Cyber security doesn’t stop at your firewall. In today’s interconnected world, attackers often look beyond the target organisation and strike at weaker links in the supply chain. That’s why the ACSC has dedicated Week 3 of Cyber Security Awareness Month to supply chain risk management.¹

Every organisation relies on a network of vendors, suppliers, and partners. These relationships enable efficiency and innovation, but they also create potential pathways for cyber threats. The ACSC highlights that supply chain compromises – from malicious updates to weak vendor security – can be just as damaging as a direct attack. ¹

The risks include:

• Third-party breaches: If a supplier’s environment is compromised, your systems may be impacted too.
• Software attacks: Malicious code can be inserted into trusted applications or updates, spreading widely. ¹
• Data handling issues: Sensitive business or customer data may be exposed if suppliers don’t meet your security standards.
• Limited visibility: Many organisations have little oversight of how partners secure systems and data.

High-profile incidents globally have shown just how damaging supply chain compromises can be — disrupting operations, eroding customer trust, and attracting regulatory scrutiny. Addressing this risk requires not just technology, but governance and accountability.

Practical steps organisations can take include:

• Due diligence: Assessing the security posture of new and existing vendors.
• Contractual controls: Setting clear requirements for data protection, incident reporting, and compliance.
• Ongoing monitoring: Using tools and services that provide visibility of supplier activity.
• Collaboration: Treating supply chain security as a shared responsibility, not a one-off checklist.

At FUJIFILM IT Services, we help organisations manage supply chain risk by embedding security into vendor relationships. This includes third-party assessments, compliance frameworks, extended monitoring, and policy development that holds suppliers to the same standards you apply internally.

Your organisation is only as resilient as the ecosystem around it. By actively managing supply chain risk, you not only reduce exposure but also strengthen trust with customers, partners, and regulators.

¹ Australian Cyber Security Centre (2025) Cyber Security Awareness Month. Available at: https://www.cyber.gov.au/business-government/cyber-security-awareness-month