Emerging Peril: The Menace of Supply Chain Attacks Targeting Corporations

by | Jun 7, 2023

In recent years, supply chain attacks have become a growing concern for businesses around the world. High-profile companies such as British Airways, BBC, and Boots have all suffered from these attacks, which have exposed vulnerabilities in their security systems and highlighted the need for better protection.

The latest victim of a supply chain attack is payroll services provider, Zellis. Zellis is responsible for providing payroll services to some of the most prominent companies in the world, including Sky, Harrods, and Credit Suisse. Unfortunately, their MOVEit installation was recently exploited by cyber criminals, resulting in the theft of sensitive information.

The vulnerability, known as CVE-2023-34362, has since been patched. However, the damage has already been done. The stolen information includes staff ID numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, and national insurance numbers. This information is a goldmine for identity thieves, and the implications for both Zellis and their clients could be severe.

Supply chain attacks occur when hackers gain access to a company’s network through a third-party vendor. This is often achieved by exploiting a vulnerability in the vendor’s software. Once the hacker has access to the company’s network, they can steal sensitive information or cause damage to the system.

The consequences of a supply chain attack can be severe, resulting in the loss of sensitive information and damage to a company’s reputation. This can lead to a loss of customers and revenue. Therefore, companies must adopt a proactive approach to security to protect their data from all possible threats.

One way to prevent supply chain attacks is to conduct regular security audits of third-party vendors. Companies should ensure that their vendors have adequate security measures in place to protect their systems. It is also crucial to patch vulnerabilities promptly to prevent hackers from exploiting them.

Another effective way to prevent supply chain attacks is to implement a multi-factor authentication system. This system requires users to provide two or more forms of identification to access a system. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to a company’s network.

In conclusion, supply chain attacks pose a significant threat to businesses of all sizes and industries. It is essential for companies to take a proactive approach to security to protect their data from all possible threats. This means regularly auditing third-party vendors, promptly patching vulnerabilities, and implementing a multi-factor authentication system. By taking these steps, companies can safeguard their sensitive information and avoid the potentially devastating consequences of a supply chain attack.