What is Vendor Risk Management?
Vendor Risk Management (VRM) encompasses the systems and procedures that organisations use to identify, assess, and control risks from third-party suppliers. In recent years, several high-profile incidents, such as cyberattacks on trusted vendors, have underscored the importance of robust VRM. For example, supply chain breaches involving popular platforms and service providers have affected businesses globally, from airlines to finance firms. Such incidents highlight the risks inherent in relying on external parties. Although VRM is not new, the evolving digital risk landscape calls for updated approaches that safeguard companies, their clients, and their data.
An effective VRM programme covers the entire lifecycle of vendor engagement—from selection and initial due diligence to monitoring and, if necessary, offboarding. With VRM, organisations can identify and mitigate third-party risks, comply with regulatory standards like GDPR, and build reliable, mutually beneficial vendor relationships. In this article, we will discuss VRM’s essentials, explore best practices, and show how to build a robust VRM programme that protects your organisation.
Vendor Risk Management further explained
Vendor or third-party risks can stem from multiple sources. Any reliance on vendors introduces risk, whether the third party plays a major or minor role in operations. As digital connections grow, vulnerabilities can expose entire ecosystems, enabling security incidents to spread across multiple businesses. VRM enables organisations to control such risks by implementing controls and frameworks to address all vendor relationships, from the routine to the critical.
Why is Vendor Risk Management essential?
Today’s business environments often rely heavily on third-party services, especially cloud-based platforms like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. As more organisations turn to these services, VRM plays a key role in assessing potential vendors, selecting reliable providers, and maintaining oversight. A robust VRM programme enables organisations to partner confidently, secure their data, protect their reputation, and meet compliance requirements.
Your value from best-practice Vendor Risk Management
Implementing best-practice VRM offers several advantages beyond compliance:
Enhanced operational focus: By entrusting certain processes to dependable vendors, organisations can streamline internal operations and focus resources on strategic activities.
Compliance and regulatory alignment: Many standards require VRM controls, and an established programme can ensure adherence and simplify audits.
Stronger vendor partnerships: Well-managed VRM fosters positive relationships with suppliers, encouraging collaboration and innovation.
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How to approach building Vendor Risk Management?
Vendor Selection: Establish criteria to evaluate vendors, including standards for cybersecurity, business continuity, and compliance.
Continuous Monitoring: Track vendor performance and adherence to agreements, ensuring ongoing alignment with organisational needs.
Due Diligence: Collect proof of vendor practices, such as certifications (e.g., ISO 27001), to verify their ability to meet standards.
Risk Response: Identify, document, and mitigate any emerging risks to minimise potential disruptions.
Vendor Risk Assessment: Evaluate each vendor’s impact on the organisation and assign a risk level to guide monitoring frequency.
How we can help
Our solutions
BR1GHT offers a range of solutions to support your VRM programme through technology, consulting, and managed services. We help to define and improve your first line controls, embed VRM into your second line risk & compliance processes, and enable your third line internal audit function to perform Vendor Risk Manaement audits.
Technology Consulting
Specialist Consulting
Managed Services
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