1. Purpose
The Supplier Security Requirements Template defines the information-security requirements that suppliers, vendors, contractors, consultants, service providers, and technology partners are expected to follow when providing services to the organization.
The requirements help protect:
- Organizational information
- Customer information
- Personal data
- Confidential information
- Systems and applications
- Cloud environments
- Source code
- Credentials and secrets
- Business operations
- Information-security assets
The applicable requirements should be determined based on the supplier’s service, information handled, access, criticality, regulatory obligations, contractual commitments, and assessed risk.
Important: Not every requirement applies to every supplier. The organization should identify and communicate the requirements relevant to the specific supplier relationship.
2. Supplier Security Principle
Supplier → Service → Information → Access → Risk → Security Requirements → Contract → Implementation → Monitoring → Review → Offboarding
Security requirements should be established before or during supplier onboarding and should remain applicable throughout the supplier relationship.
3. Supplier Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Supplier ID | |
| Supplier Name | |
| Supplier Type | |
| Service / Product | |
| Business Owner | |
| Supplier Owner | |
| Supplier Criticality | Low / Medium / High / Critical |
| Information Classification | |
| Personal Data Involved | Yes / No |
| Customer Data Involved | Yes / No |
| Production Access | Yes / No |
| Privileged Access | Yes / No |
| Cloud Access | Yes / No |
| Subprocessors Used | Yes / No |
| Supplier Risk Rating | |
| Contract Reference | |
| Effective Date | |
| Review Frequency |
4. Applicability and Risk-Based Requirements
The organization should determine the security requirements applicable to the supplier.
Low-Risk Supplier
Typically requires:
- Confidentiality
- Appropriate information handling
- Basic access control
- Incident notification
- Contractual security requirements
- Secure return/deletion of information
Medium-Risk Supplier
May additionally require:
- MFA
- Encryption
- Vulnerability management
- Security awareness
- Logging
- Backup/recovery
- Security questionnaire
- Security assurance evidence
- Privacy requirements
- Subprocessor controls
High/Critical Supplier
May additionally require:
- Privileged access controls
- Production environment controls
- Secure development
- Security testing
- Independent assurance
- Detailed incident requirements
- BCP/DR
- Data-location controls
- Subprocessor approval
- Enhanced monitoring
- Audit/assessment rights
- Exit and migration arrangements
5. Information Security Governance
The supplier should maintain security governance appropriate to the services provided.
Requirements
- Supplier has defined information-security responsibilities.
- Security responsibilities are assigned to appropriate personnel.
- Security policies relevant to the service are maintained.
- Security requirements are communicated to relevant employees.
- Security risks are identified and managed.
- Security incidents are formally managed.
- Security requirements are periodically reviewed.
- Applicable legal and regulatory requirements are identified.
Evidence Examples
- Information Security Policy
- Security organization chart
- Security certifications
- Risk-management documentation
- Security governance records
6. Personnel Security
Where supplier personnel have access to organizational information or systems:
- Personnel are appropriately authorized.
- Background verification is performed where legally permitted and appropriate.
- Confidentiality obligations are established.
- Security responsibilities are communicated.
- Security awareness training is provided.
- Access is removed when personnel leave or change roles.
- Supplier personnel are subject to applicable disciplinary processes.
- Personnel with privileged access receive appropriate security training.
7. Confidentiality
The supplier shall protect confidential information received from or generated for the organization.
Requirements may include:
- NDA/confidentiality agreement executed where applicable.
- Confidential information accessed only for authorized purposes.
- Information disclosed only to authorized personnel.
- Information not used for unauthorized purposes.
- Confidential information protected against unauthorized disclosure.
- Confidentiality obligations survive termination where required.
8. Information Classification and Handling
The supplier shall handle information according to the classification and handling requirements communicated by the organization.
| Classification | Example Handling Requirement |
|---|---|
| Public | May be publicly available |
| Internal | Restricted to authorized business use |
| Confidential | Limited access and controlled sharing |
| Restricted | Strict access, transfer, storage, and monitoring controls |
These labels are illustrative; the organization should use its approved information-classification scheme.
