Supply chains are necessarily focused on the movement of physical resources from suppliers to businesses, and often on to customers. Yet while tangible materials and goods are involved, the digitization of core processes leaves the door open for malicious actors to create mayhem without ever setting foot on-site.
Because of this, having a handle on cybersecurity is the best bet for deflecting damage from supply chains today. Here are some cybersecurity strategies that fit this purpose, and need to be implemented as a priority.
Conduct Regular Vulnerability Assessments
Regular vulnerability assessments are the cornerstone of a solid cybersecurity strategy. These evaluations pinpoint weak spots before malicious actors exploit them.
Given that supply chain disruption can typically swallow 45% of annual profits in those organizations impacted, sidestepping digital dilemmas is a good starting point for avoiding expensive incursions.
Begin with a comprehensive scan of your network and systems:
- Use automated tools like Nessus or OpenVAS to identify common vulnerabilities.
- Perform manual testing for deeper insights into specific areas.
Follow up by analyzing third-party software:
- Many breaches occur through vendor applications. Ensure these tools meet your security standards.
Collaborate with external experts:
- Hiring penetration testers provides an unbiased view of your defenses.
- Partner with local legal experts, such as data privacy lawyers in Chicago or any other specialists local to you, to ensure that your approach complies with local and federal regulations during these tests.
Schedule assessments quarterly or after major updates:
- Cyber threats evolve rapidly, and frequent checks help keep defenses current.
Regularly assessing vulnerabilities in this way means you can fix issues proactively rather than reactively. This strengthens your overall security and also boosts trust among supply chain partners, leaving them confident that their data remains safe within a resilient infrastructure.
Implement End-to-End Data Encryption
End-to-end data encryption ensures information remains secure from sender to recipient. Encrypting data both in transit and at rest protects against unauthorized access. It’s also necessary to encrypt data stored in the cloud, so it’s not just a concern for information retained in-house.
Start with encrypting all sensitive communications:
- Use protocols like TLS/SSL for secure web traffic.
- Deploy VPNs for remote connections, safeguarding them from prying eyes.
Encrypt stored data comprehensively:
- Apply strong encryption standards such as AES-256 for databases and files.
Ensure key management practices are sound:
- Store encryption keys securely using hardware security modules (HSMs).
- Regularly rotate keys to prevent long-term exposure if compromised.
Training your team on these practices is equally relevant. Everyone should understand the importance of maintaining encryption standards, and do their bit in living up to this.
Establish Adequate Access Controls
Access controls limit exposure to sensitive information, reducing the risk of internal and external threats. With close to 25% of breaches linked to internal issues, this is once again a process that relies on formalizing best practices as well as adequately training employees.
Start by defining clear access policies:
- Use role-based access control (RBAC) to assign permissions based on job functions.
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an added layer of security.
Regularly audit user access levels:
- Conduct periodic reviews to ensure that only necessary personnel have access.
Leverage identity and access management (IAM) solutions:
- Tools like Okta or Microsoft Azure AD streamline managing identities across various platforms.
Train employees on best practices:
- Emphasize the importance of using strong, unique passwords and safeguarding credentials.
These measures ensure that even if one part of your supply chain faces a breach, the damage remains contained. This layered approach not only protects critical data but also enhances overall system survivability against potential cyber threats.
Final Thoughts
As well as having suitable cybersecurity measures such as these in place, your next step to supply chain ruggedness is partnering with other organizations that have the same sturdy approach to protecting mission-critical assets. A unified front is the only way to truly fend off modern threats.
Article and permission to publish here provided by Biswajit Rakshit. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on August 7, 2024.
Cover image by Microsoft Designer.