Upon completion of a third party assessment, a meeting should be scheduled with which
of the following resources prior to sharing findings with the vendor/service provider to
approve remediation plans:
CISO/CIO
Business Unit Relationship Owner
internal Audit
C&O
According to the Shared Assessments CTPRP Study Guide, the business unit relationship owner is the primary point of contact for the third party and is responsible for ensuring that the third party meets the contractual obligations and service level agreements. The business unit relationship owner is also involved in the third party risk assessment process and the remediation plan approval. Therefore, a meeting should be scheduled with the business unit relationship owner before sharing the findings and remediation plans with the third party, as they have the authority and accountability to approve or reject the plans. The other options are not necessarily involved in the remediation plan approval, although they may have other roles in the third party risk management lifecycle. References:
For services with system-to-system access, which change management requirement
MOST effectively reduces the risk of business disruption to the outsourcer?
Approval of the change by the information security department
Documenting sufficient time for quality assurance testing
Communicating the change to customers prior ta deployment to enable external acceptance testing
Documenting and legging change approvals
For services with system-to-system access, ensuring sufficient time for quality assurance (QA) testing before implementing changes is crucial to reducing the risk of business disruption to the outsourcer. This requirement ensures that any modifications to the system are thoroughly vetted for potential issues that could impact the outsourcer's operations. QA testing allows for the identification and remediation of bugs, compatibility issues, and other potential problems that could lead to operational disruptions or security vulnerabilities. By allocating adequate time for QA testing, organizations can ensure that changes are fully functional and secure, thereby maintaining the integrity and availability of services provided to the outsourcer. This practice is aligned with industry standards for change management, which advocate for comprehensive testing and validation processes to ensure the reliability and stability of system changes.
References:
When measuring the operational performance of implementing a TPRM program, which example is MOST likely to provide meaningful metrics?
logging the number of exceptions to existing due diligence standards
Measuring the time spent by resources for task and corrective action plan completion
Calculating the average time to remediate identified corrective actions
Tracking the number of outstanding findings
One of the key objectives of a TPRM program is to identify and mitigate the risks posed by third parties throughout the relationship life cycle. Therefore, measuring the operational performance of implementing a TPRM program requires tracking the effectiveness and efficiency of the risk management processes and activities. Among the four examples given, calculating the average time to remediate identified corrective actions is the most likely to provide meaningful metrics for this purpose. This metric indicates how quickly and consistently the organization and its third parties can resolve the issues and gaps that are discovered during the risk assessment and monitoring phases. It also reflects the level of collaboration and communication between the parties, as well as the alignment of expectations and standards. A lower average time to remediate implies a higher operational performance of the TPRM program, as it demonstrates a proactive and responsive approach to risk management12.
The other three examples are less likely to provide meaningful metrics for measuring the operational performance of implementing a TPRM program, as they do not directly measure the outcomes or impacts of the risk management activities. Logging the number of exceptions to existing due diligence standards may indicate the level of compliance and consistency of the TPRM program, but it does not show how the exceptions are handled or justified. Measuring the time spent by resources for task and corrective action plan completion may indicate the level of effort and resource allocation of the TPRM program, but it does not show how the tasks and plans contribute to the risk reduction or mitigation. Tracking the number of outstanding findings may indicate the level of exposure and vulnerability of the TPRM program, but it does not show how the findings are prioritized or addressed. References:
Which statement BEST describes the methods of performing due diligence during third party risk assessments?
Inspecting physical and environmental security controls by conducting a facility tour
Reviewing status of findings from the questionnaire and defining remediation plans
interviewing subject matter experts or control owners, reviewing compliance artifacts, and validating controls
Reviewing and assessing only the obligations that are specifically defined in the contract
Performing due diligence during third party risk assessments is a process of verifying and validating the information provided by the third parties, as well as identifying and assessing any potential risks or issues that may arise from the relationship. Due diligence methods may vary depending on the type, scope, and complexity of the third party engagement, but they generally involve the following steps123:
The other options are not as comprehensive or accurate as the methods described above, as they may not cover all the aspects or dimensions of the third party risk assessment, or they may rely on incomplete or outdated information. Inspecting physical and environmental security controls by conducting a facility tour is only one part of the validation method, and it may not be applicable or feasible for all types of third parties, such as cloud service providers or remote workers. Reviewing status of findings from the questionnaire and defining remediation plans is more of a follow-up or monitoring activity, rather than a due diligence method, as it assumes that the questionnaire has already been completed and analyzed. Reviewing and assessing only the obligations that are specifically defined in the contract is a narrow and limited approach, as it may not capture the full scope or complexity of the third party relationship, or the dynamic and evolving nature of the risks or issues involved. References:
In which phase of the TPRM lifecycle should terms for return or destruction of data be defined and agreed upon?
