Cybersecurity acts like a watchtower in our connected world, vigilantly spotting potential threats. As businesses link more closely, protecting their supply chains from cyber attacks becomes increasingly vital. This article focuses on the essential role of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and cybersecurity due diligence questionnaires in strengthening these chains.

Cybersecurity governance and cybersecurity due diligence

At the heart of a secure supply chain is cybersecurity governance, which ensures that cyber risks are managed consistently and thoroughly. Suppliers must implement strict cybersecurity policies, proactively manage risks, and commit to ongoing staff training. A robust cybersecurity framework is essential for any supplier that wants to be part of a resilient supply chain.

Incident response capabilities

How well a supplier responds to incidents can mean the difference between a slight hiccup and a major disaster. Effective disaster recovery strategies are crucial—they outline how suppliers aim to restore operations and protect data integrity quickly after an incident.

Regulatory compliance and cybersecurity due diligence

Clients must ensure that their suppliers comply with relevant cybersecurity regulations, such as ISO 27001 and NIST, where appropriate. There should be processes in place to assess suppliers based on compliance with these regulations and the consequences of non-compliance for business continuity and partnerships. The complex and changing nature of the legal landscape in cybersecurity makes compliance with these regulations a crucial part of the due diligence process.

Service level agreements (SLAs)

SLAs are central to cybersecurity due diligence. They set the service quality and reliability criteria, defining how suppliers’ performance is measured.

Use of technology

Suppliers use various technologies, from cloud services to mobile applications, each presenting unique security challenges. Clients should require their suppliers to present them with relevant and comprehensive policies dealing with these technologies.

Supplier’s cybersecurity due diligence

For suppliers, completing a cybersecurity due diligence questionnaire is a step towards building trust and transparency with their clients. This section outlines suppliers’ steps to provide accurate and thorough responses, emphasising the importance of integrity and detail in protecting data and maintaining confidentiality during the due diligence process.

Actions you can take next

The significance of cybersecurity due diligence in supply chains is paramount. Strong governance, rigorous SLAs, and comprehensive due diligence questionnaires are crucial in shielding organisations from the constantly evolving threat of cyber attacks. As cybersecurity measures advance, supply chain management strategies must evolve to maintain effective defences. Facing the complex landscape of cyber threats requires suppliers to implement stringent cybersecurity measures. You can: