In the context of a supply chain attack involving machine learning, which of the following...

Supply chain attacks in ML exploit vulnerabilities in the ecosystem, with the core ML model and training data being prime targets due to their foundational role in system behavior. Attackers might inject backdoors into pretrained models via compromised libraries (e.g., PyTorch or TensorFlow packages) or poison datasets during sourcing, leading to manipulated outputs or data exfiltration. This is more critical than targeting UI or hardware, as model/data compromises persist across deployments, enabling stealthy, long-term exploits like trojan attacks. Mitigation includes verifying model provenance, using secure repositories, and conducting integrity checks with hashing or digital signatures. In SISA guidelines, emphasis is on end-to-end supply chain auditing to prevent such intrusions, which could result in biased decisions or security breaches in applications like recommendation systems. Protecting these components ensures model reliability and data confidentiality, integral to AI security posture. Exact extract: "In supply chain attacks on machine learning, attackers critically target the underlying ML model and its training data to introduce persistent vulnerabilities." (Reference: Cyber Security for AI by SISA Study Guide, Section on Supply Chain Risks in AI, Page 145-148).