A cyber vulnerability is a weakness in an information system’s security procedure that can be exploited to gain access, steal data, or disrupt operations. Identifying and managing these vulnerabilities helps reduce cyber risks and limit the impact of a breach.
As digital supply chains become more interconnected, the risk and severity of cyberattacks continue to increase. Threat actors are now targeting third-party partners and suppliers, exploiting vulnerabilities in their systems to access organizations across the value chain. According to Johnty Mongan, global head of Cyber Risk Management at Gallagher, identifying common vulnerabilities in widely used software can support proactive defenses against supply chain attacks and reduce systemic exposure.
Recent data highlights the scale of the issue. Pinsent Masons reported a rise in third-party and supply chain-related incidents, increasing from 6% of cases in 2024 to nearly 20% in 2025. During the same year, the average cost of a data breach reached $4.44 million.
Cyber Vulnerabilities in Complex Supply Chains
Despite the growing threat, many organizations do not consistently assess cyber risks within their supply chains. While 45% of large organizations review supplier-related cyber risks, broader adoption remains limited. The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 found that just over one in 10 businesses review risks posed by their immediate suppliers.
Vulnerabilities in widely used software can affect large numbers of systems, particularly when updates are not applied. Information about these weaknesses is readily available on the dark web, where cybercriminals share tactics and discovered vulnerabilities.
At the same time, many firms have outsourced IT management, leading to reduced in-house expertise. When incidents occur, organizations often rely on external providers for response. In large-scale supply chain attacks, these third-party response firms may face capacity constraints, delaying remediation efforts.
Identifying Common Cyber Vulnerabilities
Organizations can strengthen IT resilience by improving cyber hygiene. Basic practices include identifying and updating software, implementing strong password protocols, and conducting regular system scans to detect vulnerabilities.
Five key steps to maintain effective cyber hygiene include:
- Train staff regularly through awareness sessions and phishing simulations
- Conduct system vulnerability scans to identify outdated or insecure software
- Implement multi-factor authentication and restrict administrative access
- Develop a clear incident response plan with defined roles and responsibilities
- Regularly review and update risk management strategies
In addition, organizations can extend these practices to third-party relationships. Continuous due diligence, supported by regular assessments rather than one-time evaluations, can help identify vulnerabilities across the supply chain.
Some organizations are taking more proactive measures. In 2026, a global information technology company reduced its supplier base to fewer than 10 after issuing an extensive risk questionnaire with nearly 500 questions. The process helped identify partners with stronger cyber risk controls and streamline the supply chain accordingly.
The Role of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures
Cyber experts use Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) to track known weaknesses in systems and software. CVEs provide standardized identifiers for vulnerabilities and support improved detection and mitigation efforts. They also enable information sharing and more efficient resource allocation.
Benefits of CVEs include:
- Standardized identification of known vulnerabilities
- Improved detection methods
- Reduced cyber risk and attack exposure
- Enhanced threat monitoring
- Easier information sharing
- More effective budget management
Cyber Defense Center: Monitoring and Early Detection
The Gallagher Cyber Defense Center uses CVE data to assess risks and recommend mitigation strategies. Analysis indicates that six in 10 clients face common vulnerabilities due to shared technology platforms.
The center monitors vulnerabilities, conducts client-specific risk assessments, and communicates findings to support remediation. This approach also highlights broader industry patterns and reinforces the need for continuous monitoring.
By identifying trends across multiple organizations, the system provides early visibility into vulnerabilities that may be widely exploited. This allows organizations to address risks before incidents occur.
Building a More Resilient Approach
The increasing complexity of digital supply chains creates a larger attack surface for cybercriminals. Exploiting a single supplier can provide access to multiple downstream organizations.
Monitoring CVEs and identifying common vulnerabilities allows organizations to detect potential threats earlier. Proactive identification and response to widely used vulnerabilities can help reduce the likelihood of large-scale supply chain incidents and support overall cyber resilience.
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