What is a supply chain attack?

A supply chain attack refers to a strategy where an attacker exploits vulnerabilities present in third-party vendors or suppliers to compromise an organization. This type of attack capitalizes on the interconnected nature of businesses, where external suppliers provide products or services that the target organization relies on. The attacker may introduce malicious code or malware through updates, components, or services delivered by these third parties.

By targeting suppliers or partners that have access to the organization's sensitive data or systems, the attacker can bypass traditional security measures that protect the organization's perimeter. This can lead to significant breaches or disruptions, as trusted relationships with these suppliers are often assumed to be secure. The sophistication of supply chain attacks has increased, as illustrated by notable incidents affecting numerous companies, highlighting the critical need for security assessments not only within an organization but also throughout the entire supply chain.

This comprehensive view illustrates the critical nature of assessing the security protocols of third-party vendors to mitigate risks effectively. Other options focus on aspects unrelated to the broader implications of third parties in the supply chain context, misleadingly narrowing the scope of what a supply chain attack entails.