Urging a Shift from Product Certification to Holistic Organisational Cybersecurity in the Global Supply Chain.
In the labyrinth of modern commerce, cyber threats loom as shadowy adversaries, targeting not just corporate giants but the vital cogs of the supply chain—small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Recent research and global cyberattacks have thrust the vulnerability of these entities into the limelight, painting them as both direct targets and potential vectors for larger-scale breaches.
SMEs: The Crucial Backbone at Risk
Small and medium-sized enterprises are the lifeblood of the global economy, constituting a staggering 99% of businesses and providing employment for millions. However, these very entities often fall short in cybersecurity due to operational budget constraints, rendering them susceptible to cyber assaults.
The Certification Conundrum
Existing standards like ISO 27001 or NIST serve as beacons for IT security but fall short in capturing the constantly evolving cyber domain's dynamic landscape. The prevailing product certification framework, albeit crucial, often lacks longevity, relevance, and specificity beyond a particular version, exposing gaps in the supply chain's cyber-hygiene.
Shifting Focus to Organisational Cyber-Hygiene
Arguing for a paradigm shift, experts emphasise bolstering suppliers' cyber-hygiene as organisations, transcending mere product certification. The call is to instil a robust framework ensuring a standard level of cyber-hygiene across suppliers, effectively reducing inherent risks.
Bridge the Gaps: A Comprehensive Framework Needed
Addressing the lacunae in the current certification realm, experts underline the necessity for a more cyber-specific and continuously updated framework, distinct from existing general standards. The proposed framework would demand stringent certification procedures, periodic audits, and defined controls, aligning with the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.
Israeli Cyber Defence Methodology: A Case Study
The Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD) has forged a commendable path, implementing a two-tiered certification model involving an online application. Suppliers undergo a stringent self-assessment questionnaire based on ISO 27001 and NIST standards, followed by external audits, ensuring compliance and relevance.
Global Collaboration: The Way Forward
The aspiration is a globally accepted cyber certification framework, harmonising disparate national standards, fostering cross-border trust, and allowing seamless reliance on certified suppliers worldwide. Collaborative efforts between governments and private entities are pivotal in establishing an internationally recognised, risk-based cyber accreditation scheme.
Pivoting from Compliance to Risk Management
Recent high-profile cyberattacks like SolarWinds underscore the urgency to fortify supply chain cybersecurity. The proposed framework shifts the onus from mere compliance to a proactive risk-based approach, nurturing a robust, trust-filled relationship between customers and suppliers.
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