Beware of supplier-related risks in aviation!

AJet CISO Timur Kadızade drew attention to cyber risks in the aviation sector.

Especially highlighting supplier-related risks, Kadızade stated:

“One of the biggest risks in recent times, particularly for companies like ours that have many subsidiaries and use suppliers, is the vulnerability of suppliers. Because large companies can generally make very serious investments in cybersecurity. Even though the current conjuncture is shrinking this ecosystem, companies cannot significantly reduce their investments in this area because they see the risk and invest according to the direction of technology. The companies most affected by this are smaller-scale companies that large companies use as suppliers. Therefore, attackers, or those who want to exploit a situation, target these suppliers more often in order to harm these large companies or to create a stir. Statistics have already begun to show how important supplier security has become in recent times.” Not so long ago, in the field of cybersecurity, there was an incident called CrowdStrike that affected many companies, including many global companies worldwide, such as ours. It was a problem stemming entirely from a vulnerability in one of our suppliers, and it affected the infrastructure and systems of many companies, including our flights. It affected many companies worldwide, not just us. Currently, it has affected companies in Türkiye the most. This shows how quickly problems originating from suppliers can bring down organizations like dominoes. Therefore, we absolutely need to work closely with our suppliers. We need to put our shoulder to the wheel with them so that when they start to fall, we can sense it early and provide the necessary support. Because behind large suppliers there are many smaller brands, but when those brands fall, the last domino to bring down the biggest brand. We shouldn’t think, “Nothing will happen to me, I’m a big company.” We need to make serious investments in this area.

The Importance of Supplier Security

One of the biggest risks facing businesses today is supplier security. While large companies can make significant investments in cybersecurity, smaller companies in the supply chain may be weak in this area. This situation leads to large companies being targeted through their suppliers. Ensuring supplier security is critically important not only for large companies but for the protection of the entire ecosystem.

Cybersecurity Investments and Supplier Vulnerabilities

Large companies can protect themselves by making significant investments in cybersecurity. However, smaller companies in the supply chain may not be able to make these investments. This leads attackers to target suppliers to harm large companies. Therefore, investments in supplier security need to be increased.

Supporting Supplier Security with Statistics

Recent statistics clearly demonstrate the importance of supplier security. Supplier vulnerabilities can affect the systems and infrastructure of large companies. This shows how important investments in supplier security are.

The CrowdStrike Incident and Its Effects

The CrowdStrike incident is a significant example of how serious the consequences of supplier vulnerabilities can be. This case affected the infrastructure of many global companies, once again highlighting the critical importance of supplier security. Such events demonstrate the need for greater attention to supplier security.

Collaboration and Support with Suppliers

Working closely with suppliers can help identify potential vulnerabilities in advance. Large companies can minimize vulnerabilities in the supply chain by providing their suppliers with the necessary support. This collaboration will enhance the security of the entire ecosystem.

The Domino Effect and the Responsibility of Large Companies

Vulnerabilities in suppliers can create a domino effect, impacting large companies as well. Therefore, large companies should support their suppliers and make significant investments in this area. A proactive approach should be adopted instead of the “it won’t affect me” mentality.

The Importance of Investing in Supplier Security

Investments in supplier security are critical not only for large companies but for the protection of the entire ecosystem. These investments can minimize vulnerabilities in the supply chain and prevent potential attacks. Investments in supplier security will benefit all businesses in the long run.

Supplier security is critical in today’s business world. Large companies can prevent potential vulnerabilities by supporting their suppliers and investing in this area. Investments in supplier security will contribute to the protection of the entire ecosystem.