British Airways, Boots, and the BBC hit by supply chain attack: a wake-up call for companies

The hidden dangers of supply chain attacks and the need for comprehensive security

The news of a supply chain attack impacting some of the UK’s largest and most renowned brands has sent shockwaves through the business community. This incident is a stark reminder that no company is immune to cyber threats, exposing the vulnerabilities that persist across various industries. Many organisations may be unaware of their compromised status or hesitant to acknowledge the breach. Supply chain attacks pose a unique challenge, as they leverage a single breach to target multiple companies.

In the case of the recent attack on payroll software provider Zellis, the compromised solution quickly spread undetected to all customers. Victims only became aware when alerted by the supplier upon discovering missing data or receiving a ransom demand. By infiltrating through the “back door,” these attacks bypass frontline cyber defences companies have put in place.

The allure for cybercriminals to carry out supply chain attacks lies in their efficiency. With minimal effort and just one successful breach, they gain access to a vast array of companies, irrespective of their size and the substantial amount of sensitive data held by each of them. Disturbing reports suggest this attack exposed employee personal data, including bank and contact details.

The recent hack of Zellis emphasises that no matter the size of your organisation or the extent of your investment in sophisticated defences, the risk remains if vulnerabilities within your supply chain are not comprehensively understood.

AJ Thompson, Chief Commercial Officer at Northdoor plc, highlights this pressing issue:

“This high-profile supply chain attack has impacted multiple companies, including renowned victims like British Airways, Boots, and the BBC. It underscores the complex nature of supply chain security. While Zellis and its customers, potentially thousands of companies, were compromised, the initial breach occurred through one of Zellis’ own software partners. Consequently, even if companies had conducted conventional security checks on Zellis, they would have appeared secure at first glance. Only when you adopt a 360-degree view of your entire supply chain, including partners of partners, can you confidently identify potential vulnerabilities.”

Implementing such a comprehensive approach may seem daunting for many organisations still relying on manual processes. Simply asking suppliers about security procedures and accepting their responses at face value is no longer sufficient. The evolving threat landscape necessitates that companies take proactive measures to protect themselves. Forward-thinking businesses are turning to innovative, AI-based solutions that provide a holistic view of vulnerabilities across their supply chain. By understanding where vulnerabilities lie, companies can swiftly address them with their partners and mitigate risks before they are exploited.

As supply chain attacks are projected to increase in frequency and impact, companies must prioritise their defence strategies. By embracing advanced technologies and taking a proactive stance, businesses can fortify their supply chain security and protect themselves from the devastating consequences of such attacks.

Invest in comprehensive supply chain security today to safeguard your organisation’s reputation, data, and future.
Contact Northdoor to learn more about innovative AI-based solutions that can provide a 360-degree view of vulnerabilities across your supply chain.