The supply chain is a critical part of any business. It’s the process that brings products and services from suppliers to customers. This process can be complex and involves many aspects, including transportation, warehousing, and distribution.
The security of the supply chain is essential to protect your business from evolving threats. As a business owner, you must understand the risks and implement the necessary security measures. Here are a few crucial steps to take to protect your business from evolving threats in the supply chain:
1. Comply with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework
Supply chains face countless threats due to the vast data that organizations need to move and share. Threats to the cyberinfrastructure of a company can have profound implications, both within the organization and with external partners. This is why complying with the NIST cybersecurity framework is so important.
Organizations can identify, protect, respond, and recover from potential cyber threats to supply chains when they adhere to these standards. The framework also allows organizations to stay ahead of evolving threats by providing security systems and protocols that predict future risks and vulnerabilities. You can read more about the NIST framework and how to implement it before going that route.
2. Conduct an Audit of Your Supply Chain Processes Regularly
Regular supply chain audits are essential to protect your business from evolving threats in many industries. Business owners or managers can stay one step ahead and continuously adapt their processes to the newest risks and threats.
Auditing keeps companies up-to-date with developments in laws, regulations, and supplier relationships. You also allow your business to monitor technology updates to deal with any changes efficiently.
Reviewing your business’s internal operations is critical, but an external audit provides valuable insights into potential risks. These risks include cybersecurity issues or foreign currency prices related to imports and exports. As threats continue to change, regular audits are essential for any company to maintain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving supply chain world.
3. Work with Trusted Partners
Partnering with trusted service providers in the supply chain is an effective way for businesses to secure their operations from threats. Organizations can develop plans and proactive strategies to identify, address, and respond quickly to potential risks by creating relationships with reliable partners.
Trusted partners can also provide valuable insight into best practices for security and infrastructure, helping strengthen the overall supply chain’s resilience. Working together creates a collaborative network that puts everyone on the same page regarding security strategy, allowing you to implement safeguards quickly if any new threats arrive.
Before working with a service provider, check their qualifications. At a minimum, they should have certifications or licenses to provide the services your business requires.
4. Set a Contingency Plan
Complying with the NIST cybersecurity framework, auditing, and bringing in reliable partners can help to address evolving threats. Still, setting a contingency plan in place should be part of your plan.
It doesn’t matter how secure your supply chain processes are or how well you work with trusted partners. Some things can still go wrong, and preparing for unexpected issues is crucial.
For example, say a server crashes or hackers compromise one of your suppliers. An established contingency plan will make the recovery process more manageable. A backup plan safeguards your business so you can bounce back from any disruptions quickly and efficiently, minimizing any potential damage to your supply chain.
5. Employee Training
Implementing all the above strategies is key to protecting your supply chain from evolving threats. Still, your business is at risk without proper team member training.
Your employees are a crucial part of any supply chain. It’s vital to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to keep your operations running smoothly.
Providing cybersecurity best practices and compliance requirements helps your employees prepare themselves for any potential risks in the future. You also improve their capability in data collection and retention or vendor management. For instance, ensure that your employees are not only equipped with the right security devices for their work but also understand why they should use those devices. If they connect to company resources remotely using public networks, they should be equipped with devices such as VPN concentrators. Check how VPN concentrators are explained at GoodAccess to understand what they do, how they work, and their benefits.
Educating and training your team is essential to any comprehensive risk management strategy, so prioritize it in your business operations. Ongoing employee education and solid internal processes safeguard your supply chain to withstand any new threats that come its way.
Conclusion
Dealing with evolving threats in the supply chain is a continuous process that requires constant vigilance and attention. Partnering with trusted actors, developing a contingency plan, and prioritizing employee training ensure your supply chain remains resilient and responsive to new risks as they emerge. With these strategies, you can be confident in your ability to weather any challenge that comes your way.