During contract negotiation
At third party selection and initial due diligence
When deploying ongoing monitoring
At termination and exit
Terms for return or destruction of data should be defined and agreed upon during contract negotiation, as this is the phase where the organization and the third party establish the expectations, obligations, and responsibilities for the relationship, including the handling of data. According to the Shared Assessments CTPRP Study Guide, contract negotiation is the phase where "the organization and the third party negotiate and execute a contract that clearly defines the expectations and responsibilities of both parties, including the scope of work, service level agreements, performance measures, reporting requirements, compliance obligations, security and privacy controls, incident response procedures, dispute resolution mechanisms, termination rights, and other relevant terms and conditions."1 One of the key contractual terms that should be addressed is the return or destruction of data, which specifies how the third party will return or dispose of the organization’s data at the end of the relationship, or upon request, in a secure and timely manner. This term is important for ensuring the organization’s data protection, confidentiality, and compliance, as well as reducing the risk of data breaches, leaks, or misuse by the third party or unauthorized parties.
The other phases of the TPRM lifecycle are not the best choices for defining and agreeing upon terms for return or destruction of data, because:
References:
Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding a virtual assessment:
Virtual assessment agendas and planning should identify who should be available for interviews
Virtual assessment planning should identify what documentation is available for review prior to and during the assessment
Virtual assessments should be used to validate or confirm understanding of key controls, and not be used simply to review questionnaire responses
Virtual assessments include using interviews with subject matter experts since controls evaluation and testing cannot be performed virtually
Virtual assessments are a method of conducting third party risk assessments remotely, using various tools and techniques to collect and verify information about the third party’s controls, processes, and performance. Virtual assessments can be used to evaluate various risk domains, such as information security, privacy, resiliency, and compliance, depending on the scope and objectives of the assessment. Virtual assessments can also be used to complement or supplement onsite assessments, especially when travel or access restrictions are in place.
One of the key components of virtual assessments is the use of interviews with subject matter experts (SMEs) from the third party, who can provide insights and clarifications on the third party’s policies, procedures, practices, and evidence. Interviews can also be used to validate or confirm the understanding of key controls, and not just to review questionnaire responses. However, interviews are not the only way to perform controls evaluation and testing in virtual assessments. Other methods include:
Therefore, the statement that virtual assessments include using interviews with SMEs since controls evaluation and testing cannot be performed virtually is false, as there are other ways to perform controls evaluation and testing in virtual assessments, besides interviews.
References:
Which of the following is a component of evaluating a third party's use of Remote Access within their information security policy?
Maintaining blocked IP address ranges
Reviewing the testing and deployment procedures to networking components
Providing guidelines to configuring ports on a router
Identifying the use of multifactor authentication
Remote access is any connection made to an organization’s internal network and systems from an external source by a device or host. Remote access can enable greater worker flexibility and productivity, but it also poses significant security risks, such as unauthorized access, data leakage, malware infection, or network compromise. Therefore, it is important to evaluate a third party’s use of remote access within their information security policy, which should define the roles, responsibilities, standards, and procedures for remote access.
One of the key components of evaluating a third party’s use of remote access within their information security policy is identifying the use of multifactor authentication. Multifactor authentication is a method of verifying the identity of a remote user by requiring two or more factors, such as something the user knows (e.g., password, PIN), something the user has (e.g., token, smart card), or something the user is (e.g., fingerprint, face). Multifactor authentication enhances the security of remote access by making it harder for attackers to impersonate or compromise legitimate users. According to the NIST Guide to Enterprise Telework, Remote Access, and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Security1, multifactor authentication should be used for all remote access, especially for high-risk situations, such as accessing sensitive data or privileged accounts.
The other options are not components of evaluating a third party’s use of remote access within their information security policy. Maintaining blocked IP address ranges, reviewing the testing and deployment procedures to networking components, and providing guidelines to configuring ports on a router are all examples of network security controls, but they are not specific to remote access. They may be part of the overall information security policy, but they are not sufficient to assess the security of remote access. References:
Which of the following factors is MOST important when assessing the risk of shadow IT in organizational security?
