The growing number of cybersecurity attacks is concerning for businesses and security professionals alike. These types of attacks occur when an attacker gains access to a company’s systems and data through a trusted supplier or third-party vendor.
Understanding the various tactics and techniques that attackers may use can help businesses and organizations to better protect themselves and their customers from these types of threats. Whether through malware injection attacks, unauthorized access to cloud infrastructure, or social engineering tactics, it is important to stay vigilant and proactive in order to prevent supply chain attacks from being successful.
In this article, Anti-Dos will shed light on the top 10 supply chain attacks that you should keep an eye on in 2023.
- Malware injection attacks:
Cybercriminals will look for opportunities to inject malware into your software supply chain so it allows them to do even more damage as the software and apps you create are used by other parties. In these types of attacks, an attacker injects malware into a software update or application that is distributed by a trusted vendor. Malware is injected after the software is installed.
- Unauthorized access to cloud infrastructure:
Security has always been a weak part of cloud infrastructure and cyberattackers are fully aware of that. Attackers can gain unauthorized access to a company’s cloud infrastructure through a third-party vendor or service provider.
- Fake software updates:
Another tactic that cyber attackers use is to distribute fake software updates and bug fixes by impersonating a software vendor. Attackers may create fake software updates and distribute them through email or on fake websites. As soon as a user installs the update, they may unknowingly install malware on their system. This gives the attacker access to their system and allows them the ability to infect many files.
- Fake mobile apps:
Don’t expect cyber attackers to stop just at fake software updates. Attackers may create fake mobile apps that are designed to look like legitimate apps but are actually designed to steal sensitive data or install malware on the user’s device. Most users will be unable to differentiate between real and fake apps and fall into the trap.
- Tampering with hardware:
Cybercriminals won’t only target the software and application, they will also target physical hardware. Attackers may physically tamper with hardware, such as servers or routers, to install malware or gain unauthorized access to a system.
- Supply chain attacks on the Internet of Things (IoT):
The increasing popularity and adoption of IoT devices across the world have also brought it to the attention of cybercriminals. Attackers may target IoT devices through fake updates or by tampering with the devices themselves.
- Social engineering attacks:
Attackers may use tactics such as phishing emails or pretexting (posing as a legitimate individual or company) to carry out these attacks. You can easily reduce the risk of social engineering attacks by educating your employees and providing them with cybersecurity training.
- Insider threats:
Probably the most neglected type of threat is the insider threat. It is hard to detect these insider threats and determine who is responsible for them. Since they have access to your company data, they are usually the ones to abuse it whether they do it intentionally or unintentionally. That is why it is important to onboard and offload employees carefully and revoke any access or account employees who have left the organization might have access to.
- Unsecured third-party vendors:
Companies may rely on third-party vendors to provide services or products, but if these vendors have poor cybersecurity practices, they may be vulnerable to attack. That is why it is important to carefully vet vendors and inquire about measures they take to keep your data safe. Avoid working with vendors that don’t take your security seriously because no business would love to pay the price for someone else’s mistake.
- DDoS attacks:
Attackers flood a web server with malicious traffic to bring it down to its knees in a DDoS attack. This creates business disruption as your website could become inaccessible to users. Attackers may use this method to disrupt a company’s operations or to distract the company while they carry out other types of attacks. You can protect your business from these attacks with DDoS protected dedicated servers.
Conclusion
Start by conducting thorough background checks on third-party vendors, implementing strong cybersecurity measures, and educating employees on how to identify and prevent attacks. Which supply chain attack will do the biggest damage in 2023 in your opinion?
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