If you’re of a certain age, you’ll be all too familiar with the term ‘stranger danger’. This message, drummed into children (and parents) in the 1970s and 80s, warned about the dangers of talking to people they didn’t know.
While that campaign formally ended, its core message on safety remains relevant – especially for businesses facing UK supply chain cyber risks.
The Modern Business Equivalent of 'Stranger Danger'
Just as children were taught to be vigilant, companies must know, understand and build relationships with their suppliers and partners to mitigate UK supply chain cyber risks.
Every business relies on suppliers – from IT and energy providers to accountants and manufacturers. Each of these suppliers has its own network of providers, creating a complex web of relationships.
Identifying Vulnerabilities in Your Supply Chain
The critical questions businesses must ask:
- How do your suppliers manage digital risks?
- Are they vulnerable to cyber attacks?
- If they’re compromised, is your business at risk too?
These questions are essential when assessing UK supply chain cyber risks in today’s digital landscape.
Expert Insights on Supply Chain Security
In an era of heightened cyber threats, understanding digital security is a focus of the National Cyber Security Show at the NEC Birmingham this April. Helen Barge, Risk Evolves Managing Director, will represent the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) on an expert panel discussing the importance of proactive cybersecurity in strengthening supply chains.
Helen, a leader in cybersecurity and information security, explains: “Cyber threats come in many forms – ransomware, phishing, malware and other malicious attacks – and as our supply chains become increasingly digital and interconnected, they also become more vulnerable to UK supply chain cyber risks.”
Beyond Technology: The Human Element
“We must think of cybersecurity on a personal level, it’s not just an IT issue,” Helen continues. “If someone falls for a single scam or sends an email that breaches data privacy, the knock-on consequences can be profound.”
This highlights how UK supply chain cyber risks often stem from human factors rather than purely technical vulnerabilities.
Building Resilient Supply Chains
“Management of supply chains must be a partnership,” Helen advises. “By strengthening relationships through collaboration with suppliers and implementing robust cybersecurity frameworks, we can ensure the continuity of operations despite increasing UK supply chain cyber risks.”
Learn More About Protecting Your Business
The panel session, “Strengthening supply chain security in the digital age,” on 9 April at 12.45pm, will focus on the increasing vulnerability from interconnected supply chains and how businesses can assess and manage risks.
With a background in governance and risk, Helen has worked with businesses of all sizes and sectors to become a multi-award-winning leader in the industry.
Practical Resources at Your Fingertips
While the topics they tackle may be serious, Helen and her award-winning team always provide professional and friendly business advice and support that’s free from jargon.
Want to know more about mitigating UK supply chain cyber risks? We have a series of articles and webinars freely available on our website, including “Looking beyond the headlines: Cyber threats across the supply chain” and “Exposed Vulnerabilities: Building Resilient Supply Chains“.
Take action today to protect your business from UK supply chain cyber risks and ensure your supply chain remains secure and resilient.
Take action today
Protect your business from UK supply chain cyber risks and ensure your supply chain remains secure.
Contact us for a no-obligation consultation.
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