The organization maintains adequate policies and procedures that communicate required controls for security functions
The organization requires security training and certification for security personnel
The organization defines staffing levels to address impact of any turnover in security roles
The organization's resources and investment are sufficient to meet security requirements
Shadow IT is the use and management of any IT technologies, solutions, services, projects, and infrastructure without formal approval and support of internal IT departments. Shadow IT can pose significant security risks to the organization, such as data breaches, compliance violations, malware infections, or network disruptions. Therefore, assessing and mitigating the risk of shadow IT is an essential part of organizational security.
One of the most important factors when assessing the risk of shadow IT is whether the organization maintains adequate policies and procedures that communicate required controls for security functions. Policies and procedures are the documents that define the organization’s security objectives, standards, roles, responsibilities, and processes. They provide guidance and direction for the organization’s security activities, such as risk assessment, vendor management, incident response, data protection, access control, etc. They also establish the expectations and requirements for the organization’s employees, vendors, and other stakeholders regarding the use and management of IT resources.
By maintaining adequate policies and procedures that communicate required controls for security functions, the organization can:
By doing so, the organization can reduce the likelihood and impact of shadow IT, and increase the visibility and accountability of its IT environment. The organization can also foster a culture of security awareness and responsibility among its employees, vendors, and other stakeholders, and encourage them to report and resolve any shadow IT incidents or problems.
The other factors, such as the organization’s security training and certification, staffing levels, and resources and investment, are also relevant for assessing the risk of shadow IT, but they are not as important as the organization’s policies and procedures. Security training and certification can help the organization’s security personnel to acquire and maintain the necessary skills and knowledge to deal with shadow IT, but they do not address the root causes or motivations of shadow IT. Staffing levels can affect the organization’s ability to detect and respond to shadow IT, but they do not prevent or deter shadow IT from occurring. Resources and investment can enable the organization to provide adequate and appropriate IT resources to its employees, vendors, and other stakeholders, but they do not guarantee the satisfaction or compliance of those parties. References:
A visual representation of locations, users, systems and transfer of personal information between outsourcers and third parties is defined as:
Configuration standard
Audit log report
Network diagram
Data flow diagram
A data flow diagram (DFD) is a graphical representation of the flow of information between outsourcers and third parties, as well as within a system or process. It shows the sources and destinations of data, the processes that transform data, the data stores that hold data, and the data flows that connect them. A DFD can help to understand and refine the business processes or systems that involve data exchange with external entities. A DFD can also help to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in the data flows, such as data leakage, data corruption, data loss, or unauthorized access.
The other options are incorrect because they do not match the definition of a visual representation of data flows. A configuration standard (A) is a set of rules or guidelines that define how a system or process should be configured, such as hardware, software, or network settings. An audit log report (B) is a record of the activities or events that occurred in a system or process, such as user actions, system changes, or security incidents. A network diagram © is a graphical representation of the physical or logical connections between devices or nodes in a network, such as routers, switches, servers, or computers. References:
https://www.visual-paradigm.com/tutorials/data-flow-diagram-dfd.jsp
https://www.lucidchart.com/pages/data-flow-diagram
Which cloud deployment model is primarily focused on the application layer?
Infrastructure as a Service
Software as a Service
Function a3 a Service
Platform as a Service
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud deployment model that provides users with access to software applications over the internet, without requiring them to install, maintain, or update the software on their own devices. SaaS is primarily focused on the application layer, as it delivers the complete functionality of the software to the end users, while abstracting away the underlying infrastructure, platform, and middleware layers. SaaS providers are responsible for managing the servers, databases, networks, security, and scalability of the software, as well as ensuring its availability, performance, and compliance. SaaS users only pay for the software usage, usually on a subscription or pay-per-use basis, and can access the software from any device and location, as long as they have an internet connection. Some examples of SaaS applications are Gmail, Salesforce, Dropbox, and Netflix. References:
What attribute is MOST likely to be included in the software development lifecycle (SDLC) process?
Scheduling the frequency of automated vulnerability scans
Scanning for data input validation in production
Conducting peer code reviews
Defining the scope of annual penetration tests
Peer code reviews are an essential part of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) process, as they help to improve the quality, security, and maintainability of the code. Peer code reviews involve having other developers review the code written by a developer before it is merged into the main branch or deployed to production. Peer code reviews can help to identify and fix errors, bugs, vulnerabilities, performance issues, coding standards violations, design flaws, and other issues that may affect the functionality or usability of the software. Peer code reviews also facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and feedback among the development team, which can enhance the skills and productivity of the developers123.
