Typical severity: High. Likelihood of attack: Low. Malware is inserted in a server motherboard (e.g., in the flash memory) in order to alter server functionality from that intended. The development environment or hardware/software support activity environment is susceptible to an adversary inserting malicious software into hardware components during development or update.
Purchase IT systems, components and parts from government approved vendors whenever possible. | Establish diversity among suppliers. | Conduct rigorous threat assessments of suppliers. | Require that Bills of Material (BoM) for critical parts and components be certified. | Utilize contract language requiring contractors and subcontractors to flow down to subcontractors and suppliers SCRM and SCRA (Supply Chain Risk Assessment) requirements.