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One in three companies hit by supplier cyberattacks, study warns

Your weakest supplier could be the backdoor hackers exploit. New data shows how cyber threats in the supply chain disrupt entire businesses.

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One in three companies hit by supplier cyberattacks, study warns

A recent study by Germany's digital association Bitkom reveals that around 30% of companies have experienced suppliers falling victim to digital or physical cyber security attacks. The president of Bitkom, Dr. Ralf Wintergerst, highlights the vulnerability of supply chains and the need for stronger cyber security measures.

The study, which surveyed over 1,000 companies across various sectors, found that while 53% of companies reported no attacks on their supply chain partners, 9% confirmed suppliers were attacked in the past 12 months, and 19% suspected it. Around 41% of companies experienced direct consequences when their suppliers were targeted or suspected of being attacked, such as production downtime, supply shortages, or reputational damage.

Dr. Wintergerst noted that attackers often exploit the weakest link in the supply chain, which are typically less protected suppliers. To strengthen cyber security, Bitkom suggests raising awareness among business partners, agreeing on protective measures, and implementing them together. However, 15% of companies were unaware or declined to answer about supplier attacks, indicating a need for improved communication and understanding of the issue.

The Bitkom study underscores the importance of robust cyber security measures across the entire supply chain. With around 30% of companies experiencing supplier cyber security attacks, and nearly half feeling direct consequences, businesses must prioritize protecting their partners to ensure business continuity and maintain customer trust.

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