From Tariffs to Threats: Securing the Digital Supply Chain in a Time of Global Disruption

We often picture supply chains as physical networks — containers, trucks, and warehouses. But as global operations become more digitized and complex, the biggest risks have moved beyond the physical realm into the digital. Today, business continuity depends as much on securing code and credentials as it does on managing logistics and delivery routes.

At Delinea , we see firsthand how the supply chain has fundamentally shifted — and how this evolution is creating new vulnerabilities that businesses can’t afford to ignore.

_{The New Supply Chain Battlefield}

While rising tariffs and trade uncertainty strain the physical supply chain, they also accelerate digital transformation, pushing organizations toward cloud-based platforms, globally distributed development teams, and third-party integrations. In this new landscape, the core value of the supply chain isn’t in goods — it’s in code, credentials, and collaboration.

And that makes it a target.

Attackers are adapting quickly. Rather than trying to directly breach well-defended infrastructure, they’re targeting the people and partners with access. Engineers, IT admins, finance teams — and, crucially, third-party contractors — now represent the weak points in the chain. And when their access goes unmonitored, the consequences can be severe.

_{Case in Point: The Coinbase Breach}

The Coinbase breach is a prime example of how third-party access can be exploited. In this case, attackers compromised a contractor with access to internal systems, including customer data. The access wasn't properly monitored or segmented, allowing the attackers to move laterally and exfiltrate data before detection.

No malware. No sophisticated exploit. Just a trusted third party with too much access and too little oversight.

The Blind Spots of Global Software Reliance

Many organizations rely on software developed and maintained outside their direct control, often by third parties or offshore teams. While this accelerates innovation and reduces costs, it also introduces blind spots: who built the code, what third-party components are included, and how are updates managed?

Without visibility into the software supply chain, it becomes nearly impossible to assess exposure, especially as dependencies grow deeper and more interconnected.

Identity Is the New Supply Chain Control Point

In today's hyper-connected environment, identity is the most critical and overlooked element of supply chain security. Every transaction, approval, and integration is tied to a user, whether internal, external, or automated. And when those identities aren't secured, monitored, or governed, the entire supply chain is at risk.

At Delinea, we believe that protecting digital supply chains starts with controlling and securing privileged access — not just for infrastructure, but for the people and processes that make global supply chains work. That means:

• Enforcing least privilege by default
• Implementing Zero Trust policies across all access points
• Continuously monitoring for suspicious behavior — especially from contractors and vendors

Building Resilient and Secure Digital Supply Chains

The future of supply chain competitiveness depends on more than faster delivery or better pricing. It hinges on resilience — the ability to operate securely amid constant disruption. It also requires digital sovereignty — knowing where your software comes from, who controls it, and how it's being protected.

Delinea is committed to helping organizations defend their digital supply chains — from code to credentials — and prepare for whatever's next.

Because in today’s world, identity is the real infrastructure, and it’s time we protected it as such.