The other options are not as likely to be included in the SDLC process, as they are either performed at different stages or not directly related to the development of the software. Scheduling the frequency of automated vulnerability scans and defining the scope of annual penetration tests are more related to the security testing and monitoring of the software, which are usually done after the development phase or as part of the maintenance phase. Scanning for data input validation in production is also a security measure that is done after the software is deployed, and it is not a good practice to rely on production testing alone, as it may expose the software to potential attacks or data breaches. Data input validation should be done during the development and testing phases, as well as in production123. References:
At which level of reporting are changes in TPRM program metrics rare and exceptional?
Business unit
Executive management
Risk committee
Board of Directors
TPRM program metrics are the indicators that measure the performance, effectiveness, and maturity of the TPRM program. They help to monitor and communicate the progress, achievements, and challenges of the TPRM program to various stakeholders, such as business units, executive management, risk committees, and board of directors. However, the level of reporting and the frequency of changes in TPRM program metrics vary depending on the stakeholder’s role, responsibility, and interest123:
Therefore, the correct answer is D. Board of Directors, as this is the level of reporting where changes in TPRM program metrics are rare and exceptional. References:
Which of the following is NOT a key component of TPRM requirements in the software development life cycle (SDLC)?
Maintenance of artifacts that provide proof that SOLC gates are executed
Process for data destruction and disposal
Software security testing
Process for fixing security defects
In the context of Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) requirements within the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), a process for data destruction and disposal is not typically considered a key component. The primary focus within SDLC in TPRM is on ensuring secure software development practices, which includes maintaining artifacts to prove that SDLC gates are executed, conducting software security testing, and having processes in place for fixing security defects. While data destruction and disposal are important security considerations, they are generally associated with data lifecycle management and information security management practices rather than being integral to the SDLC process itself.
References:
Which requirement is the MOST important for managing risk when the vendor contract terminates?
The responsibility to perform a financial review of outstanding invoices
The commitment to perform a final assessment based upon due diligence standards
The requirement to ensure secure data destruction and asset return
The obligation to define contract terms for transition services
When a vendor contract terminates, one of the most important requirements for managing risk is to ensure that the vendor securely destroys or returns any data or assets that belong to the organization or its customers. This is to prevent any unauthorized access, use, disclosure, or loss of sensitive information or resources that could result in legal, regulatory, reputational, or financial consequences. The organization should also verify that the vendor complies with this requirement by requesting evidence or conducting audits.
The other options are also important, but not as critical as ensuring data and asset security. Performing a financial review of outstanding invoices is necessary to avoid overpaying or underpaying the vendor, and to resolve any disputes or claims. Performing a final assessment based on due diligence standards is useful to evaluate the vendor’s performance, identify any issues or gaps, and document any lessons learned or best practices. Defining contract terms for transition services is helpful to facilitate a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities, deliverables, or processes to another vendor or internal team.
References:
You are reviewing assessment results of workstation and endpoint security. Which result should trigger more investigation due to greater risk potential?
Use of multi-tenant laptops
Disabled printing and USB devices
Use of desktop virtualization
Disabled or blocked access to internet
Workstation and endpoint security refers to the protection of devices that connect to a network from malicious actors and exploits1. These devices include laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones, and IoT devices. Workstation and endpoint security can involve various measures, such as antivirus software, firewalls, encryption, authentication, patch management, and device management1.
Among the four options, the use of multi-tenant laptops poses the greatest risk potential for workstation and endpoint security. Multi-tenant laptops are laptops that are shared by multiple users or organizations, such as in a cloud-based environment2. This means that the laptop’s resources, such as memory, CPU, storage, and network, are divided among different tenants, who may have different security policies, requirements, and access levels2. This can create several challenges and risks, such as:
Therefore, the use of multi-tenant laptops should trigger more investigation due to greater risk potential, and require more stringent and consistent security controls, such as:
References: 1: What is Desktop Virtualization? | IBM1 2: Multitenant organization scenario and Microsoft Entra capabilities2
Which statement is TRUE regarding a vendor's approach to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) programs?
ESG expectations are driven by a company's executive team for internal commitments end not external entities
ESG requirements and programs may be directed by regulatory obligations or in response to company commitments
ESG commitments can only be measured qualitatively so it cannot be included in vendor due diligence standards
ESG obligations only apply to a company with publicly traded stocks
ESG programs are initiatives that aim to improve the environmental, social, and governance performance of a vendor or service provider. ESG programs may be driven by various factors, such as regulatory obligations, customer expectations, stakeholder pressure, industry standards, or company commitments. Therefore, statement B is true and the correct answer is B. Statement A is false because ESG expectations may come from external entities, such as regulators, investors, customers, or civil society. Statement C is false because ESG commitments can be measured both qualitatively and quantitatively, using indicators such as carbon emissions, diversity, ethics, or compliance. Statement D is false because ESG obligations may apply to any company, regardless of its size, ownership, or sector. References:
Which statement is TRUE regarding the use of questionnaires in third party risk assessments?
