Is Your Vendor Putting Your Data at Risk? Third-Party Risk Management Explained
Third-party vendors are essential to modern operations—but they also present one of the greatest threats to your security. From cloud providers to outsourced IT support, your extended ecosystem can expose sensitive data.
Let’s unpack what Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) is and how to get it right.
What Is TPRM?
TPRM is the process of assessing and controlling the risks associated with external vendors and service providers. If a vendor has access to your network, data, or systems—they’re part of your risk profile.
Why It Matters More Than Ever
High-profile breaches in recent years (like MOVEit, SolarWinds, and Okta) have shown that even well-secured organizations can be vulnerable through the back door: their vendors.
You can't outsource accountability—regulators still hold you responsible.
5 Core Elements of a TPRM Program
Due Diligence & Vendor Vetting
Assess vendors before onboarding. Review compliance certifications, SOC reports, breach history, and cybersecurity policies.
Data Flow Mapping
Know exactly where and how your vendors access sensitive information.
Contractual Safeguards
Include data protection clauses, breach notification requirements, and security SLAs in every vendor agreement.
Ongoing Monitoring
Review vendor compliance regularly. Request updated security attestations annually.
Incident Response Planning
Make sure your IR plan includes third-party scenarios. How will you respond if a vendor is breached?
How CSAG Helps
At CSAG, we help organizations:
Build scalable TPRM frameworks
Develop vendor security scorecards
Automate risk assessments
Train procurement teams on compliance red flags
