A Comprehensive Look at ISO/IEC 27036: Managing Information Security in Supplier Relationships

In an increasingly connected business landscape, managing cyber security risks in the supply chain is of paramount importance. ISO/IEC 27036, the global standard for information security within supplier relationships, offers comprehensive guidance to organisations in this regard. As cyber security managers, understanding and applying the principles of this standard is integral to bolstering the security posture of your organisation.

What is ISO/IEC 27036?

The ISO/IEC 27036 is a multi-part standard that offers guidance on the evaluation and treatment of information security risks involved in the acquisition of goods and services from suppliers. This standard is part of the broader ISO/IEC 27000 series, which focuses on information security management systems (ISMS).

ISO/IEC 27036 is divided into four parts:

ISO/IEC 27036-1: Provides an overview and introduction to the standard, covering concepts and principles related to supplier relationships.

ISO/IEC 27036-2: Provides requirements and guidelines to effectively manage the risks associated with the acquisition of goods and services from suppliers.

ISO/IEC 27036-3: Details the guidelines for managing information security risks associated with the acquisition of ICT products and services.

ISO/IEC 27036-4: Covers the guidelines for managing information security risks linked to cloud computing services.

The Importance of ISO/IEC 27036

So why focus on the security standard specific to supplier relationships? The answer is straightforward: as businesses are increasingly depend on third-party suppliers and vendors for various goods, services, and ICT solutions, the risk of security breaches and information leakage has grown proportionally. We have seen many examples of data breaches in recent years which have come from a vulnerability within a supplier’s information security. It’s not uncommon to find organisations with robust internal cyber security protocols but little management or knowledge of their suppliers’ security measures. This is a potential achilles heel in an otherwise strong security framework. CISO’s and Procurement teams must not let their supply chain be their weakest link.

This is where ISO/IEC 27036 comes in, helping organisations to systematically assess and manage the risks associated with their supplier relationships, thereby reinforcing their overall information security posture.

Benefits of Adhering to ISO/IEC 27036

ISO/IEC 27036 provides an essential framework to manage and mitigate risks in supplier relationships, making it a crucial tool for information security leaders.

Adherence to ISO/IEC 27036 not only strengthens your organisation’s cyber security defences but also builds trust among stakeholders, aids in regulatory compliance, promotes business continuity, and confers a competitive advantage. In an era where data hacks and breaches can spell disaster, implementing ISO/IEC 27036 is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a business necessity.

Here are some of the key benefits of compliance with this standard:

· Improved Risk Management – By providing a systematic framework for identifying and managing supplier-related information security risks, ISO/IEC 27036 allows businesses to significantly improve their risk management capabilities.

· Enhanced Trust – Adhering to internationally recognized standards such as ISO/IEC 27036 increases trust in the organisation’s security measures among stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, partners, and regulatory bodies.

· Regulatory Compliance – The standard helps businesses align their processes with global best practices and stay compliant with various regional and sector-specific regulations that mandate third-party risk management.

· Business Continuity – By ensuring that suppliers have appropriate security measures in place, businesses can mitigate potential disruptions caused by security incidents in the supply chain.

· Competitive Advantage – Compliance with ISO/IEC 27036 can offer a competitive edge, demonstrating commitment to robust information security, which can influence business partnerships and customer loyalty.

Find out more about how Azanzi TPRM can help manage your supplier risk.