When selecting ANY vendor, QUALITY is key, as "cheapest is not least expensive" when it comes to security, support, and features. Key vendor selection criteria might include: * Choose MAINSTREAM vendors (Microsoft, Oracle, etc.) that are well established * Look for strong out-of-the-box default & baseline security as a starting point * Cheaper low-cost solutions can still work when working with innovative vendors, as long as security meets all critical security/privacy certifications. Extra evaluations are helpful to ensure confidence that all data will be safe * Do a historical security review of any vendor, ensuring any past incident experiences less likely to repeat * Ensure vendor has strong interest in best security practices

To evaluate a third-party vendor's cybersecurity readiness, I look for industry-standard certifications such as ISO 27001 and SOC 2. These certifications signify the vendor's commitment to robust security practices, including data protection, risk management, and compliance with global standards. ISO 27001 emphasizes establishing and improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS), while SOC 2 focuses on controls for security, availability, confidentiality, processing integrity, and privacy. These benchmarks not only provide assurance of the vendor’s cybersecurity posture but also demonstrate due diligence and foster stakeholder trust.

When vetting a vendor's cybersecurity, I prioritize a thorough evaluation process. I review their certifications like ISO 27001 or SOC 2 to ensure compliance with industry standards. Their incident response history offers insight into their preparedness and reliability. Additionally, I engage current or past clients for real-world feedback on their security practices. A robust vetting process not only ensures alignment with our security standards but also builds confidence in the partnership.

To evaluate a new third-party vendor's cybersecurity readiness, start with a risk assessment to categorize vendors based on their access to sensitive data. Use self-assessment questionnaires and conduct on-site audits and penetration testing. Implement continuous monitoring and leverage advanced technologies like predictive analytics and generative AI for threat detection. Ensure the vendor complies with industry standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR, PCI DSS) and embed security requirements in contracts. Verify their incident response plans and data encryption methods. Regularly review and update security measures, and maintain continuous access control and real-time monitoring to ensure ongoing security.

🎯 Review Security Policies -- Assess the vendor’s cybersecurity policies and compliance with standards like ISO 27001 or SOC 2. 🎯 Conduct a Risk Assessment -- Identify risks based on their access to your data and systems. 🎯 Request Security Documentation -- Obtain audit reports, certifications, and penetration test results to verify their security posture. 🎯 Evaluate Data Handling -- Ensure secure data storage, transfer, and access protocols. 🎯 Check Incident Response Plans -- Confirm they can detect, respond to, and recover from security incidents. 🎯 Include Security in Contracts -- Add clauses for breach notifications and adherence to your standards. 🎯 Monitor Continuously -- Regularly review their practices.

To evaluate a third-party vendor's cybersecurity readiness, I would review their security policies, practices, and compliance with relevant standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST, or SOC 2). I’d assess their incident response plans, data encryption methods, and access controls. Additionally, I would request audit reports, perform a risk assessment, and confirm they conduct regular vulnerability testing. Verifying their security posture helps ensure they align with our organization's cybersecurity requirements and protect sensitive data.

Review the vendor’s security policies, certifications (e.g., SOC 2), and incident response plans. Check their data protection methods, audit results, and client references. Use questionnaires or assessments to confirm they meet your cybersecurity standards

When evaluating a new vendor, I focus on practical insights gained from experience. First, I review their security policies and certifications, like ISO 27001 or SOC 2, to ensure they meet industry standards. Next, I request their latest vulnerability assessment or penetration test reports. I also ask about their incident response plans—real-life readiness matters more than theoretical frameworks. One critical step I’ve learned is to check how they manage data access, ensuring the principle of least privilege is enforced. Lastly, I verify compliance with regulations like GDPR, tailoring my assessment to the vendor’s specific role and industry context.

When evaluating cybersecurity practices, request industry-standard certifications like ISO 27001 or SOC 2. These certifications validate an organization’s commitment to robust security measures, including data protection, risk management, and compliance with international standards. ISO 27001 focuses on establishing, implementing, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS), while SOC 2 ensures controls for security, availability, confidentiality, processing integrity, and privacy. These benchmarks provide assurance to stakeholders, demonstrate due diligence, and build trust in an organization’s cybersecurity posture.