Synopsys, a global leader in electronic design automation and semiconductor IP, is urging businesses and organizations to remain vigilant against security risks in the software supply chain. With the integration of proprietary and open-source code, user interfaces, APIs, application behavior, and deployment workflows, modern applications have become more complex and intricate, creating vulnerabilities that can pose risks to both businesses and their customers.
Tim Mackey, the Head of Software Supply Chain Risk Strategy at Synopsys, explained that cybercriminals target weaknesses in the supply chain to gain access to company data, intellectual property, and customer information. “You’re only as secure as whoever you are integrating with,” Mackey said. “You can have the best security practices in the world, but if one of your supply chain partners has poor security practices, then you’re at risk.”
To mitigate these risks, businesses need to have proper security practices in place. Mackey recommends conducting a thorough security assessment before integrating any third-party software into your system. Businesses should also educate their employees on security risks and implement security processes throughout the supply chain.
Furthermore, Mackey urged businesses to stay up-to-date with security patches and maintain a list of all software components used in their application. “When a vulnerability is discovered in one component, you need to know where else that component is used in your application so that you can quickly fix the issue,” Mackey said.
Security risks in the software supply chain are not going away. However, with proper security practices and a proactive approach to risk management, businesses can stay ahead of threats and secure their systems. “When it comes to security, you don’t want to be reactive,” Mackey said. “You want to be proactive so that you can identify and mitigate risks before they become a problem.”
In conclusion, businesses must take responsibility for safeguarding their software supply chain to protect their customers and their own reputations. By following industry best practices and staying alert to emerging threats, businesses can ensure they remain secure in today’s increasingly complex digital landscape.