Audit suppliers and third-party partners

The organization must maintain a list of partners who have access to confidential information. System vendors and processors of personal data are listed separately from other stakeholders because they play an active role in the processing of data.

The organization has defined the certifications or standards required of key partners. Commonly recognized standards related to cyber security include:

• ISO 27001 (information security management system)
• SOC2 (general security, also called SSAE 16)
• ISO 27701 (data protection management system)
• ISO 27017 (cyber security in cloud services) or ISO 27018 (data protection in cloud services)
• other popular e.g. NIST (general), CSA (cloud software), PCI DSS (card payments and data)

Certifications required from partners can make organization's own partner management more efficient and provide good evidence of a particular level of security or privacy of the partner.

A responsible person has been appointed for the provider companies, who monitors the provider's activities, communications and compliance with the contract.

Responsible person must have sufficient skills to analyze cyber security requirements depending on the criticality of the provider. Responsible person also ensures that the provider appoints an own responsible person to ensure compliance with the contract and facilitate cooperation.

A designated responsible person actively monitors the supplier's activities and services to ensure compliance with the security terms of the contracts and the proper management of security incidents.

Monitoring includes the following:

• monitoring the promised service level
• reviewing supplier reports and arranging follow-up meetings
• regular organization of independent audits
• follow-up of problems identified in audits
• more detailed investigation of security incidents and review of related documentation
• review of the supplier's future plans (related to maintaining the service level)

The organization has defined the certifications or standards required of key partners. Commonly recognized standards related to cyber security include:

• ISO 27001 (information security management system)
• SOC2 (general security, also called SSAE 16)
• ISO 27701 (data protection management system)
• ISO 27017 (cyber security in cloud services) or ISO 27018 (data protection in cloud services)
• other popular e.g. NIST (general), CSA (cloud software), PCI DSS (card payments and data)

Certifications required from partners can make organization's own partner management more efficient and provide good evidence of a particular level of security or privacy of the partner.