When most companies think about cybersecurity risk, they focus on internal assets, employee endpoints, cloud configurations, and compliance frameworks like SOC 2 or NIST CSF. But one of the most overlooked areas in modern security programs isn’t inside your org at all. It’s with your vendors.
Third-party providers now power nearly every part of the modern business, from CRMs and ticketing tools to AI models and payroll systems. And with that convenience comes a new and growing threat: supply chain exposure through vendor access.
The Problem: Third-Party Risk Isn’t a One-Time Review
Security teams often perform initial due diligence when onboarding a vendor- checklists, risk questionnaires, maybe even contract language. But once approved, these vendors are rarely reviewed again unless something goes wrong.
This is where risk compounds.
Vendors often:
- Change subprocessors or infrastructure without notice
- Add integrations that widen your data exposure
- Operate with different standards than your internal security program
- Retain privileged access long after their purpose has changed
In short, your vendor risk landscape is constantly evolving, and a one-time review doesn’t cut it anymore.
Breaches Are Getting Smarter and More Indirect
The recent MOVEit breach is a sharp reminder that third-party breaches can become your problem overnight. In that case, attackers exploited file transfer software used by hundreds of organizations. Even companies with strong internal controls were affected simply by using a trusted tool.
These types of indirect attacks are increasing in frequency and sophistication. Vendors are now a prime target and your exposure depends on how you manage them.
How to Take Control of Vendor Risk (Without Overcomplicating It)
At Framework Security, we help companies of all sizes build lightweight, ongoing vendor risk programs that align with their business and risk posture. Some of the tactics we’ve seen work best include:
- Segmenting vendor access wherever possible (especially to sensitive data or environments)
- Automating quarterly or annual reviews of high-risk or privileged vendors
- Creating an internal vendor intake process to standardize risk review
- Including vendor-related scenarios in your incident response plan
- Conducting on-demand assessments or penetration testing of third parties where appropriate
If your vendor handles regulated data, connects to production systems, or has admin access, you need more than just a signed DPA.
Vendor Risk Is Now a Core Part of Cybersecurity Strategy
As regulatory expectations evolve- think GDPR, TX-RAMP, or AI-specific compliance, your third-party security posture is going to matter more. The good news? You don’t need a huge team or expensive tooling to stay ahead of it.
A consistent, right-sized vendor risk process can drastically reduce your exposure while keeping security aligned with business goals.
Looking Ahead
Third-party security is no longer a checkbox. It’s an active component of your company’s overall cybersecurity health. The organizations that build resilient vendor programs now will be better prepared for tomorrow’s threats whatever form they take.
Need help reviewing or improving your vendor risk program?
We offer targeted risk assessments, on-demand pentesting, and practical guidance to help you build a process that works.
