5 Ways MSPs Can Improve Supply Chain Security With Zero Trust Access

Software supply chain attacks cost businesses $46 billion globally in 2023.¹ With supply chain attacks on the rise, a proactive approach to cybersecurity is critical for organizations to protect their operations from data breaches. 

One way managed service providers (MSPs) can help is by implementing a zero trust access (ZTA) framework, a cybersecurity model that assumes all network activity, whether internal or external, is a potential threat. By implementing ZTA, MSPs can help their clients minimize the risks associated with third-party vendors, suppliers, and partners to improve overall supply chain security.

In this blog, we’ll break down best practices for improving supply chain security and how MSPs can leverage ZTA solutions to safeguard supply chains against cyberattacks.

What Is Supply Chain Security?

Supply chain security helps manufacturers and other businesses identify, analyze, and mitigate cybersecurity risks associated with external suppliers, vendors, logistics, and transportation. It aims to ensure the integrity and security of the whole supply chain, from sourcing materials to delivering final products or services.

MSPs play a critical role in improving supply chain security by providing expertise, tools, and resources to help companies secure their supply chains. They can conduct regular security assessments, implement best practices, and provide ongoing monitoring and support.

Supply Chain Security Best Practices

Following industry best practices is essential for effective supply chain security. Here are some best practices MSPs can help their clients implement:

Implement Cybersecurity Standards and Audits

Requiring minimum cybersecurity standards from vendors, regular open-source and vendor code audits, and third-party penetration testing can identify and mitigate cyber risks. These practices help maintain a secure software supply chain.

Monitor Network Traffic and User Behavior

Continuously monitoring network traffic and user behavior can help IT teams detect anomalies or suspicious activity that may indicate a supply chain attack. 

Restrict Third-Party Access and Permissions

Supply chain attacks involving third-party access increased by 633% in 2022.² Limiting third-party access to only essential resources and granting the minimum necessary privileges can reduce the potential impact of a supply chain attack. Be sure to implement and enforce the principle of least privilege (PoLP).

Use Network Segmentation and Access Controls

Segmenting networks and implementing strict access controls can isolate critical systems and prevent lateral movement in case of a breach, containing the impact of a cyberattack.

Is Zero Trust Access an MSP Supply Chain Solution?

Zero trust access is a cybersecurity framework that treats all users, devices, and applications as potential threats until they are verified and granted the least privileged access necessary. ZTA helps businesses enforce security policies across their entire supply chain ecosystem and significantly reduces the risk of a weak link in the supply chain being exploited by threat actors. By implementing ZTA, MSPs can create secure and controlled network environments for their clients that minimize the risk of supply chain attacks.

5 Ways Zero Trust Access Improves Supply Chain Security

ZTA can significantly improve supply chain security by providing granular control over access to network resources and data. Here are some ways ZTA enhances supply chain security:

1. Continuous Verification

ZTA continuously verifies the identity of users, devices, and applications before granting access, enabling real-time monitoring and detection of potential threats. This continuous verification helps identify any suspicious activity within the supply chain.

2. Enhanced Visibility and Logging

ZTA solutions provide detailed logging and monitoring capabilities, improving visibility into network activity and enabling rapid incident response in the event of a supply chain attack. Comprehensive logs aid in forensic analysis and faster incident response.

3. Centralized Policy Management

ZTA allows for centralized management and enforcement of security policies, ensuring consistent application of access controls across the entire supply chain to maintain a secure environment.

4. Micro-Segmentation and Least Privilege Access

By segmenting networks and granting least privilege access, ZTA limits the potential impact of a supply chain attack by isolating compromised segments and reducing the attack surface. This approach minimizes the spread of an attack and protects critical assets.

5. Continuous Trust Assessment and Adaptation

ZTA continuously assesses trust levels and adapts access privileges accordingly, ensuring only trusted entities can access resources and reducing the risk of supply chain attacks.

Boost Supply Chain Security With Safous Zero Trust Access

Implementing a zero-trust architecture is a crucial step for MSPs to help their clients improve supply chain security. Unfortunately, finding the right ZTA solutions to meet your customers’ unique needs can be challenging without expert guidance.

Safous Zero Trust Access offers integrated security tools, including multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, and application-based access controls, to help MSPs create a secure and controlled network environment for business customers. By partnering with Safous, you can deliver comprehensive supply chain security solutions to your clients – and help them stay ahead of emerging threats.

Ready to learn more about how Safous Zero Trust Access can help you strengthen your customers’ supply chain security? Book a demo today.

Sources:

1. https://cybersecurityventures.com/software-supply-chain-attacks-to-cost-the-world-60-billion-by-2025
2. https://www.csoonline.com/article/573925/supply-chain-attacks-increased-over-600-this-year-and-companies-are-falling-behind.html