Among all the threats facing global supply chains today, the issue of greatest concern lies within the very heart of the system: a lack of effective cybersecurity measures.

A recent Hexnode survey reveals a startling statistic: 77% of employees harbor apprehensions about cybersecurity threats within their organizations' supply chains. This pervasive anxiety speaks volumes about the current state of affairs. In an era where a single breach can cripple entire ecosystems, fortifying supply chain security is no longer a luxury — it's an imperative.

Supply chains today are experiencing the transformative impact of digitization. Digital tools such as cloud platforms and data analytics enable instantaneous visibility throughout the network. But while the digital revolution has undoubtedly streamlined supply chain operations, it has also opened up new avenues for cybercriminals.

Ransomware attacks have become a go-to tactic for cybercriminals looking for a quick payout. By compromising a supplier's systems, they can hold entire supply chains hostage, disrupting production and causing financial havoc. Malicious actors are also targeting the software supply chain, injecting vulnerabilities into widely used tools and platforms. This can create a domino effect, impacting numerous organizations that rely on the compromised software.

Today's attackers are also adept at exploiting interconnectedness, meticulously weaving their way through a network of suppliers, vendors and partners until they land the jackpot: access to a high-value target. The Hexnode survey reveals that out of 1,000 IT professionals across small and mid-sized supply chain organizations, over half (52%) encountered cybersecurity incidents, stemming from third-party vendors on at least one occasion.

The good news is that we're not powerless against these threats. By implementing a multi-pronged approach, organizations can significantly bolster their supply chain security posture. They need to conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities across the supply chain. This includes evaluating the security practices of vendors, partners, and third-party service providers.

The first line of defense lies in network segmentation. Isolating data within the supply chain minimizes the blast radius of a ransomware attack. By preventing lateral movement, potential damage is contained. In addition, a zero-trust architecture throughout the network eliminates implicit acceptance of users. Every user, device and application, regardless of origin (internal or external), requires continuous authentication and authorization.

Continuous monitoring and threat-detection systems remain pivotal. Tools for advanced threat detection and response are the eyes and ears of the supply chain network. They utilize machine learning and behavioral analytics to identify anomalies and suspicious activities indicative of a potential ransomware attack. Additionally, the monitoring of network traffic for “indicators of compromise” — those associated with known ransomware strains — is essential for staying up to date on the latest tactics, techniques, and procedures employed by attackers.

Finally, by centralizing management and visibility across a vast array of devices, unified endpoint management platforms offer a consolidated view of every endpoint, as well as enforce consistent security configurations, strong passwords, disk encryption and security policies across all devices.

The survey also sheds light on the fact that 42% of organizations remain ill-prepared for cyberattacks, due to lack of a clearly delineated or effective incident response plan. Be prepared for the inevitable. A comprehensive plan should outline clear roles, responsibilities, communication protocols and recovery procedures for a cybersecurity incident. Regular tabletop exercises and simulations test the plan and ensure that all stakeholders within the supply chain understand their roles and responsibilities.

Looking at the big picture, the question of resilience comes down to the human front. Security awareness training programs for all personnel within the supply chain, including employees of vendors, partners and third-party service providers, educate staff on social engineering tactics, phishing attempts and best practices for identifying and reporting suspicious activity. They need to be trained on specific risks associated with ransomware, and how to avoid falling victim to phishing emails, malicious attachments and social-engineering attacks.

A thorough security assessment of all third-party vendors and partners within the supply chain is essential. Companies need to evaluate their cybersecurity posture, data-security practices and incident-response capabilities to identify potential weaknesses. Third-party vendors should be held accountable for maintaining security controls, through contractual agreements with clauses outlining data-security expectations and potential consequences for security breaches.

A strong cybersecurity defense isn't about acquiring a one-off solution. It demands ongoing monitoring, adaptation and cooperation to outpace constantly changing threats. By integrating these tactics, organizations can significantly enhance their security stance and secure their supply chains.

Apu Pavithran is chief executive officer and founder of Hexnode.