Supplier Requirements
- Information classification is understood.
- Access is limited based on business need.
- Information is not copied unnecessarily.
- Information is not disclosed without authorization.
- Secure storage is used.
- Secure transfer methods are used.
- Retention requirements are followed.
- Secure disposal requirements are followed.
9. Access Control
Supplier access shall follow the principles of least privilege and need-to-know.
- Access requires business justification.
- Individual accounts are used where practical.
- Shared accounts are avoided unless justified.
- Access is approved before provisioning.
- Access is limited to required systems.
- Access is limited to required information.
- Access rights are reviewed periodically.
- Access is removed when no longer required.
- Supplier personnel changes trigger access review.
- Privileged access is separately controlled.
10. Authentication and MFA
Where supplier personnel access organizational systems:
- Strong authentication is implemented.
- MFA is enabled where required.
- Privileged access uses MFA.
- Password requirements are appropriate.
- Credentials are not shared.
- Default credentials are changed.
- Authentication credentials are protected.
- Compromised credentials are promptly reported.
For high-risk or privileged access, MFA should normally be a specific contractual or technical requirement where supported.
11. Privileged Access
For suppliers requiring administrative access:
- Privileged access is specifically approved.
- Privileged access is limited to authorized individuals.
- Separate privileged accounts are used where appropriate.
- Administrative activities are logged where feasible.
- Privileged access is periodically reviewed.
- Temporary privileges have defined expiry where appropriate.
- Emergency access is controlled.
- Privileged access is removed when no longer required.
12. Remote Access
Where remote access is permitted:
- Remote access is authorized.
- Secure authentication is used.
- MFA is implemented where required.
- Access is restricted to approved systems.
- Secure communication channels are used.
- Remote sessions are monitored where appropriate.
- Unnecessary remote-access methods are disabled.
- Remote access is revoked upon termination.
13. Endpoint Security
Supplier endpoints used to access organizational systems should have appropriate security controls.
- Supported operating system.
- Security patches applied.
- Endpoint protection enabled where appropriate.
- Firewall enabled where appropriate.
- Disk encryption used where required.
- Screen-lock controls implemented.
- Unauthorized software restricted.
- Security incidents reported.
- Lost or stolen devices reported promptly.
14. Network Security
Where supplier services involve network connectivity:
- Network access is authorized.
- Network segmentation is used where appropriate.
- Unnecessary ports/services are restricted.
- Secure protocols are used.
- Remote connectivity is secured.
- Firewall controls are implemented.
- Network activity is monitored where appropriate.
- Connections are reviewed periodically.
15. Cloud Security
For cloud-based services:
- Cloud accounts are appropriately secured.
- IAM controls are implemented.
- MFA is enabled.
- Privileged access is restricted.
- Cloud activity is logged.
- Data encryption is implemented where required.
- Security monitoring is implemented where appropriate.
- Backup/recovery controls are defined.
- Cloud configuration risks are managed.
- Subprocessors are identified.
- Data locations are known.
16. Application Security
Where the supplier develops or operates applications:
- Secure development practices are implemented.
- Security requirements are defined.
- Code changes are controlled.
- Code review is performed where appropriate.
- Vulnerability testing is performed.
- Dependency risks are managed.
- Security defects are tracked and remediated.
- Production and development environments are appropriately separated.
- Secrets are not embedded in source code.
- Security testing is performed before significant releases where appropriate.
17. Vulnerability Management
The supplier should maintain a vulnerability-management process appropriate to the service.
- Vulnerabilities are identified.
- Vulnerabilities are risk-assessed.
- Critical/high-risk vulnerabilities are prioritized.
- Security patches are applied within defined timeframes.
- Vulnerability scanning is performed where appropriate.
- Penetration testing is performed where appropriate.
- Remediation is tracked.
- Significant unresolved vulnerabilities are communicated where relevant.
18. Malware Protection
Where applicable:
- Anti-malware/endpoint protection is implemented.
- Malware definitions/signatures are maintained.