The total number of questions included in the questionnaire assigns the risk tier
Questionnaires are optional since reliance on contract terms is a sufficient control
Assessment questionnaires should be configured based on the risk rating and type of service being evaluated
All topic areas included in the questionnaire require validation during the assessment
Questionnaires are one of the most common and effective tools for conducting third party risk assessments. They help organizations gather information about the security and compliance practices of their vendors and service providers, as well as identify any gaps or weaknesses that may pose a risk to the organization. However, not all questionnaires are created equal. Depending on the nature and scope of the third party relationship, different types and levels of questions may be required to adequately assess the risk. Therefore, it is important to configure the assessment questionnaires based on the risk rating and type of service being evaluated12.
The risk rating of a third party is determined by various factors, such as the criticality of the service they provide, the sensitivity of the data they handle, the regulatory requirements they must comply with, and the potential impact of a breach or disruption on the organization. The higher the risk rating, the more detailed and comprehensive the questionnaire should be. For example, a high-risk third party that processes personal or financial data may require a questionnaire that covers multiple domains of security and privacy, such as data protection, encryption, access control, incident response, and audit. A low-risk third party that provides a non-critical service or does not handle sensitive data may require a questionnaire that covers only the basic security controls, such as firewall, antivirus, and password policy12.
The type of service that a third party provides also influences the configuration of the questionnaire. Different services may have different security and compliance standards and best practices that need to be addressed. For example, a third party that provides cloud-based services may require a questionnaire that covers topics such as cloud security architecture, data residency, service level agreements, and disaster recovery. A third party that provides software development services may require a questionnaire that covers topics such as software development life cycle, code review, testing, and vulnerability management12.
By configuring the assessment questionnaires based on the risk rating and type of service being evaluated, organizations can ensure that they ask the right questions to the right third parties, and obtain relevant and meaningful information to support their risk management decisions. Therefore, the statement that assessment questionnaires should be configured based on the risk rating and type of service being evaluated is TRUE12. References: 1: How to Use SIG Questionnaires for Better Third-Party Risk Management 2: Third-party risk assessment questionnaires - KPMG India
Which of the following statements BEST represent the relationship between incident response and incident notification plans?
Cybersecurity incident response programs have the same scope and objectives as privacy incident notification procedures
All privacy and security incidents should be treated alike until analysis is performed to quantify the number of records impacted
Security incident response management is only included in crisis communication for externally reported events
A security incident may become a security breach based upon analysis and trigger the organization's incident notification or crisis communication process
Incident response and incident notification are two related but distinct processes that organizations should follow when dealing with security incidents. Incident response is the process of identifying, containing, analyzing, eradicating, and recovering from security incidents, while incident notification is the process of communicating the relevant information about the incident to the appropriate internal and external stakeholders, such as senior management, regulators, customers, and media12.
Not all security incidents are security breaches, which are defined as unauthorized access to or disclosure of sensitive or confidential information that could result in harm to the organization or individuals3. A security incident may become a security breach based on the analysis of the impact, scope, and severity of the incident, as well as the applicable legal and regulatory requirements. When a security breach is confirmed or suspected, the organization should trigger its incident notification or crisis communication process, which should include the following elements:
Incident notification and communication are critical for managing the reputation, trust, and compliance of the organization, as well as for mitigating the potential legal, financial, and operational consequences of a security breach. References:
Which statement is NOT an example of the purpose of internal communications and information sharing using TPRM performance metrics?
To communicate the status of findings identified in vendor assessments and escalate issues es needed
To communicate the status of policy compliance with TPRM onboarding, periodic assessment and off-boarding requirements
To document the agreed upon corrective action plan between external parties based on the severity of findings
To develop and provide periodic reporting to management based on TPRM results
The purpose of internal communications and information sharing using TPRM performance metrics is to inform and align the organization’s stakeholders on the status, progress, and outcomes of the TPRM program. This includes communicating the results of vendor assessments, the compliance level of the organization’s policies and procedures, and the periodic reporting to management and other relevant parties. However, documenting the corrective action plan between external parties is not an internal communication, but rather an external one. This is because the corrective action plan is a formal agreement between the organization and the vendor to address and resolve the issues identified in the assessment. Therefore, this statement is not an example of the purpose of internal communications and information sharing using TPRM performance metrics. References:
Which of the following actions reflects the first step in developing an emergency response plan?
