A global shortage of cybersecurity experts is exacerbating the risks associated with supply chain attacks, which have become a top threat for businesses worldwide. According to a recent study by Kaspersky, nearly half of the respondents cited a lack of qualified IT security workers as a major barrier to mitigating these risks. Supply chain attacks have become increasingly common, with every third organisation hit by such an attack over the past year. The severity and frequency of these attacks necessitate a thorough examination of the underlying factors preventing organisations from effectively addressing the risks.
Organisations are struggling to access and monitor potential third-party vulnerabilities across their ecosystems due to the shortage of qualified cybersecurity workers. This shortage leaves security teams stretched across multiple tasks, often leaving supply chain threats unaddressed. Furthermore, respondents pointed to structural issues, such as contracts lacking clear IT security obligations for contractors, and non-IT security staff not fully understanding the risks. Globally, the study found that an overwhelming 85% of businesses admit their organisations need to upgrade protection against supply chain and trusted relationship risks.
In Nigeria, where the country's growing dependence on digital technologies has created new vulnerabilities, the findings of this study are particularly concerning. The study highlights the need for organisations in Nigeria to prioritise cybersecurity and invest in the development of a skilled cybersecurity workforce. The next steps for organisations in Nigeria will be crucial in addressing the risks associated with supply chain attacks.
The global shortage of cybersecurity experts is a ticking time bomb for businesses worldwide. The fact that nearly half of respondents cited a lack of qualified IT security workers as a major barrier to mitigating supply chain risks is a stark reminder of the need for organisations to invest in cybersecurity. In Nigeria, where the digital economy is growing rapidly, the findings of this study are a wake-up call for organisations to prioritise cybersecurity and develop a skilled workforce to mitigate the risks associated with supply chain attacks.
