What is a cyber security questionnaire? We will define that here along with a cyber security questionnaire sample that you can use.
So, keep on reading to know more.
What is a Cyber Security Questionnaire?
A cyber security questionnaire is an evaluation form. It is a written self-assessment. It aims to gauge the strength of your company’s cyber security programs.
Usually, this is one of the main parts of a vendor due diligence process. What for? To help you spot and understand any potential risks that a vendor and third-party may bring.
So, it can help you see if they are a perfect fit. Then, it lets you assess if the risks posted are ones that you can bear.
What are the key areas it covers? Here are the basic ones:
- information security management
- network management
- business continuity and disaster recovery
- regulatory compliance
So, below is a sample of one.
Cyber Security Questionnaire Sample
1.) Do you have a formal information security program in place?
An information security (Infosec) program is vital for your vendor to have. As it gives the framework for:
- risk assessment
- mitigation
- cyber security planning
2.) Is security testing performed by a qualified third-party vendor? If so, how often? When was the date of the last one?
You need to ensure that your vendor has a regular security testing schedule. Or penetration tests.
Also, this needs to be by a qualified third-party to spot any openings. If there are, they need to patch these up.
3.) How do you process data while in transit and at rest?
You need to make sure they have data encryption. This is so that data is safe from cybercriminals.
4.) Do you require all your employees to complete a security training course? What about all your contractors?
Every company needs to give security awareness training to all employees. As well as all contractors. And this means your vendor also needs to.
This is so that it can limit any risks due to human error or insider threats. Which is very harmful to your company’s IT infrastructure and Infosec.
5.) How do you perform third-party due diligence with vendors and contractors?
If your vendor has access to your sensitive data, you need to make sure of this. They need to have third-party due diligence on their end.
Also, this needs to be thorough. So that your data and information are out of harm’s way.
6.) Do you have a risk management disaster program in place? What about a disaster recovery program?
It is no question that all organizations need to have a plan in case of any breaches. So, your vendor needs to have breach notifications enabled.
This is so that any attacks can be:
- analyzed
- prioritized
- addressed before any critical damage is done
Conclusion
That is one sample of a cyber security questionnaire. So, if you ever need to soon, take note of these.
Yes, it may take some time to make one for your company. But it can save you from a lot of risks in the future.
