Problem Statement
What is a supply chain attack, and why is it difficult to detect?
Explanation
A supply chain attack targets the trusted third-party vendors or software providers that an organization relies on. Instead of directly attacking the main target, attackers compromise the supplier’s system to inject malicious code or components into legitimate software updates.
This makes detection extremely difficult because the compromised software appears to come from a trusted source. High-profile examples include the SolarWinds and Kaseya breaches. The best defense is to vet suppliers carefully, use code-signing verification, and maintain strict security standards across all vendors.