CSA: The Risks of Insecure Third-Party Resources

Source URL: https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/blog/2024/11/18/top-threat-5-third-party-tango-dancing-around-insecure-resources
Source: CSA
Title: The Risks of Insecure Third-Party Resources

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Summary: The text discusses key security challenges related to cloud computing, specifically focusing on the fifth top threat: Insecure Third-Party Resources. It highlights the importance of Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) and offers strategies for mitigating the risks posed by third-party vulnerabilities, which can have far-reaching implications for organizations.

Detailed Description: The content outlines the critical issue of insecure third-party resources in cloud computing and emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies to manage supply chain risks. Here are the key points:

– **Context**: The discussion is part of a series covering the Top Threats to Cloud Computing in 2024, drawing insights from over 500 experts.

– **Insecure Third-Party Resources**:
– Defined as vulnerabilities arising from reliance on external entities for software and services.
– Notably, two-thirds of data breaches are attributed to these vulnerabilities.

– **Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM)**:
– Focuses on identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with third-party resources.
– Critical for ensuring the resilience of cloud services and applications.

– **Consequences & Business Impact**:
– **Technical Impact**: Risks include unauthorized access leading to data breaches, which jeopardize confidentiality and integrity.
– **Operational Impact**: Vulnerabilities can cause system disruptions and outages.
– **Financial Impact**: Potential fines and legal liabilities due to non-compliance by third parties.
– **Reputational Impact**: Breaches can erode customer trust and damage the organization’s reputation.

– **Mitigation Strategies**:
– **Choose Wisely**: Opt for third-party resources with recognized security certifications.
– **Track Resources**: Implement Software Composition Analysis (SCA) to maintain a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) or SaaSBOM for transparency in third-party components.
– **Review Regularly**: Conduct audits of third-party resources to ensure ongoing compliance and security posture.
– **Collaborate with Suppliers**: Work closely with vendors to ensure they implement automated security testing and maintain security standards.

– **Call to Action**: Encourages readers to download the full report for more comprehensive strategies and insights into managing cybersecurity risks associated with cloud computing.

Overall, the discussion is particularly relevant for professionals involved in security, risk management, and compliance, as it provides actionable insights into safeguarding against third-party vulnerabilities in a cloud environment.