Can you trust a suppliers Cyber Security questionnaire answers?

While sending a questionnaire to a potential supplier asking about their cybersecurity posture is a good practice, it's important to keep in mind that the answers received may not always be entirely trustworthy.

Sending a questionnaire to a potential supplier to assess their cybersecurity posture is a common practice in Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM). However, it is crucial to recognize that the answers provided in these questionnaires may not always be entirely reliable.

Key Issues with Suppliers' Cybersecurity Questionnaire Responses:

Lack of Knowledge:

• Incomplete Understanding:
• Some suppliers may lack a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity risks and best practices. This can result in incomplete or inaccurate responses as they may not fully grasp the implications of the questions or the standards expected.
• Technical Complexity:
• Cybersecurity is a complex and rapidly evolving field. Suppliers without dedicated cybersecurity expertise might struggle to provide accurate information, leading to gaps in their responses.

Fear of Losing Business:

• Disclosure Hesitancy:
• Suppliers might be reluctant to disclose detailed information about their cybersecurity posture due to concerns about appearing vulnerable. Revealing potential weaknesses could jeopardize their business relationships.
• Competitive Disadvantage:
• Suppliers may worry that admitting to certain vulnerabilities or gaps in their security could make them look less secure compared to their competitors, even if those issues are being addressed.

Deliberate Deception:

• False Information:
• In some cases, suppliers might intentionally provide misleading or false information to present themselves as more secure than they actually are. This deception can stem from a desire to win contracts or maintain a business relationship without investing in necessary security measures.

Inconsistent Responses:

• Variability in Responses:
• Different suppliers may interpret and respond to questionnaire items differently, leading to inconsistent data that can be difficult to compare and analyse.
• Lack of Standardization:
• Without a standardized format, the quality and comprehensiveness of responses can vary significantly, complicating the assessment process.

Strategies to Enhance the Trustworthiness of Cybersecurity Questionnaires:

Follow-Up Questions:

• Detailed Probing:
• After receiving initial responses, follow up with more specific and detailed questions. This can help clarify any ambiguities and provide a deeper understanding of the supplier's cybersecurity practices.
• Clarification Requests:
• Ask suppliers to elaborate on vague or incomplete answers. Requesting explanations or examples can reveal more about their actual security posture.

Requesting Independent Verification:

• Security Audit Reports:
• Ask for reports from independent security audits conducted by reputable third parties. These audits can provide an objective assessment of the supplier's security controls and practices.
• Certifications and Compliance:
• Verify if the supplier holds relevant cybersecurity certifications (e.g., ISO 27001, SOC 2) and ensure these certifications are up to date.

Conducting Site Visits:

• On-Site Assessments:
• Schedule visits to the supplier's facilities to observe their security controls in action. This hands-on approach can provide insights that are not apparent from questionnaire responses alone.
• Interviews with Staff:
• Speak directly with the supplier's IT and security personnel to gauge their knowledge and commitment to cybersecurity.

Leveraging Dedicated TPRM Platforms for Enhanced Assessment

Given the limitations of traditional questionnaires, utilizing a dedicated Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) platform can provide a more comprehensive and accurate picture of your risks from suppliers and partners.

While cybersecurity questionnaires are a valuable tool in assessing the security posture of potential suppliers, they should not be relied upon in isolation. The inherent limitations and potential for unreliable responses necessitate a comprehensive due diligence process. By incorporating follow-up questions, independent verification, and on-site assessments, and leveraging dedicated TPRM platforms, organizations can better validate the accuracy and completeness of suppliers' responses, ultimately enhancing their TPRM strategy.