Defense Industrial Base Cyber Challenges
DIB companies encompass everything from aircraft and satellite manufacturers to those involved in the production of commercial products like laptop computers and semiconductors—as well as routine service providers like maintenance, IT support, and others. Learn more about what makes the DIB sector unique and why its protection is critical to national security.
Nature of the Sector: The DIB is particularly at risk to cyber threats because it provides products and services that are essential to mobilize, deploy, and sustain U.S. military operations. Malicious threat actors have realized that targeting companies across the DIB and its supply chains can be not only a profitable enterprise but also an alternate method to accessing valuable Department of Defense (DoD) information.
Third-Party Vendors/Supply Chain: Understanding the cyber risk and exposures across the supply chain of 250,000 DIB companies, spanning a wide range of sectors, is a massive undertaking. Assessing that supply chain continuously—reviewing networks, assets, and systems owned and managed by others for new exposures and vulnerabilities—only adds to the complexity.
Talent Shortage: Due to the worldwide cybersecurity talent shortage, nearly half a million cyber positions are unfilled. This can lead to outsourcing, ultimately compounding the supply chain and third-party vendor issue noted above.
