Supply Chain Attacks Are Surging—Here’s What You Can Do to Protect Your Devices

Recent data shows that software-supply-chain attacks have surged dramatically in 2025, with the number of incidents now more than double the rate seen earlier this year.

These attacks often hit trusted vendors, software libraries or device components—then spread downstream to end users. That means even your personal devices could be compromised via a chain of dependencies you never see.

What Is a Supply Chain Attack?

A supply chain attack happens when threat actors compromise a trusted component—such as a software update, hardware module or third-party service—and use that to reach many downstream victims.

For example, malware might be embedded in a library used by thousands of applications, or a hardware component used in consumer devices may contain a backdoor. The result: you download or connect something trusted—and suddenly you're exposed.

Why This Matters for You

Most users think of privacy risks as being about apps, websites or data breaches. But when the supply chain itself is at risk, it means that even trusted devices and components can become entry points. If your hardware or software comes with built-in surveillance, you won't know until it's too late.

In such a scenario, physical protections that you control become more important than ever.

How to Take Control of Your Privacy

You might not be able to audit every library or hardware component that your device uses, but you can reclaim control of what your device does when in your hands.

Cover your camera when it's not in use so an unseen component can't silently capture video.

Use a microphone blocker so you decide when your device can listen—not some hidden dependency.

Apply a privacy screen protector so even if your device is compromised, others around you can't easily view your screen.

These layers of physical protection give you agency in an environment where supply-chain threats introduce hidden risks.

Why Physical Privacy Tools Matter More Than Ever

Because supply-chain attacks often exploit hidden hardware or software mechanisms, you cannot always rely on the device's factory settings or built-in features to guarantee privacy. Tools like webcam covers, mic blockers and privacy screens don't depend on trust in a vendor—they depend on your action.

At PriveGuard, we develop hardware privacy solutions designed to put you back in control. When you use a webcam cover or mic blocker from our range, you're choosing when your device can see or hear—not leaving it to chance.

Final Thoughts

The rise of supply-chain attacks means privacy risks are becoming more opaque, more insidious and harder to identify. But while you may not have visibility into every component of your device, you can control how that device interacts with the world. By using simple, effective hardware privacy tools you make sure that no part of the chain bypasses your consent.

Stay alert. Take control. Protect your personal space.