Securing the Invisible Supply Chain
Most organizations can tell you who supplies their IT systems. But ask them about the operational technology (OT) embedded in their suppliers' production lines, energy systems, or manufacturing processes—and you'll likely get silence. That silence is costing industries billions.
"The Gap Nobody's Talking About"
When we think of supply chain risk, we think of delayed shipments or counterfeit components. But there's a far more dangerous vulnerability hiding in plain sight: the operational technology that actually makes things work.
Recent incidents tell the story:
- Colonial Pipeline (2021): An IT breach cascaded into OT shutdown, halting fuel distribution across the US East Coast
- Automotive recalls (2023-24): Component vulnerabilities in production systems forced recalls affecting millions of vehicles
- Energy sector (2024): Compromised industrial controllers destabilized grid operations
The pattern is clear: OT vulnerabilities in suppliers don't just affect one company—they cascade across entire industries. Yet 82% of organizations lack the capability to assess supplier OT maturity.
"Regulation Just Made This Your Legal Responsibility"
As of October 2024, NIS2 and the Critical Entities Resilience (CER) directive are now in effect across Europe. These aren't optional guidelines—they're legal requirements.
Both regulations mandate that organizations assess and govern operational technology in their supply chains. If your suppliers' OT systems fail or are compromised, you're liable.
For your 2026 planning, this means: supply chain leaders, CISOs, and operations directors are actively seeking practical guidance on OT supply chain governance. This isn't a "nice to have"—it's a compliance imperative.
"Practical Steps to Secure the Invisible Supply Chain"
Start with visibility. Most organizations can't even inventory their suppliers' OT systems. Here's a practical framework:
- Map the dependency: Identify which suppliers operate critical OT systems that affect your production or service delivery
- Assess maturity: Use standardized criteria (incident response, backup systems, security controls) to evaluate supplier OT readiness
- Establish governance: Define clear expectations, audit schedules, and escalation procedures
- Build resilience: Require suppliers to maintain backup systems and incident response plans
The goal isn't perfection—it's informed risk management. You need to know what you don't know and then decide what's acceptable.
Organizations that move first on OT supply chain governance will have a competitive advantage: regulatory compliance, operational resilience, and customer confidence.
Ready to secure your organization’s invisible supply chain?
The supply chain vulnerabilities that matter most aren't always visible. But they're always manageable—if you know where to look.
Bureau Veritas Cyber Security can help you assess, prioritize, and manage supply chain risks across your organization. From identifying critical assets and classifying suppliers to setting clear security requirements and monitoring compliance, we provide both strategic guidance and operational support. Our experts help you build a structured governance framework, strengthen risk management practices, and ensure alignment with key regulations such as NIS2 and DORA—so you can confidently protect your business from hidden third‑party risks.
Author: Hanne M. Hansen
Head of OT Security, Senior Security Advisor, Bureau Veritas Cyber Security
About Bureau Veritas Cyber Security
As an expert partner in cybersecurity we help organizations improve their cyber resilience with clear, independent guidance. We combine technical expertise with business understanding to support you across people, processes, and technology.
Our mission is to empower organizations to make informed cybersecurity decisions by providing objective advice, practical support, and lasting impact. We believe that resilience is built through knowledge, trust, and long-term collaboration.
