Атаки на цепочки поставок: что это и как защититься. Узнайте о рисках и способах защиты от угроз в цепочке поставок.

Imagine that you are performing a software update that you fully trust — after all, it comes from a reliable supplier. However, instead of security fixes, the update brings a digital "black door" that opens your systems to cybercriminals. What sounds like a Hollywood thriller scenario has become harsh reality:
Exactly this happened during the infamous SolarWinds attack in 2020, which compromised thousands of organizations and even government agencies, and more recently — with 3CX in 2023, when a modified application put hundreds of thousands of users at risk.

So-called supply chain attacks are not aimed directly at large corporations or government bodies; instead, they target smaller, often less protected links in the supply chain. One compromised service provider or infected software module can trigger a chain reaction that, in the worst case, paralyzes entire industries. Dramatic examples such as Stuxnet (targeting Iranian nuclear facilities) or the hacker attack on the major American retailer Target clearly demonstrate that no one is immune: even highly protected networks can be hacked if a supplier or external component has been tampered with.

But how exactly do these attacks work, hiding behind seemingly harmless updates? Why are they so difficult to detect — and even harder to combat? And most importantly, what steps can companies or technically savvy private users take to protect themselves from this extremely dangerous attack vector? In this article, we provide an overview of how such attacks operate, present the most famous examples, and highlight the most effective countermeasures. We will also explain in detail how Protectstar’s Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) works and how our strict processes prevent the unnoticed introduction of malware during development.

1. What is a supply chain attack?

A supply chain attack is a form of cyberattack in which criminals do not attack the main target directly but use an indirect path through third-party suppliers, contractors, or external software components. This indirect approach has a simple explanation: large organizations and corporations are usually equipped with advanced security measures, so a “frontal attack” requires significant resources and carries risks. At the same time, smaller suppliers or external service providers often have fewer complex protection mechanisms, making them comparatively easy entry points.

How does it work?

The classic scenario looks like this: hackers break into the software of a trusted supplier, embedding malicious code into a legitimate update. Clients install the update, believing it to be safe. After installation, attackers gain unnoticed access to victims’ systems. Potentially tens of thousands of devices or networks can be infected simultaneously. A particularly loud example is the SolarWinds breach in 2020.

Why this approach?

The path of least resistance: attempts to penetrate highly protected networks of large corporations or government institutions directly often face numerous firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and security teams. It is much easier to attack a small supplier or IT service provider who regularly has access to target systems but operates under much less strict security protocols. Statistics confirm this: according to a Verizon study, 92% of successful cyberattacks occur on small companies, which then serve as a springboard to the real target.

2. Notable examples of supply chain attacks

Below are some of the most significant supply chain attacks. These examples show that virtually any industry or technology can be affected — from ordinary...