Cybersecurity in the Supply Chain

Navigate cyber and information security challenges across supplier networks

Modern supply chains connect companies with an increasing number of suppliers, service providers and digital systems. This makes it difficult to maintain visibility into cyber risks, protect sensitive information, and determine which security requirements need to be addressed. A structured approach helps organizations gain clarity on critical dependencies and determine where action is needed. DEKRA helps companies navigate cyber and information security challenges across complex supplier networks.

Do you have sufficient insight into cyber risks across your supplier network? Talk to our experts!

Key Areas to Consider Across Your Supply Chain

Cybersecurity in the supply chain involves more than just protecting a company’s own systems. Supplier relationships, shared data, and external services extend this scope beyond organizational boundaries.

Third-party and supplier risk

Suppliers, service providers and other external dependencies can introduce cyber risks across the supply chain.

Information and cybersecurity

Interconnected systems, processes and digital environments can create vulnerabilities that extend across supplier networks.

Data protection and secure information exchange

Sensitive and business-critical information requires appropriate protection when shared across organizational boundaries.

Trustworthy digital processes

Secure and reliable digital processes are essential for maintaining trust across supplier relationships.

From Cyber Risk to Regulatory Responsibility

Managing cyber risks across the supply chain is becoming an increasingly important regulatory responsibility. Depending on their industry, business activities, and digital dependencies, organizations may need to address specific requirements regarding supplier security, risk management, and information protection.

Relevant requirements may include regulatory obligations, such as NIS2; industry-specific frameworks, such as TISAX®; and established information security risk management practices. Knowing which requirements apply is an important step toward strengthening security across supplier networks.

What Companies Should Consider Now

Once relevant cybersecurity and regulatory requirements have been identified, organizations need to translate them into practical actions across supplier relationships. A risk-based approach helps organizations focus their efforts on critical dependencies and address potential weaknesses effectively.

1. Prioritize critical suppliers
Focus on suppliers, service providers and digital dependencies that are most critical to your operations.
2. Define security requirements
Set clear cyber and information security requirements for relevant suppliers and partners.
3. Assess risks and gaps
Review supplier security practices and identify weaknesses that require action.
4. Monitor and improve
Track changes in supplier risks and adapt controls as requirements and dependencies evolve.

How DEKRA Supports Cybersecurity Across the Supply Chain

Various security challenges across supplier networks require different capabilities. DEKRA offers specialized services in information security management, cyber risk and readiness and data protection, as well as security training.

Information Security Management System (ISMS)

DEKRA helps organizations secure their supply chains and demonstrate compliance. Our certifications and assessments strengthen trust in digital operations.

Details

Assurance and Risk

We help organizations identify and prioritize cyber risks across the supply chain, from critical operations to regulatory readiness.

Details

Data Protection

DEKRA helps organizations protect personal and sensitive data across the supply chain through strong privacy governance, audits and compliance assessments.

Details

FAQ: Cybersecurity in the Supply Chain

Clearly defined responsibilities across functions are essential for managing supplier-related cyber risks. For example, procurement can integrate security criteria into supplier processes, while IT security and risk teams can provide the necessary expertise to evaluate relevant risks.

Suppliers may interact with both business IT and operational technology. Disruptions or vulnerabilities in either environment can affect operations, so both perspectives are relevant when assessing critical dependencies.

Applications and systems may contain components or services from multiple third parties. These dependencies may introduce vulnerabilities that are difficult to identify without sufficient visibility into the software supply chain.

Recognized standards and assessments provide evidence of established security practices and help organizations evaluate compliance and readiness. DEKRA offers ISO 27001 certification services, TISAX® assessments, and independent cyber risk and readiness assessments.

Changes in service scope or the termination of a supplier relationship can alter the risk profile. Therefore, access rights, data handling, responsibilities, and remaining dependencies should be reviewed as part of the transition.