Strengthening Supply Chains: Insights from Cybersecurity Survey

In a recent survey conducted by Hammock, a Tokyo-based software company, cybersecurity measures within businesses are coming under the spotlight as the demand for robust supply chain security increases. The survey included responses from 700 cybersecurity professionals and revealed some startling insights about the current state of cybersecurity in Japanese companies as well as their preparedness to tackle potential issues in their supply chains.

Background of the Survey

As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, businesses are realizing that security breaches can no longer be treated as isolated incidents affecting single organizations. Recent trends indicate a rise in attacks targeting the entire supply chain, including vendors and service providers. Vulnerabilities such as inadequate IT asset management and delayed responses to security threats are expanding risk across the supply chain.

In response to these challenges, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has initiated a new evaluation system aimed at enhancing security levels across supply chains. However, understanding the system's recognition and preparedness among companies remains crucial. Hence, this survey aimed to explore the awareness and challenges companies face regarding this new cybersecurity evaluation framework.

Key Findings of the Survey

1. Awareness and Recognition of the Security Evaluation System

The survey revealed that approximately 70% of respondents are not fully aware of the new security evaluation system, with only 25% indicating they fully understand the framework. An alarming 40% stated that they have no knowledge at all about it. This highlights a significant gap in awareness that needs to be addressed to ensure companies can adequately prepare for and respond to this evolving cybersecurity landscape.

2. High Interest in Cybersecurity Measures

Despite the lack of awareness about the evaluation system, there is a significant interest with over 81% of respondents showing some level of concern regarding the evaluation system. This indicates a readiness among companies to engage with the new system, although they must overcome the hurdles of knowledge and understanding.

3. Strengthening Cybersecurity Measures

About 61.7% of companies reported they have already strengthened their security measures in response to the new evaluation system, with an additional 33.1% currently in the process of enhancing their measures. This data indicates a proactive approach among businesses to fortify their cybersecurity frameworks, reflecting the need for businesses to continuously evolve their strategies in the face of emerging threats.

4. The Priority of Security in Vendor Selection

A noteworthy finding was that over 72% of respondents indicated they place high importance on the cybersecurity measures of potential vendors or partners when selecting business partners. A significant shift in business dynamics is occurring where security measures have become a crucial criterion in partner selection, signifying that stakeholders are recognizing the importance of robust cybersecurity within the ecosystem.

5. Persistent Challenges in Basic Cybersecurity Operations

The survey also highlighted critical challenges in fundamental cybersecurity practices, such as poor IT asset management and delays in addressing vulnerabilities. Approximately 35.9% of respondents acknowledged insufficient tracking of IT assets, while 29.4% cited delayed responses to vulnerability management as prominent issues. This implies a significant gap in basic cybersecurity readiness that organizations must address.

Conclusion

The findings from Hammock's survey illustrate a complex landscape where businesses are increasingly aware of the pressing need to enhance their cybersecurity measures, particularly regarding supply chain vulnerabilities. While there is a growing interest in the new evaluation system, there are also notable gaps in recognition and readiness that must be addressed. Moreover, as companies emphasize security in their vendor selection processes, it is clear that robust cybersecurity frameworks can significantly impact business collaboration and trust. To bolster supply chain security on a broader scale, companies must accurately assess their existing challenges and commit to consistent improvement in their cybersecurity practices.

As a response to these challenges, Hammock provides "AssetView Cloud +," an innovative cybersecurity solution that includes integrated IT asset management, vulnerability handling, and risk visualization, all tailored to empower organizations to enhance their cybersecurity capabilities efficiently. With this tool, businesses can elevate their security posture across their entire supply chain, ensuring lasting partnerships built on trust and reliability.

About Hammock

Hammock, established in April 1994, is a leading software manufacturer offering innovative solutions for businesses. Their mission is to provide unique technologies that create new experiences for customers and facilitate a brighter, more secure future. Based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Hammock is dedicated to solving client challenges with high-quality, timely, and cost-effective IT solutions.