- Malicious files are detected and handled.
- Security incidents are investigated.
- Removable media is controlled where appropriate.
19. Logging and Monitoring
The supplier should maintain appropriate security logging.
Relevant logs may include:
- Authentication events
- Privileged activities
- Administrative changes
- Security events
- System changes
- Data access
- Network events
- Application events
Requirements:
- Security-relevant events are logged.
- Logs are protected against unauthorized modification.
- Logs are retained for an appropriate period.
- Security alerts are monitored where appropriate.
- Significant events are investigated.
- Relevant logs can be provided to the organization where contractually required and legally permitted.
20. Security Incident Management
The supplier shall maintain a process for detecting, reporting, investigating, and responding to security incidents.
- Incident-management process exists.
- Security incidents are identified promptly.
- Appropriate containment procedures exist.
- Relevant evidence is preserved.
- Root cause is investigated where appropriate.
- Corrective actions are tracked.
- Significant incidents are communicated to the organization.
21. Security Incident Notification
The contract should define applicable notification requirements.
Supplier should provide:
- Nature of incident
- Affected service/system
- Information potentially affected
- Known or suspected impact
- Actions taken
- Containment status
- Recovery status
- Relevant contact information
- Additional updates as appropriate
Notification Method: __________________
Security Contact: __________________
Required Notification Timeframe: __________________
The timeframe should be based on applicable law, regulation, contract, customer commitments, and risk.
22. Data Breach Requirements
Where the supplier processes personal or customer information:
- Data-breach detection process exists.
- Suspected breaches are escalated.
- Evidence is preserved.
- Relevant information is provided to the organization.
- Regulatory/customer notification responsibilities are defined.
- Investigation support is provided where required.
- Corrective actions are implemented.
23. Encryption
Where applicable:
Data in Transit
- Secure communication protocols are used.
- Unencrypted transmission of sensitive information is prohibited unless explicitly authorized.
Data at Rest
- Sensitive information is encrypted where required.
- Encryption keys are appropriately protected.
- Access to encryption keys is restricted.
The specific encryption standards should be defined according to the organization’s security architecture and risk requirements.
24. Secrets and Credentials
- Credentials are securely stored.
- Secrets are not stored in source code.
- Secrets are not shared through unsecured channels.
- Access to secrets is restricted.
- Credentials are rotated when required.
- Compromised credentials are promptly revoked.
- Supplier access to organizational secrets is minimized.
25. Backup and Recovery
Where the supplier provides or supports critical services:
- Backup requirements are defined.
- Backups are protected.
- Backup access is restricted.
- Recovery procedures are documented.
- Recovery testing is performed where appropriate.
- Recovery objectives are defined where applicable.
- Critical data can be restored within agreed requirements.
26. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
For critical or important services:
- Business continuity arrangements exist.
- Disaster recovery arrangements exist.
- Recovery responsibilities are defined.
- Service availability requirements are documented.
- Recovery objectives are established where appropriate.
- Continuity testing is performed where appropriate.
- Significant changes to continuity arrangements are communicated.
27. Information Transfer
When transferring information to or from the supplier:
- Approved transfer mechanisms are used.
- Sensitive information is appropriately protected.
- Recipient authorization is verified.
- Transfer channels are secured.
- Unnecessary copies are avoided.
- Transfer records are maintained where required.
28. Privacy and Personal Data
Where personal data is processed:
- Processing purposes are defined.
- Applicable privacy obligations are identified.
- Data-processing responsibilities are documented.
- Access is restricted.
- Data is retained only as required.
- Data-subject rights requirements are addressed where applicable.
- Data breaches are reported according to agreed requirements.
- Subprocessors are controlled.
- Data locations are identified.
- Cross-border transfer requirements are addressed where applicable.
- Data deletion/return requirements are defined.
29. Subprocessors and Subcontractors
The supplier shall identify relevant third parties used to provide the contracted service.
- Subprocessors/subcontractors identified.
- Critical subprocessors disclosed.
- Security requirements flow down to relevant subprocessors.
