Build a Vendor Security Assessment Service

Use a risk-based approach to right-size your vendor security assessments.

Vendor security risk management is a growing concern for many organizations. Whether suppliers or business partners, we often trust them with the most sensitive data and processes.
More and more regulations require vendor security risk management, and regulator expectations in this area are growing.
However, traditional approaches to vendor security assessments are seen by business partners and vendors as too onerous and are unsustainable for information security departments.

An efficient and effective assessment process can only be achieved when all stakeholders are participating.
Security assessments are time-consuming for both you and your vendors. Maximize the returns on your effort with a risk-based approach.
Effective vendor security risk management is an end-to-end process that includes assessment, risk mitigation, and periodic re-assessments.

Develop an end-to-end security risk management process that includes assessments, risk treatment through contracts and monitoring, and periodic re-assessments.
Base your vendor assessments on the actual risks to your organization to ensure that your vendors are committed to the process and you have the internal resources to fully evaluate assessment results.
Understand your stakeholder needs and goals to foster support for vendor security risk management efforts.

Read the concise Executive Brief to find out why you should build a vendor security assessment service and review the methodology.

Determine your business requirements and build your process to meet them.

Build a Vendor Security Assessment Service – Phase 1: Define Governance and Process
Vendor Security Policy Template
Vendor Security Process Template

Vendor Security Process Diagram (Visio)

Develop the specific procedures and tools required to assess vendor risk.

Build a Vendor Security Assessment Service – Phase 2: Develop Assessment Methodology
Service Risk Assessment Questionnaire
Vendor Security Questionnaire
Vendor Security Assessment Inventory

Implement the process and develop metrics to measure effectiveness.

Build a Vendor Security Assessment Service – Phase 3: Deploy and Monitor Process
Vendor Security Requirements Template