(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

True or False: If vendors handle data on your behalf, you should expect they execute the same degree of care as you would in your own operations.

1. True

2. False

The correct answer is: True

When vendors handle data on behalf of an organization, it is essential to expect that they will exercise the same degree of care in safeguarding that data as the organization would in its own operations. This expectation stems from the principle of due diligence in cybersecurity, which emphasizes the responsibility of both parties in maintaining data security and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Trusting vendors to manage sensitive data requires an assumption that they uphold stringent security standards. This includes adhering to best practices for data protection, implementing robust security controls, and following established policies that align with the organization’s security framework. This expectation is also often reflected in contractual agreements and due diligence assessments, where the organization actively evaluates a vendor's security posture before engaging their services. Strong vendor management practices, including regular audits and monitoring of a vendor’s security measures, can help to ensure accountability and that the vendor aligns with the organization's values and standards regarding data protection. This not only safeguards the data but also reduces risks associated with third-party access and handling. Therefore, the expectation that vendors should execute the same degree of care as the organization is a crucial aspect of managing data security effectively and is foundational to establishing trust in vendor relationships.