Supply Chain Security: How to Stop Third-Party Breaches
GeokHub
Contributing Writer
A supply-chain attack occurs when adversaries compromise a third-party vendor, service provider, or software dependency to reach their ultimate target. Instead of breaking into a company directly, attackers exploit the trust placed in suppliers.
By targeting the “weakest link,” cybercriminals can bypass strong defenses. One compromised supplier can provide access to dozens or even hundreds of downstream customers.
In 2025, attackers increasingly exploit software repositories, managed service providers, and hardware vendors. This makes supply-chain security a board-level priority, not just an IT concern.
Recent Examples of Supply-Chain Breaches
High-profile supply-chain breaches have shown how devastating the ripple effect can be:
- SolarWinds (2020): Attackers inserted malicious code into software updates, impacting U.S. government agencies and Fortune 500 companies.
- Kaseya (2021): An MSP tool was compromised, enabling ransomware to spread across hundreds of customers.
- 2024 Open-Source Repository Attack: Malicious NPM and PyPI packages were downloaded thousands of times before detection, spreading malware into development pipelines.
These incidents highlight that even organizations with strong cybersecurity can be compromised if their suppliers are not secure.
Vendor Risk Assessment: Building a Stronger Ecosystem
Organizations need to treat vendors with the same scrutiny as internal systems. A vendor risk management program should include:
- Baseline security questionnaires: Before onboarding, assess how vendors handle authentication, patching, and data protection.
- Tiered risk classification: Not all vendors pose the same risk. Critical suppliers handling sensitive data require deeper due diligence.
- Continuous monitoring: Annual audits are not enough; monitor vendor performance, patch cycles, and incident disclosures in real time.
- Access controls: Limit third-party access with least-privilege permissions and strict logging.
💡 Pro tip: Specialized vendor risk management platforms can automate assessments and monitoring, helping security teams focus on critical issues.
SBOM & Contract Controls: Closing the Gaps
One of the most effective tools in 2025 is the Software Bill of Materials (SBOM). An SBOM lists all software components, dependencies, and licenses used in applications, making it easier to identify vulnerabilities and respond quickly.
In addition, businesses should strengthen supplier contracts with:
- Security requirements: Vendors must maintain minimum security standards (MFA, patch management, encryption).
- Right to audit: Ensure your organization can independently verify vendor security practices.
- Incident reporting timelines: Require immediate disclosure of breaches or vulnerabilities that may affect your data.
- Liability clauses: Clarify accountability and financial responsibility in the event of a breach.
By combining SBOM transparency with legal and contractual enforcement, businesses can close the most common supply-chain gaps.
Final Thoughts
Supply-chain attacks are not slowing down — they are expanding. In 2025, businesses must assume that attackers will continue to exploit third parties as entry points.
The path forward includes:
- Building strong vendor risk management programs.
- Demanding SBOMs and transparency from software providers.
- Embedding security clauses into supplier contracts.
- Continuously monitoring supplier ecosystems for emerging risks.
Supply-chain security is no longer optional — it’s a core business survival strategy. Those who act now will reduce exposure, strengthen resilience, and gain a competitive advantage in trust and compliance.
