

2. Establish an Incident Response Plan

A rapid response plan can limit damages and recovery time if an attack occurs. Key elements of a strong incident response plan include:

• Clearly assigned roles and responsibilities
• Defined escalation processes
• Periodic drills to ensure preparedness 

3. Partner with a Cybersecurity Provider

Collaborate with a trusted cybersecurity provider to monitor and defend your operations. Managed security services offer:

• Real-time threat detection
• Regular software patches and updates
• Continuous vulnerability scans

Partnering simplifies the process of staying ahead of evolving threats while letting you focus on your core business operations.

4. Educate Your Team

Employees can unknowingly be a point of entry for attackers. Cyber-awareness training should include:

• Email hygiene (detecting phishing scams)
• Proper online behavior
• Recognizing red flags like unsolicited updates or credential requests 

5. Keep Technology Updated

Ensure that all hardware and software—whether internal or provided by vendors—is updated regularly. Unpatched systems are among the easiest ways for attackers to infiltrate a business.

Tip: Automate updates using centralized IT solutions to minimize opportunities for human error.

How Alt-Tech Can Help

At Alt-Tech, we’ve seen how damaging these attacks can be, particularly for manufacturing businesses. That’s why we provide tailored solutions to improve your security posture and bolster your supply chain resilience.

1. Enhanced Visibility

Our advanced tools map your entire supply network, providing clear oversight and identifying risks before they escalate.

2. Streamlined Communication

Integrated collaboration platforms ensure secure, seamless communication with your supply chain partners while minimizing exposure to attacks.

3. Focus on Growth While We Handle Security

With our team safeguarding your operations, you can channel energy into innovation and efficiency, letting us handle the latest cyber threats.

Get Protected Today

Supply chain attacks aren’t going away. But with the right strategies and partners, you can significantly reduce your exposure and ensure your business remains secure.

Need help safeguarding your supply chain? Contact Alt-Tech today to learn how we can provide the support and protection your operations need.