Register for our upcoming webinar 11am-12pm March 15, 2017

What are cyber-risks?

The growth in complexity of global supply chains, enabled by their dependence on rapidly developing Information Technology (IT), has created a network of information flows that is increasingly vulnerable to external attacks (Cyber-attacks). Given that the physical flow of goods and services in supply chains depends on underlying information flows, supply chains are at greater risk of operational disruption from these cyber-attacks (cyber-risk), as reflected in frequent reports in the media. Preparation for response is thus crucial.

Traditional risk assessment methods have:

  1. Important gaps in their capacity for detecting and overcoming vulnerabilities that lead to cyber-risks;
  2. A lack the emphasis on the quick response required by the supply chains to minimize the effects of these attacks.
 Cyber-attacks

Our research is leading us to explore ways of describing information flows in times of disruption, by identifying different “information control” structures present in supply chains, through a process we have been developing, and which we call “ Dynamic Information Flow Mapping”. This process helps us to understand and identify the need for creating, modifying, or strengthening existing information flows to have a better system response in times of disruption, as well as help improve normal operations.

What are the key benefits?

Our researchers perform the process of Dynamic Information Flow Mapping, which results in the explicit representation of the agents, control loops and delays present in the information flows of a supply chain. This will reveal some quick insights for the creation or strengthening of control loops from existing information flows in the organization.

Organizations who participate can obtain an Dynamic Information Flow Map of the supply system being analyzed, and will receive actionable insights on how to create or strengthen their existing information flow control structures. Additionally, participating companies will be able to access early versions of the reports and studies, and engage one-to-one with researchers.

How to participate?

Companies may participate by volunteering to support ongoing research initiatives within the project or by suggesting and funding new studies in this area. Our team is ready to present our approach, deliverables and proposed work schedule at your request.

Register for our upcoming webinar 11am-12pm March 15, 2017

Key members of the team

Jim Rice, Deputy Director, MIT CTL, jrice@mit.edu, 617.258.8584

Daniel Sepulveda, Visiting PhD Researcher, dasep@mit.edu