Final answer:
The simplest upgrade for the legacy systems to meet the minimum security requirements would be to replace DES with AES encryption algorithm.
Step-by-step explanation:
The simplest upgrade for the legacy systems at the supply company to meet the minimum security requirements would be to replace the DES encryption algorithm with the AES encryption algorithm.
AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a widely adopted encryption algorithm that provides stronger security than DES (Data Encryption Standard). It is more secure from brute force attacks and offers a higher level of protection for data. The transition from DES to AES involves updating the encryption software on the legacy systems.
By upgrading to AES, the supply company can fulfill the requirements from the external security audit and improve the overall security of its systems, even before replacing the legacy systems next year.