What is a supply chain risk in the context of IACS?

In the context of Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS), a supply chain risk specifically refers to the vulnerabilities that can arise from the procurement and integration of components within the system. This involves assessing the security posture of suppliers and the reliability of the components being integrated into the IACS, which may inadvertently introduce weaknesses or vulnerabilities into the overall system architecture.

When components such as software applications, hardware devices, or even services are sourced from third parties, there's a potential for these entities to have their own security shortcomings or to be compromised. For instance, a supplier's system could be hacked, resulting in the distribution of compromised hardware or software. When such vulnerable components are integrated into an IACS, they can be exploited by threats, leading to detrimental effects on system integrity, availability, and confidentiality.

Understanding this type of risk is crucial for ensuring robust cybersecurity within IACS, as vulnerabilities introduced through the supply chain can have far-reaching implications, impacting not just the individual systems, but potentially the broader operational environment and safety of processes as well.