A recent HP study reveals a worrying trend of increased nation-state attacks on hardware supply chains, which could have serious implications for businesses worldwide. Conducted by HP Wolf Security, the study surveyed 800 IT and security decision-makers (ITSDMs) and found that nearly one in five organizations (19%) reported being targeted by nation-state actors. This number climbs to 29% in the United States alone.
The report indicates that over a third of respondents (35%) suspect their businesses have faced attempts to insert malicious hardware or firmware into their devices. Alarmingly, 91% of those surveyed expect these attacks to escalate, with nearly two-thirds (63%) anticipating that the next significant attack could involve poisoning hardware supply chains to introduce malware.
Alex Holland, Principal Threat Researcher at HP Security Lab, emphasized the critical nature of this issue. He stated, “System security relies on strong supply chain security, starting with assurance that devices are built with the intended components.” The challenge lies in the detection of such attacks, as many security tools operate within the operating system, making it difficult to identify compromises that occur at a lower level.
The survey also highlighted the concern among ITSDMs regarding their ability to verify the integrity of hardware and firmware upon delivery, with 51% expressing worries about potential tampering. Nearly 78% of respondents indicated a need to prioritize hardware and software supply chain security in the face of rising attack risks.
To combat this growing threat, HP advises businesses to implement robust security measures, including adopting Platform Certificate technology for verifying hardware integrity, utilizing remote management tools like HP Sure Admin, and leveraging services such as HP Tamper Lock from the outset. This proactive approach is essential for safeguarding hardware and firmware throughout their operational lifecycle.
As nation-state attacks on supply chains become more prevalent, businesses must prioritize their security measures to protect against these sophisticated threats. The HP study serves as a critical reminder of the need for vigilance in a landscape where the consequences of inaction could be dire.
