0:00 Why Your Packages Are Part of What Ships
The code you write is only part of what ships. Every package you install brings its own code and its own risks. A supply chain attack happens when cybercriminals compromise the tools and packages that you rely on rather than attacking your code directly.
0:16 How Attackers Get In
Attackers have several ways in. One is typosquatting, publishing malicious packages to public package repositories with names nearly identical to popular ones, like colors with a capital L instead of a lowercase L. Another is hijacking packages by compromising a maintainer’s account and pushing a malicious update to an otherwise trusted library.
In both cases, a hidden script runs automatically the moment you install or update. It silently steals your environment variables, API keys, and database credentials, giving an attacker access to your systems and your customers’ data.
0:55 The Best Defense: Slow Down
The best defense is slowing down before you install or update anything. Double check package names carefully and audit your dependencies on every build. Be suspicious of any package with an unexpected install hook and consider a minimum package age policy. Most malicious packages are discovered and pulled within days, so a 7 to 14 day quarantine catches the majority of attacks.
