Page 154 - Cyber Defense eMagazine Annual RSA Edition for 2024

Beyond Scanners: A Multi-Layered Approach to

Third-Party Software Vulnerability Management

By Chahak Mittal, Cybersecurity Manager, Universal Logistics Holdings

Modern software development thrives on efficiency. Instead of reinventing the wheel, developers often
leverage pre-built components from external vendors. These components, like libraries or frameworks,
offer functionalities that would be time-consuming to develop from scratch. This approach brings
significant benefits:

1. Faster Development: By utilizing pre-built components, developers can focus on core
functionalities and deliver applications quicker.
2. Reduced Costs: Developing everything in-house can be expensive. Third-party components
provide cost-effective solutions.
3. Enhanced Functionality: These components offer a vast array of features and functionalities that
would be difficult to build internally.

However, this reliance on external tools introduces a hidden vulnerability: security flaws within the third-
party components themselves. These vulnerabilities can be just as dangerous as flaws in your own code,
potentially allowing attackers to gain access to your systems and data.

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