Conduct an assessment that includes an inventory of the types of events that have the greatest potential to trigger an emergency response plan
Consider work-from-home parameters in the emergency response plan
incorporate periodic crisis management team tabletop exercises to test different scenarios
Use the results of continuous monitoring tools to develop the emergency response plan
An emergency response plan (ERP) is a document that outlines the procedures and actions to be taken by an organization in the event of a disruptive incident that threatens its operations, assets, reputation, or stakeholders1. An ERP should be aligned with the organization’s business continuity and disaster recovery plans, and should cover the roles and responsibilities, communication channels, escalation processes, resources, and recovery strategies for different types of emergencies2.
The first step in developing an ERP is to conduct an assessment that includes an inventory of the types of events that have the greatest potential to trigger an ERP3. This assessment should consider the likelihood and impact of various scenarios, such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, pandemics, civil unrest, terrorism, or supply chain disruptions, and identify the critical functions, processes, assets, and dependencies that could be affected by these events4. The assessment should also evaluate the existing capabilities and gaps in the organization’s preparedness and response, and prioritize the areas that need improvement or enhancement5. The assessment should be based on a comprehensive risk analysis and a business impact analysis, and should involve input from relevant stakeholders, such as senior management, business units, IT, security, legal, compliance, human resources, and third parties.
The other options are not the first step in developing an ERP, but rather subsequent or complementary steps that should be performed after the initial assessment. Considering work-from-home parameters, incorporating periodic crisis management team tabletop exercises, and using the results of continuous monitoring tools are all important aspects of an ERP, but they are not the starting point for creating one. These steps should be based on the findings and recommendations of the assessment, and should be updated and tested regularly to ensure the effectiveness and relevance of the ERP. References: 1: What is an Emergency Response Plan? | IBM 2: Emergency Response Plan | Ready.gov 3: 8 Steps to Building a Third-Party Incident Response Plan | Prevalent 4: How to create an effective business continuity plan | CIO 5: Emergency Response Planning: 4 Steps to Creating a Plan : Third-Party Risk Management: Final Interagency Guidance : Improving Third-Party Incident Response | Prevalent
Which risk treatment approach typically requires a negotiation of contract terms between parties?
Monitor the risk
Mitigate the risk
Accept the risk
Transfer the risk
Risk treatment is the process of selecting and implementing measures to modify risk, according to the organization’s risk appetite and tolerance. There are four main risk treatment options: avoid, reduce, transfer, or retain the risk123. Among these options, risk transfer typically requires a negotiation of contract terms between parties, as it involves shifting the responsibility or burden of the risk to another entity, such as an insurer, a supplier, a partner, or a customer1234. Risk transfer can be achieved through various contractual arrangements, such as insurance policies, indemnity clauses, warranties, guarantees, service level agreements, or outsourcing agreements1234. These arrangements usually involve a cost-benefit analysis, a due diligence process, and a mutual agreement on the terms and conditions of the risk transfer1234. Therefore, option D is the correct answer, as it is the only one that reflects a risk treatment approach that typically requires a negotiation of contract terms between parties. References: The following resources support the verified answer and explanation:
When defining due diligence requirements for the set of vendors that host web applications which of the following is typically NOT part of evaluating the vendor's patch
management controls?
The capability of the vendor to apply priority patching of high-risk systems
Established procedures for testing of patches, service packs, and hot fixes prior to installation
A documented process to gain approvals for use of open source applications
The existence of a formal process for evaluation and prioritization of known vulnerabilities
A documented process to gain approvals for use of open source applications is typically not part of evaluating the vendor’s patch management controls, because it is not directly related to the patching process. Patch management controls are the policies, procedures, and tools that enable an organization to identify, acquire, install, and verify patches for software vulnerabilities. Patch management controls aim to reduce the risk of exploitation of known software flaws and ensure the functionality and compatibility of the patched systems. A documented process to gain approvals for use of open source applications is more relevant to the software development and procurement processes, as it involves assessing the legal, security, and operational implications of using open source software components in the vendor’s products or services. Open source software may have different licensing terms, quality standards, and support levels than proprietary software, and may introduce additional vulnerabilities or dependencies that need to be managed. Therefore, a documented process to gain approvals for use of open source applications is a good practice for vendors, but it is not a patch management control per se. References:
Which statement is NOT a method of securing web applications?
