An attack where hackers compromise software or hardware before it ever reaches the buyer, so the tampered product is trusted and installed.
Attacks that allow the adversary to utilize implants or other vulnerabilities inserted prior to installation in order to infiltrate data, or manipulate information technology hardware, software, operating systems, peripherals (information technology products) or services at any point during the life cycle.
Example
A voting system vendor's update server is breached, and a malicious code change is pushed to counties as a routine software update.
Why this term matters
How it is used in election security
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High consensus
Attacks that allow the adversary to utilize implants or other vulnerabilities inserted prior to installation in order to infiltrate data, or manipulate information technology hardware, software, operating systems, peripherals (information technology products) or services at any point during the life cycle.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Supply Chain Attack. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved September 14, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/supply-chain-attack
Sources
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High consensus
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High consensus
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