👉 The Contracts Weapon refers to a term coined in cybersecurity, particularly within the context of the 2019 SolarWinds hack. It describes a type of malicious software or backdoor embedded within legitimate software updates, specifically those from trusted vendors like SolarWinds. This weapon is weaponized because it exploits the inherent trust and reliance organizations place on these updates to gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data. By embedding malicious code within seemingly benign software, attackers can cover their tracks, making it difficult to detect and remove the threat. The Contracts Weapon highlights the critical need for robust security measures, including rigorous code review processes and continuous monitoring, to protect against such sophisticated cyber threats.