Ensure appropriate logging and review of access and events
Conduct periodic penetration tests
Adhere to web content accessibility guidelines
Include validation checks in SDLC for cross site scripting and SOL injections
Web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) are a set of standards that aim to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities, such as visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor impairments. While WCAG is a good practice for web development and usability, it is not directly related to web application security. WCAG does not address the common security risks that web applications face, such as injection, broken authentication, misconfiguration, or vulnerable components. Therefore, adhering to WCAG is not a method of securing web applications, unlike the other options. References:
Which set of procedures is typically NOT addressed within data privacy policies?
Procedures to limit access and disclosure of personal information to third parties
Procedures for handling data access requests from individuals
Procedures for configuration settings in identity access management
Procedures for incident reporting and notification
Data privacy policies are documents that outline how an organization collects, uses, stores, shares, and protects personal information from its customers, employees, partners, and other stakeholders1. Data privacy policies should address the following key elements2:
Procedures for configuration settings in identity access management are typically not addressed within data privacy policies, as they are more related to the technical and operational aspects of data security and access control. Identity access management (IAM) is a framework of policies, processes, and technologies that enable an organization to manage and verify the identities and access rights of its users and devices3. IAM configuration settings determine how users and devices are authenticated, authorized, and audited when accessing data and resources. IAM configuration settings should be aligned with the data privacy policies and principles, but they are not part of the data privacy policies themselves. IAM configuration settings should be documented and maintained separately from data privacy policies, and should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure compliance and security. References: 1: What is a Data Privacy Policy? | OneTrust 2: Privacy Policy Checklist: What to Include in Your Privacy Policy 3: What is identity and access management? | IBM : [Identity and Access Management Configuration Settings] : [Why data privacy and third-party risk teams need to work … - OneTrust] : [Privacy Risk Management - ISACA] : [What Every Chief Privacy Officer Should Know About Third-Party Risk …]
Which of the following BEST reflects the risk of a ‘shadow IT" function?
“Shadow IT" functions often fail to detect unauthorized use of information assets
“Shadow IT" functions often lack governance and security oversight
inability to prevent "shadow IT’ functions from using unauthorized software solutions
Failure to implement strong security controls because IT is executed remotely
Shadow IT refers to the use of IT systems, services, or devices that are not authorized, approved, or supported by the official IT department. Shadow IT can pose significant risks to an organization’s data security, compliance, performance, and reputation. One of the main risks of shadow IT is that it often lacks governance and security oversight. This means that the shadow IT functions may not follow the established policies, standards, and best practices for IT management, such as data protection, access control, encryption, backup, patching, auditing, and reporting. This can expose the organization to various threats, such as data breaches, cyberattacks, malware infections, legal liabilities, regulatory fines, and reputational damage. Additionally, shadow IT can create operational inefficiencies, compatibility issues, duplication of efforts, and increased costs for the organization.
According to the web search results from the search_web tool, shadow IT is a common and growing phenomenon in many organizations, especially with the proliferation of cloud-based services and applications. Some of the articles suggest the following best practices for managing and mitigating shadow IT risks123:
Therefore, the verified answer to the question is B. “Shadow IT" functions often lack governance and security oversight.
References:
Which type of contract provision is MOST important in managing Fourth-Nth party risk after contract signing and on-boarding due diligence is complete?
Subcontractor notice and approval
Indemnification and liability
Breach notification
Right to audit
Fourth-Nth party risk refers to the potential threats and vulnerabilities associated with the subcontractors, vendors, or service providers of an organization’s direct third-party partners12. After contract signing and on-boarding due diligence is complete, the most important type of contract provision to manage Fourth-Nth party risk is subcontractor notice and approval. This provision requires the third party to inform the organization of any subcontracting arrangements and obtain the organization’s consent before engaging any Fourth-Nth parties345. This provision enables the organization to have visibility and control over the extended network of suppliers and service providers, and to assess the potential risks and impacts of any outsourcing decisions. Subcontractor notice and approval also helps the organization to ensure that the Fourth-Nth parties comply with the same standards and expectations as the third party, and to hold the third party accountable for the performance and security of the Fourth-Nth parties345. References:
Which of the following components are typically NOT part of a cloud hosting vendor assessment program?
