T he implementation of Robotic Process Automation( RPA) systems in supply chain operations represents a breakthrough for logistics procurement and inventory management functions. RPA automation of high-volume tasks enables organisations to achieve maximum efficiency through its ability to process data and manage orders and perform system integration tasks.
As RPA reshapes supply chain operations, it also exposes new attack pathways that adversaries are quick to exploit. Securing automated workflows has become a strategic imperative, demanding multi-layered defences that protect data, partners and operational continuity. Daniele Mancini, Field CISO, Fortinet talks through how organisations are now required to rethink security from the ground up.
It does, however, also create complex cybersecurity risks affecting the entire supply network Infrastructure. Active defence strategies against emerging threats are required to ensure continued operational stability, commercial data protection and brand reputation.
The Expanding Attack Surface: New Pathways for Adversaries
An RPA implementation creates new automated high-privilege system connections which merge previously isolated systems into a single digital footprint. The increased attack surface created by this expansion provides malicious actors with attractive targets.
Software robots known as‘ bots’ perform humanlike tasks which require them to run with elevated permissions throughout multiple applications, including Enterprise Resource Planning( ERP) systems, supplier web portals, Warehouse Management Systems( WMS) and financial platforms.
The integration points between systems create security risks; an attacker who gains control of a bot system obtains complete access to organisational operations through legitimate-looking access points that circumvent standard security boundaries.
Supply Chain-Specific Vulnerabilities: The Ripple Effect
RPA operates automatically to handle large amounts of sensitive information which includes supplier agreements, proprietary pricing data, inventory statistics and protected customer delivery records. A bot compromise enables attackers to use the system for speedy data extraction and fraudulent transaction insertion making detection and response very difficult.
An attacker who gains control of a bot system obtains complete access to organisational operations.
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