How do attackers often carry out supply chain attacks?

Attackers frequently carry out supply chain attacks by embedding malware in hardware or software. This method is particularly insidious because it targets the processes and systems that organizations rely on for their operations, often exploiting vulnerabilities in third-party products or services.

When attackers embed malicious code in software updates or manipulate hardware components, they can gain unauthorized access to systems when these compromised products are installed or updated. By infiltrating the supply chain, they can affect a wide range of victims that use the affected products without the users being aware. This approach emphasizes the importance of securing not only internal systems but also ensuring that any third-party software and hardware used by an organization undergoes rigorous security vetting.

The other methods listed, while they can be part of cyber attacks, do not align specifically with the characteristics of supply chain attacks. Stealing physical documents is more about information theft rather than penetrating systems via supply chain vulnerabilities. Similarly, while phishing emails are a common method for gaining initial access or credentials, they do not involve exploiting the supply chain directly. Telemarketing does not relate to cyber attacks in this context, as it is more associated with marketing efforts rather than technical exploitation.