Reviewing the entity's image snapshot approval and management process
Requiring security services documentation and audit attestation reports
Requiring compliance evidence that provides the definition of patching responsibilities
Conducting customer performed penetration tests
A cloud hosting vendor assessment program is a process of evaluating the security, compliance, and performance of a cloud service provider (CSP) that hosts an organization’s data or applications. A cloud hosting vendor assessment program typically includes the following components123:
The component that is typically NOT part of a cloud hosting vendor assessment program is conducting customer performed penetration tests. Penetration testing is a method of simulating a cyberattack on a system or network to identify and exploit vulnerabilities and weaknesses. While penetration testing can be a valuable tool to assess the security posture of a CSP, it is not usually included in a cloud hosting vendor assessment program for the following reasons :
Therefore, the verified answer to the question is D. Conducting customer performed penetration tests.
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Which statement is FALSE regarding background check requirements for vendors or service providers?
Background check requirements are not applicable for vendors or service providers based outside the United States
Background checks should be performed prior to employment and may be updated after employment based upon criteria in HR policies
Background check requirements should be applied to employees, contract workers and temporary workers
Background check requirements may differ based on level of authority, risk, or job role
Background check requirements are applicable for vendors or service providers based outside the United States, as well as those based within the country. According to the Shared Assessments Program, background checks are a key component of third-party risk management and should be conducted for all third parties that have access to sensitive data, systems, or facilities, regardless of their location1. The FCRA also applies to background checks performed by U.S. employers on foreign nationals who work outside the U.S. for a U.S. employer or its affiliates2. Therefore, statement A is false and the correct answer is A. References:
Which of the following changes to the production environment is typically NOT subject to the change control process?
Change in network
Change in systems
Change to administrator access
Update to application
Changes to administrator access are typically not subject to the traditional change control process, as they often pertain to user access management rather than modifications to the production environment's infrastructure or applications. Administrator access changes involve granting, altering, or revoking administrative privileges to systems, which is managed through access control policies and procedures rather than through change control. Change control processes are primarily concerned with changes to the network, systems, and applications that could affect the production environment's stability, security, and functionality. In contrast, managing administrative access is part of identity and access management (IAM), which focuses on ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to specific levels of information and system functionality.
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Once a vendor questionnaire is received from a vendor what is the MOST important next step when evaluating the responses?
Document your analysis and provide confirmation to the business unit regarding receipt of the questionnaire
Update the vender risk registry and vendor inventory with the results in order to complete the assessment
Calculate the total number of findings to rate the effectiveness of the vendor response
Analyze the responses to identify adverse or high priority responses to prioritize controls that should be tested
The most important next step after receiving a vendor questionnaire is to analyze the responses and identify any gaps, issues, or risks that may pose a threat to the organization or its customers. This analysis should be based on the inherent risk profile of the vendor, the criticality of the service or product they provide, and the applicable regulatory and contractual requirements. The analysis should also highlight any adverse or high priority responses that indicate a lack of adequate controls, policies, or procedures on the vendor’s part. These responses should be prioritized for further validation, testing, or remediation. The analysis should also document any assumptions, limitations, or dependencies that may affect the accuracy or completeness of the vendor’s responses. References:
Which approach for managing end-user device security is typically used for lost or stolen company-owned devices?
Remotely enable lost mode status on the device
Deletion of data after a pre-defined number of failed login attempts
Enterprise wipe of all company data and contacts
Remote wipe of the device and restore to factory settings
Remote wipe is a security feature that allows an administrator or a user to remotely erase all the data and settings on a device in case it is lost or stolen. This prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information and reduces the risk of data breaches. Remote wipe is typically used for company-owned devices, as it ensures that no company data remains on the device after it is lost or stolen. Remote wipe also restores the device to its factory settings, making it unusable for the thief or finder. Remote wipe can be performed through various methods, such as using a mobile device management (MDM) solution, a cloud service, or a built-in feature of the device’s operating system. References:
Which of the following indicators is LEAST likely to trigger a reassessment of an existing vendor?
Change in vendor location or use of new fourth parties
Change in scope of existing work (e.g., new data or system access)
Change in regulation that impacts service provider requirements
Change at outsourcer due to M&A
This answer is correct because a change at outsourcer due to merger and acquisition (M&A) is the least likely indicator to trigger a reassessment of an existing vendor. This is because the outsourcer is not the direct vendor of the organization, but rather a third party that the vendor uses to perform some of its services. Therefore, the impact of the change at the outsourcer on the vendor’s performance and risk level may not be significant or immediate. However, the other indicators (A, B, and C) are more likely to trigger a reassessment of an existing vendor, as they directly affect the vendor’s operations, capabilities, and compliance status. For example:
TESTED 08 Sep 2024
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