In his article “Supply Chain Risk Mitigation Must Be a Priority in 2025“ (19 December 2024, Dark Reading), Chief of Research at the SANS Institute, Rob T. Lee, highlights the escalating risks posed by global supply chains and the critical need for robust risk management strategies. Drawing on real-world incidents and emerging trends, Lee underscores the importance of rigorous supplier validation, controlled data sharing, and meticulous preparation. Building on these principles, this article explores how Cyber Tzar’s approach to Enterprise Supply Chain Risk Management provides practical solutions to these pressing challenges.
Recent incidents, such as the supply chain attack leveraging compromised pager batteries in Lebanon, remind us of the critical vulnerabilities embedded in global supply networks. These events highlight the necessity of robust supply chain risk management as organisations face increasingly complex and integrated ecosystems.
As geopolitical tensions rise and cybercriminal tactics evolve, the importance of managing supply chain risk cannot be overstated. Reports such as Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report indicate that 15% of breaches now involve third-party suppliers, with zero-day exploits surging by 180% year-over-year. To counter these challenges, a deliberate focus on rigorous supplier validation, purposeful data sharing, and meticulous preparation is essential for building resilience.
At Cyber Tzar, we take a measured and structured approach to managing these risks, providing organisations with the tools to assess, prioritise, and mitigate vulnerabilities within their vendor networks.
Moving Beyond the Checkbox: Rigorous Supplier Validation
Modern supply chain risks are too intricate to rely solely on self-assessed security questionnaires or basic compliance reviews. Cyber Tzar’s platform focuses on evidence-based supplier validation, moving beyond surface-level assessments to provide organisations with meaningful insights into vendor risk profiles.
Key Considerations in Supplier Validation:
- Regulatory Compliance
Vendors must demonstrate alignment with regulations such as the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). - Active Assurance
Annual on-site audits and quarterly vulnerability assessments provide tangible proof of cyber resilience. Cyber Tzar’s tools streamline the process of gathering, analysing, and acting on these insights. - Incident Response Preparedness
We evaluate vendor protocols, communication strategies, and cross-functional collaboration capabilities. Additionally, by embedding secure-by-design principles during product development, vulnerabilities can be minimised before products enter the supply chain.
Less is More: Purposeful Data Sharing
A “less is more” approach to data sharing is fundamental to reducing supply chain risks. Cyber Tzar’s zero-trust principles ensure that vendors only access the data and systems necessary for their roles.
Core Practices for Controlled Data Sharing:
- Granular Access Controls
Restrict credentials to essential systems, ensuring vendors only access what they need. - Data Retention Policies
Automating data ageing processes minimises the presence of outdated or redundant information, reducing the impact of potential breaches. - Encryption at Every Layer
Encrypting data across all access points ensures additional protection against undetected breaches and third-party vulnerabilities.
By reducing unnecessary exposure, organisations can simplify vendor oversight and significantly lower their overall risk.
Planning for the Inevitable: Meticulous Preparation
Cyber Tzar adopts an “assumption of breach” mindset, helping organisations prepare for potential incidents while aiming to mitigate the extent of their impact.
Steps to Enhance Supply Chain Preparedness:
- Incident Response Planning
Organisations should develop tailored response strategies for supply chain-specific risks, regularly testing them through tabletop exercises and simulations. - Vendor Contact Readiness
Maintaining a regularly updated contact list for key vendors ensures rapid communication during incidents, saving valuable time when containment efforts are critical. - System Shutdown Protocols
Through compliance management procedures Cyber Tzar assists organisations in mapping and documenting shutdown procedures for critical systems, enabling swift containment during a crisis.
By fostering preparedness, organisations can ensure their teams are equipped to handle incidents with confidence and efficiency.
Cyber Tzar’s Approach to Supply Chain Risk Management
1. Integrated Risk Assessment Tools
Cyber Tzar’s platform provides a unified view of vendor risks, integrating data from compliance reports, vulnerability scans, and real-time monitoring systems.
2. Quantifiable Risk Metrics
Our approach translates complex risks into measurable data points, helping organisations prioritise remediation efforts based on potential business impact.
3. Actionable Insights
Cyber Tzar doesn’t just identify risks; we provide organisations with clear guidance on how to address them effectively, ensuring a focus on meaningful action rather than reactive firefighting.
Building Resilience Through Collaboration and Technology
The examples outlined in the original article emphasise the need for a collaborative, technology-driven approach to supply chain risk management. Cyber Tzar enables organisations to move beyond traditional methods by leveraging advanced analytics, automation, and tailored frameworks to manage vendor risks proactively.
Key Benefits of Cyber Tzar’s Approach:
- Scalability: Our platform supports both SMEs and large enterprises, adapting to the scale and complexity of their supply chains.
- Continuous Monitoring: Real-time insights allow organisations to stay ahead of emerging threats.
- Customisation: Tailored frameworks ensure alignment with unique business needs, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
Conclusion: Securing the Supply Chain in 2025 and Beyond
As supply chains grow increasingly interconnected, the need for structured and proactive risk management becomes more pressing. Cyber Tzar’s tools and strategies provide organisations with a pragmatic way to mitigate vulnerabilities, maintain compliance, and strengthen resilience.
By focusing on rigorous validation, controlled data sharing, and comprehensive preparation, organisations can manage risks effectively and build a foundation for sustainable growth.
