What is a software supply chain attack?
A software supply chain attack is a malicious act that targets vulnerabilities within the software supply chain. The attack aims to compromise the integrity, security, or availability of software products or services.
Unlike traditional cyber attacks that directly target end-users or organizations, software supply chain attacks infiltrate through third-party software vendors or suppliers.
Examples of software supply chain attacks
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Malware injection
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Compromised dependencies
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Insider threats
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Software update exploitation
How to prevent and detect a supply chain attack
Most modern software is built using off-the-shelf components, such as third-party APIs, open-source code, and proprietary code from software vendors. The average software has 203 dependencies, and just one compromised dependency can create a ripple effect, impacting every business using the affected code.
To prevent a software supply chain attack, you must understand your expanding attack surface and implement the tools and best practices to reduce exposure. Here are seven ways to prevent and detect software supply chain attacks.
1. Implement the principle of least privilege: Limit the access and permissions of employees and other stakeholders so they have only what they need to do their jobs. If additional permission is required for a project, grant temporary access and revoke it once the project is complete.
2. Utilize network segmentation: Since third-party software does not need complete network access, divide your network into zones related to business functions. Then, if you fall victim to a supply chain attack, it’s isolated to part of the network.
3. Observe DevSecOps best practices: Secure coding standards, shift left, and continuous testing (among other DevSecOps best practices will help protect your software supply chain.
4. Conduct ongoing vendor checks: Operate on the basis that you can’t trust anyone and conduct regular vendor checks to monitor their security posture. Check to see how often code is updated (and if it’s still being monitored) and how quickly vulnerabilities are identified and resolved to help protect your organization.
5. Help management understand the risks: Not everyone outside of the IT department will know what a supply chain attack is, much less its implications within your organization. Explaining the basics to management can help ensure your company is taking the right precautions.
6. Implement honeytokens: A digital tripwire, honeytokens can alert you to suspicious activity in your network by posing as sensitive data. When an attacker attempts to interact with them, it sends a signal, giving you advanced warning of data breach attempts.
7. Perform regular code reviews, vulnerability assessments, and security testing: Use SCA tools, like MergeBase, to continuously scan your code/project for vulnerabilities and security issues so you can take swift action to address them before they’re exploited.
Talk to a developer to learn how MergeBase can help prevent software supply chain attacks for your organization.