As more and more companies rely on third-party software components to build their applications, the risk of software supply chain attacks continues to grow. These attacks involve targeting vulnerabilities in the software components themselves, or in the networks that distribute them, in order to compromise downstream applications.

One of the most notorious examples of a software supply chain attack is the SolarWinds breach, in which attackers gained access to the company’s software distribution network and injected malicious code into its Orion software. This code was then downloaded by thousands of SolarWinds customers, allowing the attackers to gain access to their systems.

To prevent these types of attacks, it’s important to implement strong security measures throughout the software development lifecycle. This includes vetting and testing third-party components before they’re integrated into applications, as well as implementing network security controls to prevent attackers from infiltrating software distribution networks. 

However, with the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of modern software systems, it’s becoming more difficult to guarantee the security of every component. As such, it’s also important to have a plan in place for detecting and responding to supply chain attacks if and when they occur.

Overall, software supply chain attacks are a serious and growing threat that require a multi-faceted approach to security. By implementing strong security measures throughout the development lifecycle and having a plan in place for detecting and responding to attacks, companies can better protect themselves and their customers from the consequences of a successful attack.