The recent Crowd Strike incident, where a defective update temporarily disrupted service for many users, serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in our reliance on third-party security solutions. Asa Managed Service Provider (MSP) dedicated to empowering SMEs, we at EvonSys MSP understand the critical role security plays in your business continuity. This whitepaper explores the importance of Business Continuity Planning (BCP)in the face of supply chain attacks and defective updates and outlines preventative measures to mitigate their impact.

The CrowdStrike Incident: A Case Study

On July 19, 2024, Crowd Strike, a known cybersecurity company faced a service interruption caused by an update. This event affected businesses showing how interconnected the cybersecurity environment is. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which often depend heavily on solutions, from a provider were, at risk. Even though Crowd Strike quickly fixed the problem this situation emphasized the importance of having business continuity planning strategies to reduce downtime and maintain operations.

The Importance of Business Continuity Planning

A well-defined BCP outlines the procedures your business will follow to recover from unforeseen disruptions, including cyberattacks and software malfunctions.  A BCP ensures critical business functions remain operational, minimizing financial losses and reputational damage.  Key elements of a BCP for supply chain attacks and defective updates include:

• Identification of Critical Operations: Clearly define the core processes essential for daily business operations.
• Impact Assessment: Evaluate the potential downtime each critical operation can withstand before significant disruption occurs.
• Alternative Solutions: Develop contingency plans that outline alternative solutions or workarounds to maintain critical operations during disruptions.
• Communication Strategy: Establish clear communication protocols to inform internal and external stakeholders of the incident and its resolution timeframe.

Preventative Measures: Building Resilience

Beyond BCP, proactive measures can help mitigate the impact of supply chain attacks and defective updates:

• Diversification: Consider using a multi-layered security approach that incorporates solutions from various vendors, reducing reliance on a single source.
• Regular Patch Management: Implement a rigorous patch management schedule, ensuring timely updates for all software and operating systems. However, prioritize testing patches in non-production environments before deploying them widely.
• Data Backups: Maintain regular backups of critical data in a secure, off-site location.
• Vulnerability Scanning: Regularly conduct security assessments to identify and address potential vulnerabilities within your IT infrastructure.
• Staff Training: Develop and deliver customized training programs to equip staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to execute the BCP effectively. Training can cover various aspects, including:
  • Understanding the BCP plan and its objectives
  • Identifying potential threats and risks
  • Roles and responsibilities during an incident
  • Communication protocols
  • Simulated BCP drills
• Regular Drills and Simulations:
  • Organize and facilitate regular drills and simulations to test the BCP's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
  • These exercises can be conducted in various formats, such as tabletop exercises, functional exercises, and full-scale simulations.
  • EvonSys can provide guidance on drill design, execution, and post-incident analysis.
• Vendor Communication: Establish clear communication channels with key vendors to stay informed about potential service disruptions or vulnerabilities.

To reduce the impact of supply chain attacks and faulty updates it's important to go beyond BCP and take steps:

• Opt for a layered security strategy involving solutions from different providers to lessen dependence on a single source.
• Stick to a strict patch management routine for timely software and operating system updates. Test patches in production environments before wide deployment.
• Keep regular backups of critical data in a secure off site location.
• Conduct frequent security assessments to pinpoint and fix potential vulnerabilities in your IT setup.
• Maintain communication channels, with vendors to stay updated on any possible service disruptions or vulnerabilities.

The Ripple Effect: Understanding Supply Chain Attacks

The incident involving CrowdStrike, which was caused by an update sheds light on an issue; the threat of supply chain attacks. These sophisticated attacks aim at exploiting weaknesses in the software or hardware provided by companies introducing code that can then breach the systems of clients.

Such attacks can be a nightmare for SMEs that may lack the resources for in house security expertise and heavily depend on trusted suppliers. The repercussions may include data breaches, operational disruptions and financial setbacks. The CrowdStrike incident should serve as a reminder of the importance of not business continuity planning. Also taking proactive measures to manage vendor risks and understand the potential consequences of vulnerabilities within your supply chain.

Conclusion: A Multi-Pronged Approach to Business Continuity

The CrowdStrike incident, along with the growing threat of supply chain attacks, underscores the critical need for a multi-pronged approach to business continuity.  While a robust BCP provides a framework for navigating disruptions like defective updates, proactive measures are essential to mitigate the risks associated with vulnerabilities within your IT ecosystem.

Next Steps: Building a Secure and Resilient Future

At EvonSys MSP, we empower SMEs to achieve both BCP readiness and supply chain resilience. Here's how we can help:

• BCP Development: Our skilled team will work closely with you to create a BCP that meets your business requirements. We'll pinpoint operations evaluate the impact of downtime and devise backup plans to ensure smooth operations during unexpected events, like the CrowdStrike incident.
• Proactive Security Measures: We provide a range of IT security services to strengthen your defenses against supply chain attacks. This includes setting up a security system using vendor solutions following strict patch management protocols with thorough testing and conducting regular vulnerability scans to detect and fix weaknesses in your IT setup. Additionally, we'll establish communication channels with vendors to keep track of any vulnerabilities or service interruptions.
• Proactive Security Measures: We offer a comprehensive suite of IT security services to fortify your defenses against supply chain attacks. This includes implementing a multi-layered security approach with diversified vendor solutions, rigorous patch management with proper testing procedures, and regular vulnerability scanning to identify and address weaknesses within your IT infrastructure. We will also establish clear communication channels with key vendors to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities or service disruptions.
• Data Backup and Recovery: We will design a secure data backup and recovery strategy, ensuring critical data is regularly backed up and readily available in the event of a cyberattack or software malfunction.
• Supply Chain Security
  • Vendor Risk Assessment: EvonSys can help SMEs assess the security posture of their suppliers and vendors to identify potential risks.
  • Third-Party Risk Management: Implementing a robust third-party risk management program can help mitigate supply chain threats.
  • Incident Response Planning: Developing a comprehensive incident response plan that includes supply chain attack scenarios is essential for effective response and recovery.

By combining a well-defined BCP with proactive security measures, you can significantly enhance your organization's resilience against unforeseen disruptions, be they isolated incidents like the CrowdStrike update or more sophisticated supply chain attacks.

Contact us today to discuss your BCP needs and explore our managed security services designed to safeguard your business from evolving threats in today's complex digital landscape.

Contact us today for a free consultation to assess your organization's security posture and develop a tailored BCP and security strategy. Our experts will work closely with you to identify vulnerabilities, implement effective countermeasures, and ensure business continuity.