Unveiling the Hidden Dangers in Language Industry's Supply Chain
Are we exposing sensitive data without realizing it? Jourik Ciesielski, CTO of Elan Languages, delivered an eye-opening presentation at SlatorCon Remote in December 2025, shedding light on the often-overlooked security gaps in the language industry's supply chain.
Ciesielski acknowledges that many companies are proactive in their security measures, boasting ISO certifications like ISO27001, GDPR compliance, and robust authentication protocols. However, he argues that these efforts might not be enough in the complex web of the translation supply chain.
Here's the scenario: A company invests in a language technology platform, say Crowdin, and uploads its data. Then, a multi-language vendor enters the picture, subcontracting to a single language vendor, who, in turn, hires a freelance linguist for the translation.
But here's where it gets controversial: With each additional player in the supply chain, the vulnerability grows. Ciesielski warns, "Freelancers, unknowingly, hold immense responsibility." Imagine a linguist's laptop, shared with children playing games and installing various plugins. Or consider public WiFi connections and phishing attacks. The potential risks are staggering.
The core issue? When outsourcing translation, you're granting access to sensitive data to unknown individuals who are unaware of your security protocols. Ciesielski poses a thought-provoking question: How significant is this risk? His answer is unequivocal: It's enormous.
He emphasizes, "The risk of inaction is unacceptably high." The solution lies in enforcing security not only in processes but also in the very tools and technologies the industry relies on. Ciesielski suggests that platforms like Crowdin, with their zero-trust policy, offer a promising approach.
Crowdin's security measures, according to Ciesielski, are based on technical controls rather than promises or agreements. It employs SAML for managers, device verification, and two-factor authentication. But even this, he admits, isn't foolproof. He proposes additional steps, such as automated deactivation of inactive accounts, API token lifetime limits, and idle session timeouts.
In conclusion, Ciesielski urges the audience to reevaluate their supply chain's security, emphasizing the importance of implementing these features to mitigate the unacceptably high risks.
What's your take on this? Do you think the language industry is doing enough to address these hidden security risks? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's spark a discussion on this critical yet often overlooked aspect of the supply chain.
