The Role of the Supply Chain in Security

One of the many unexpected consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the global computer chip shortage—or reallocation, as described by security expert Frank Downs in the “Supply Chain Security Considerations” episode of the ISACA^® Podcast. With many people working remotely, office technologies and the chips that power them are in high demand. This, combined with a surge in popularity for cryptocurrency and the release of multiple highly in-demand video game consoles such as the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and Playstation 5, resulted in what Downs refers to as a perfect storm.

The chip shortage may sound like a mere supply chain issue, but there have also been ramifications in the cybersecurity sector. In this episode of the podcast, Downs and ISACA’s Senior Director of Emerging Technology and Innovation, Dustin Brewer, discuss what makes the chip shortage an issue for both cybersecurity and business operations. “We live in a world where you have to vet all your third-party vendors for security,” Downs says. “How that supply chain is secured, and even the speed at which [it] functions, can threaten the business.”

Listen to “Supply Chain Security Considerations” on the ISACA^® website or stream it on Apple Podcasts, Podbean, Spotify or Stitcher.