Does your organization include comprehensive cybersecurity and supply chain requirements in standard contract language with third parties, along with verification methods for compliance?

Third-party relationships often introduce significant security risks when vendors don't maintain the same security standards as your organization. Standard contractual language should clearly define cybersecurity requirements, data handling expectations, incident response obligations, and supply chain security measures that align with your organization's security policies. These requirements should be accompanied by specific verification methods such as audit rights, compliance certifications, or periodic assessments. Evidence could include template contract language with security provisions, third-party security assessment questionnaires, vendor management policies that outline security requirements, or a vendor security compliance verification schedule with documented verification methods.