- Organization approval obtained where contractually required.
- Changes to critical subprocessors communicated.
- Subprocessor access to organizational information assessed.
- Subprocessor termination handled appropriately.
30. Data Location and International Transfer
Where relevant:
- Data-storage locations identified.
- Processing locations identified.
- Data transfer locations documented.
- Applicable legal requirements reviewed.
- Cross-border transfer mechanisms addressed where required.
- Material changes communicated.
- Organization approval obtained where contractually required.
31. Physical Security
Where supplier facilities are used to process or store organizational information:
- Physical access is controlled.
- Visitor access is controlled.
- Sensitive areas are protected.
- Environmental protections are implemented where appropriate.
- Equipment is physically protected.
- Media is securely stored.
- Secure disposal is implemented.
32. Security Testing and Assurance
Depending on risk and service:
- Security assessments performed.
- Vulnerability assessments performed.
- Penetration testing performed where appropriate.
- Independent security audits performed where appropriate.
- SOC reports reviewed where relevant.
- ISO 27001 certification reviewed where relevant.
- Other relevant assurance reports reviewed.
- Significant findings communicated.
- Remediation tracked.
The organization should not require a particular certification solely as a substitute for assessing whether the supplier’s controls are appropriate for the actual service and risk.
33. Regulatory and Contractual Compliance
The supplier shall comply with applicable requirements relevant to the contracted service.
Where applicable:
- Information-security laws/regulations
- Privacy/data-protection requirements
- Industry requirements
- Customer contractual requirements
- Data-residency requirements
- Record-retention requirements
- Regulatory reporting requirements
Applicable Requirements: __________________________
34. Security Changes
The supplier should notify the organization of material changes that could affect security.
Examples:
- Change in ownership
- Change in service architecture
- Change in hosting location
- New critical subprocessor
- Major security incident
- Material security-control change
- Change in data processing
- Change in access model
- Significant service outage
- Material regulatory issue
35. Supplier Security Monitoring
Depending on risk:
- Periodic security review performed.
- Supplier certifications monitored.
- Security incidents monitored.
- Material vulnerabilities reviewed.
- Subprocessor changes monitored.
- Data-location changes monitored.
- Service changes monitored.
- Contract compliance monitored.
- Corrective actions tracked.
- Supplier risk periodically reassessed.
36. Audit and Assessment Rights
Where appropriate, the organization may require the supplier to provide reasonable assurance regarding compliance with agreed security requirements.
Possible mechanisms:
- Security questionnaire
- Independent audit report
- Certification
- Assurance report
- Evidence review
- Remote assessment
- On-site assessment where justified
- Remediation report
The scope and frequency should be proportionate to supplier risk and contractual requirements.
37. Security Findings and Corrective Actions
| Finding ID | Requirement | Finding | Risk | Corrective Action | Owner | Due Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
For significant findings:
- Risk assessed.
- Corrective action agreed.
- Owner identified.
- Target date established.
- Compensating controls considered.
- Closure evidence obtained.
- Residual risk reassessed.
38. Supplier Security Evidence
The organization may request evidence appropriate to supplier risk.
Examples:
- Security policies
- ISO 27001 certificate
- SOC report
- Penetration-test summary
- Vulnerability-management evidence
- BCP/DR evidence
- Security questionnaire
- Incident-management process
- Data-processing documentation
- Subprocessor list
- Security architecture
- Access-control evidence
Evidence should be reviewed for relevance and validity rather than collected solely for documentation purposes.
39. Supplier Security Requirements Acceptance
Supplier Declaration
The supplier acknowledges that the applicable security requirements have been communicated and agrees to comply with the requirements applicable to the contracted services, subject to the executed contract and applicable law.
Supplier Name: __________________
Authorized Representative: __________________
Title: __________________
Signature: __________________
Date: __________________
40. Security Requirements Approval
| Role | Name | Approval | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Owner | |||
| Supplier Owner | |||
| Information Security | |||
| Privacy | |||
| Legal | |||
| Procurement |
Not every role needs to approve every supplier. Required approvals should be determined by the organization’s governance and risk model.
