Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA)Cybersecurity FundamentalsMedium
A company is reviewing its security posture after a competitor suffered a data breach due to a compromised third-party vendor. The company wants to evaluate the potential risks associated with its own suppliers, partners, and cloud service providers. Which cybersecurity concept are they focusing on?
- AInsider Threat
- BSupply Chain Attack
- CDenial of Service (DoS)
- DSocial Engineering
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Supply Chain Attack
The scenario describes a concern related to third-party vendors and their potential to introduce vulnerabilities or serve as an attack vector, which is precisely the definition of a supply chain attack.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. An insider threat originates from within the organization, not from external vendors.
- C. DoS attacks aim to make services unavailable, unrelated to third-party vendor compromise leading to data breach.
- D. Social engineering manipulates individuals, not specifically focusing on third-party vendor relationships.
Supply Chain Attack
A cyberattack that targets an organization by compromising less secure elements in its supply chain, such as third-party vendors, software providers, or hardware manufacturers.
- Exploits trust relationships.
- Can affect many downstream customers.
- Difficult to detect and prevent.
Memory trick: A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, especially when it's your vendor.