Cybercriminals are no longer just targeting your systems—they’re scanning your entire supply chain, looking for the path of least resistance.

If your suppliers aren’t secure, neither are you.

And in an industry where uptime and IP protection are non-negotiable, relying on “trust” instead of policy is a risk you can’t afford.

Fortunately, this is a risk you can manage—with discipline, clarity, and the right processes.

 

Here are 6 Steps to Keep Your Supply Chain from Becoming a Cyber Risk

1. Map Every Vendor—and Their Vendors
You can’t protect what you can’t see.

Start with a comprehensive list of every third-party your company relies on: software providers, equipment partners, freight carriers, outsourced IT teams—you name it. Then go deeper.

Ask:

Who do they work with?

Where is your data being stored, processed, or accessed?

This isn't just paperwork—it's your exposure profile.

 

2. Classify Vendors by Risk and Access Level
Not all vendors are equal. The printer who delivers labels once a month is not the same as the company that manages your ERP system.

Group vendors by:

System access (none, limited, full)

Data sensitivity

Operational impact if compromised

Once sorted, you can apply appropriate levels of scrutiny and control.

 

3. Require—and Verify—Security Certifications
A vendor’s word isn’t enough. Demand proof.

Ask for:

SOC 2, ISO 27001, or CMMC certification (depending on your industry)

Results from recent security audits or penetration tests

Their written cybersecurity policy

And follow up annually. Cybersecurity is not a set-it-and-forget-it function.

 

4. Make Security Contractual
Include cybersecurity language in every vendor agreement. Be specific.

At minimum, your contracts should require:

Breach notification within 24–72 hours

Proof of security controls

Right-to-audit clauses for high-risk vendors

No language? No leverage. That’s a liability.

 

5. Implement Zero-Trust Access
Don’t give vendors more access than they need—and never assume trust just because they’ve “always done it that way.”

Limit access to:

Specific applications

Specific timeframes

Known devices or IP addresses

Zero-trust isn’t a trend—it’s how manufacturers protect uptime and avoid supply chain infiltration.

 

6. Monitor Vendor Activity—Continuously
You don’t just want alerts when something goes wrong. You want visibility all the time.

Use tools that track:

Logins

File transfers

Changes in access patterns

Suspicious activity means nothing if no one’s tracking it—and by the time it’s obvious, it’s usually too late.

 

Turn your supply chain into a shield, not a doorway.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned since 1983, it’s this: cybersecurity doesn’t work on good intentions. It works on systems. Accountability. Discipline.

By mapping your vendors, verifying their security, and enforcing zero-trust, you reduce your attack surface—and increase your peace of mind.

Because in manufacturing, downtime isn’t just a tech problem. It’s a business problem. A reputation problem. A trust problem.

Make sure your partners aren’t your weakest link.

 

 

Data-Link Associates is an IT managed services provider, cybersecurity, IT support, and custom programming firm focused on Chicagoland with nationwide reach. You can reach us at (630) 406-8969 and info@datalinkmsp.com.