Nemanja Krstić, Operations Manager - Managed Security Services at Galix, highlights that in today’s cybersecurity landscape, supply chain attacks are becoming more frequent and increasingly sophisticated, with malicious actors targeting businesses indirectly through their third-party vendors. In South Africa, where digital transformation is accelerating, Krstić says businesses are particularly vulnerable to these attacks, which can have serious consequences, such as data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. Robust security measures are critical, and businesses need to ensure their suppliers have the same level of security as they do. Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) can help companies mitigate the risks with experience, expertise, and comprehensive solutions.
A growing threat
Krstić says cybercriminals often target small to medium-sized vendors that may not have the same level of security as larger companies. These vendors can inadvertently become entry points for attackers, exposing larger enterprises to significant risks. Common attack vectors include compromised software updates, unpatched vulnerabilities, phishing, and social engineering. The goal may not be to breach the vendor, but to use the vendor as a stepping stone to access the larger, more lucrative target: the primary organisation.
One notorious example, the SolarWinds data breach, highlighted vulnerabilities in supply chain security and third-party software dependencies as well as the far-reaching impact that the exposure of such vulnerabilities can have. In this hack, attackers used a trusted vendor to infiltrate numerous high-profile organisations, gaining access to sensitive data.
(SolarWinds Corporation is an American company that develops software for businesses to help manage their networks, systems, and information technology infrastructure.)
It is important for businesses in South Africa to learn from incidents like this and recognise the kind of damage a supply chain attack can cause, not only from a legal and regulatory perspective, such as violations of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), but also in terms of operational disruption and long-term reputational harm.
MSSPs can help mitigate supply chain risks
MSSPs offer a suite of services that can help businesses safeguard their supply chains against these escalating threats. They have the necessary expertise and resources to monitor, assess, and respond to risks posed by third-party vendors. They can also conduct vendor risk assessments, including assessments of security posture, compliance with regulations such as POPIA, and adherence to industry security standards or frameworks such as the ISO 27000 series, NIST and, PCI DSS. These evaluations help businesses understand the potential risks associated with each vendor and to ensure that vendors’ security measures are equal to or exceed the company’s own.
MSSPs also provide ongoing monitoring of vendor activities and transactions, identifying any unusual behaviours or potential vulnerabilities in real-time. This proactive approach helps businesses detect threats early and mitigate them before they can cause harm.
In the event of a breach, MSSPs assist in incident response and disaster recovery planning. They work with businesses to develop comprehensive response strategies, ensuring that the company and its vendors are prepared to act quickly in the event of a cyberattack, thus minimising the potential damage and recovery time.
A collaborative effort
MSSPs can also play a key role in fostering collaboration between businesses and their third-party vendors to enhance overall security. Cross-organisational collaboration allows for the sharing of threat intelligence, incident response strategies, and best practices. By creating a coordinated defence, businesses can protect themselves and strengthen the security of their vendors.
In South Africa, where both the public and private sectors are increasingly interconnected, this kind of collaboration is particularly important. Government entities and private businesses must work together to establish industry-wide standards and share information about emerging threats. MSSPs often collaborate on projects, for example, bringing their specific expertise to the table to help organisations vet and monitor vendors. This collaborative approach ensures that businesses meet compliance requirements and implement effective security measures that protect the entire supply chain.
As supply chain attacks continue to rise, South African businesses need to take proactive steps to protect themselves from the risks posed by third-party vendors. MSSPs provide an essential layer of protection, offering vendor risk assessments, continuous monitoring, and incident response planning. Facilitating cross-organisational collaboration and implementing robust security practices, MSSPs help businesses safeguard their supply chains and mitigate the potentially serious consequences of a cyberattack.
Krstić emphasises that securing the supply chain is about protecting the organisation and – beyond that – it is about creating a resilient network that can withstand the ever-evolving threats in today’s digital world. In an age where cyberattacks are inevitable, partnering with a trusted MSSP can be the key to staying one step ahead of cybercriminals and ensuring long-term success.