41. Requirements Matrix
Use this section to define the requirements specifically applicable to the supplier.
| Requirement | Applicable? | Mandatory? | Evidence Required? | Contractual? | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Confidentiality | |||||
| Access Control | |||||
| MFA | |||||
| Privileged Access | |||||
| Encryption | |||||
| Logging | |||||
| Vulnerability Management | |||||
| Incident Notification | |||||
| Data Protection | |||||
| BCP/DR | |||||
| Subprocessors | |||||
| Data Location | |||||
| Security Testing | |||||
| Audit/Assurance | |||||
| Secure Offboarding |
42. Startup-Friendly Implementation
A startup should avoid imposing the same security requirements on every supplier.
Example
A marketing agency that only receives public information may require:
Confidentiality → Basic Access Control → Incident Notification → Secure Offboarding
A SaaS platform processing customer information may require:
Security Questionnaire → Risk Assessment → MFA → Encryption → Incident Notification → Privacy → Subprocessor Controls → BCP → Security Assurance
A critical cloud or production supplier may require:
Enhanced Due Diligence → Privileged Access → Logging → Vulnerability Management → Security Testing → BCP/DR → Incident Response → Subprocessor Management → Assurance → Exit Planning
This risk-based approach helps maintain security without creating unnecessary compliance overhead.
43. Common Mistakes
1. Giving every supplier the same requirements
Requirements should reflect actual supplier risk.
2. Treating a security certificate as sufficient
A certification or assurance report provides useful evidence but does not replace assessment of the actual service, scope, access, and risks.
3. Ignoring supplier access
A supplier may create greater risk through system access than through the information it receives.
4. Forgetting subprocessors
A supplier may rely on other organizations to deliver the service.
5. Not defining incident notification
The organization should know how and when significant security events are communicated.
6. Ignoring termination
Security requirements should cover secure return/deletion of information and removal of access when the relationship ends.
7. Collecting evidence without reviewing it
Evidence should support a risk-based decision, not become a documentation exercise.
44. Relationship With Other ISMS Documents
| Document | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Supplier Register | Identifies suppliers |
| Critical Supplier Register | Identifies suppliers requiring enhanced controls |
| Third-Party Due Diligence Checklist | Evaluates supplier before engagement |
| Supplier Risk Assessment | Determines supplier-related risk |
| Supplier Security Questionnaire | Collects supplier security information |
| Supplier Onboarding Checklist | Confirms onboarding requirements |
| Supplier Security Requirements | Defines required security controls |
| Supplier Security Agreement | Establishes contractual security obligations |
| Supplier Security Review | Periodically verifies requirements |
| Supplier Access Review | Reviews supplier access |
| Supplier Offboarding Checklist | Ensures secure termination |
| Risk Register | Tracks significant risks |
45. ISO 27001 Connection
Supplier security requirements support the organization’s information-security and supplier-management processes, including controls relating to supplier relationships, supplier agreements, ICT supply-chain security, access control, information transfer, incident management, continuity, and risk treatment.
The template itself is not a universally mandatory ISO 27001 document. The organization should determine applicable requirements based on its ISMS scope, risk assessment, supplier criticality, applicable controls, legal/regulatory obligations, and contractual commitments.
46. Quick Audit Checklist
An auditor should be able to trace:
Supplier
↓
Service
↓
Information
↓
Access
↓
Risk Assessment
↓
Applicable Security Requirements
↓
Contractual Requirements
↓
Implementation
↓
Evidence
↓
Monitoring
↓
Review
↓
Offboarding
47. Final Principle
Supplier security requirements should be specific enough to protect the organization’s information and systems, but proportionate enough to reflect the supplier’s actual risk.
The objective is not to make every supplier comply with every possible security control.
The objective is to ensure:
Right Supplier → Right Requirements → Right Controls → Right Evidence → Right Oversight
Final Audit Trail:
Supplier → Service → Information → Access → Risk → Security Requirements → Contract → Implementation → Evidence → Monitoring → Review → Offboarding