Over the years, cybersecurity has grown and changed to meet the demands—and innovations—of the industry. As open-source environments, cloud-based data sharing, and wireless API connections are now the norm, the way InfoSec teams protect personal and consumer data has shifted to remain compliant with these kinds of models.

Today, many InfoSec teams develop cybersecurity strategies to address security threats from multiple angles. At the foundation of any cybersecurity strategy, however, should be vendor risk management—and here’s why:

1. Vendor connections are among the most common (and easily accessible) entry points to data.

Now that most cybersecurity focus has moved away from hardware to cloud-based programs, the ‘connection points’ with vendors are at very high risk for malicious attacks. Additionally, most cyber threats now use vendor connections as they are often weaker than your on-premises data sources. By focusing first and foremost on vendor security and closing any gaps in this process, your team can be well set for success in your larger cybersecurity strategy across the board.

2. All areas of your business are impacted by vendor risk management.

Every department within an organization leverages vendor connections, and each of these areas has its concerns and risks associated with vendor partnerships. By educating each department on the importance of vendor security management, teaching people innovative and effective ways to control their data privacy, and ensuring that your compliance standards are up to date throughout your organization, you are taking a proactive approach to your entire cybersecurity program as a whole.

3. It can help focus and streamline your more significant cybersecurity operations.

In any cybersecurity operation, there are bound to be dozens of moving parts and pieces. With so many areas to focus on, things can easily slip through the cracks or fall to the wayside. As difficult as it may be, focusing on a single area of foundational importance – such as vendor security – can allow InfoSec teams to hone in on what needs to be done and tackle big-picture items first without getting bogged down in unnecessary work. InfoSec teams can be more effective, efficient, and proactive with how they are spending their time and where they are focusing.

Ready to get started?

While cybersecurity strategies are often multi-pronged and highly complex, there are ways to make things more manageable for both your InfoSec team and your organization as a whole. With the Whistic platform, your InfoSec team can proactively manage your vendor security program by streamlining the vendor risk assessment process and establishing a culture of information security in your company and with customers. You can learn more about the Whistic platform here.