Your vendors are overlooking cybersecurity measures. How can you convince them to prioritize security?

When vendors overlook cybersecurity, it puts everyone at risk. I try to make them understand that security isn't just an IT issue, it's a business priority. I explain how even small gaps can lead to big problems and suggest easy steps they can take, like enabling MFA or regular updates. It's all about creating awareness and working together to keep our systems safe.

Convincing complacent vendors to prioritize security requires strategic finesse: 1️⃣ Assess risks transparently: Audit their vulnerabilities—outdated software, weak access controls, unpatched systems. Use frameworks like NIST SP 800-161 to highlight gaps without blame. 2️⃣ Communicate business impact: Translate tech jargon into financial stakes. A single breach can cost $4.66M+ and erode customer trust. 3️⃣ Co-create solutions: Offer shared resources—security training, threat intel, or joint incident response plans . Frame it as partnership, not policing. Pro tip: Tie security compliance to contract incentives (e.g., faster payments, longer terms)

There is a real increase in the risk from third parties. Certain vendors do not share this viewpoint, however. Security should be a goal that everyone owns, not just a task completed. (i) Include security terms in your contract when you first create it (ii) Present examples of actual breaches in their area of interest (iii) Support your data finance team with useful templates, necessary tools and necessary training. (iv) Make sure the security strategy matches the importance of reputation, keeping services up and engendering trust in your brand. (v) Be courteous during your review; it isn’t about assigning blame. Suppliers won’t switch on the spot. Yet, one strong partnership is better than multiple arguments.

Highlight the business risks and potential legal consequences of a data breach to show that cybersecurity is not optional but essential for protecting reputation and compliance.

Your vendors may be overlooking cybersecurity, but you can shift their focus by showing it's a business-critical issue. Emphasize the risks: data breaches, legal exposure, and loss of trust. Use real-world examples to show the impact of poor security. Make cybersecurity part of your vendor agreements and request regular audits or compliance with standards like ISO or NIST. Offer guidance or resources if they lack expertise. Be clear that maintaining security is a requirement for continued partnership. When vendors see that security affects both trust and business continuity, they’re more likely to prioritize it.

To get your vendors to take cybersecurity seriously, start by assessing their risks: 1️⃣ Conduct a Risk Assessment – Evaluate their current security practices and identify vulnerabilities, such as weak passwords or outdated software. 2️⃣ Highlight Critical Issues – Once you have a clear picture of the risks, focus on the most critical areas that need immediate attention. 3️⃣ Tailor Your Approach – Customize your conversation with each vendor, explaining the specific risks they face and the impact on your business.

From my experience coaching cybersecurity newcomers and professionals, vendor security gaps are a real risk. To get vendors on board, it’s key to show them how strong cybersecurity protects their reputation and business continuity. It’s not just a checkbox, it’s about trust and saving costs from breaches. Businesses should set clear security expectations early and ask vendors for proof of their controls. Vendors need to see security as a competitive edge, not a hassle. Cybersecurity only works when everyone in the chain takes responsibility seriously. Collaboration and accountability are the way forward.

To get vendors to take cybersecurity seriously, first assess their risks (like weak passwords or outdated systems), then set clear standards (encryption, patching, training) in contracts. Educate them on breach risks and benefits of strong security, incentivize compliance with rewards like longer contracts, and monitor through audits. Collaboration is key, assign a security liaison to maintain accountability. By combining enforceable requirements with support, vendors will see security as a shared priority, not just a checkbox.

🔐 If your vendors are overlooking cybersecurity, your business is still at risk. Start by assessing where their vulnerabilities lie—weak passwords, outdated systems, or poor encryption. Set clear standards, educate partners, and incentivize good practices. Security isn't just internal—it's a shared responsibility. How are you driving cybersecurity accountability with your vendors? #CyberSecurity #VendorManagement #RiskMitigation #InfoSec #ThirdPartyRisk

Define baseline security requirements such as - Data encryption - Secure access controls, - Regular software patching. - Mandate security awareness training for all vendor employees who access your systems or data. - Include cybersecurity compliance clauses in all vendor contracts

Define a security baseline in Compliance Manager and make it contractual: require vendors to encrypt data at rest and in transit (e.g., Azure Key Vault for keys, TLS 1.2+), enforce Entra ID External Identities with Conditional Access for all vendor logins, and mandate regular patching via Intune or similar. By embedding these precise standards in agreements, vendors know exactly what’s expected to maintain your business relationship.

Defining cybersecurity expectations up front creates a foundation for accountability. Based on my experience, embedding standards like NIST SP 800-171 or ISO 27001 into procurement contracts prevents ambiguity. Specify technical controls, audit requirements, and incident response expectations in clear terms. Do not rely on trust alone. Require independent attestations or assessments to verify compliance. When standards are explicit and contractual, vendors are more likely to embed security into their operating model.

Security expectations need to be clear, consistent, and contractual. I’ve built simple but effective baseline security requirements into SLAs, aligned with frameworks like Cyber Essentials or ISO27001. This avoids ambiguity and makes expectations enforceable. It’s surprising how many vendors raise their game when they realise security is non-negotiable.

Setting clear standards is necessary, but enforcement is where things usually fall short. In my experience, vendors may agree to security requirements on paper but fail to meet them in practice unless there’s regular validation or contractual consequences. Standards only work when they’re backed by real accountability — not just trust.

To bolster vendor cybersecurity, first, assess risks together to highlight shared vulnerabilities. Clearly set standards for security, then educate partners on these and emerging threats. Incentivize security to make it a value driver. Gently monitor compliance supportively, and finally, collaborate closely, making security a shared, proactive goal.

This is tough situation because its often more about people and trust than just technology I have found the best approach is to start a genuine conversation, not send a list of demands. Begin by reminding them you are in this together, a security issue for them becomes a trust issue for your shared customers and nobody wants that. Instead of just listing requirements, ask " How can we help you to meet these goals? Sometimes the hardest past is just knowing where to start. Offering guidance or sharing a simple questionnaire shows you are a partner. It helps shift the tone from " You must do this" to l" lets build something secure and trustworthy together.

I have consistently seen value in treating vendor security maturity as a shared journey. Providing awareness sessions, secure development training, or briefing them on your threat landscape helps align priorities. Many vendors lack access to updated security practices or contextual risk information. Education builds capability and reduces friction when you enforce controls. When you invest in lifting your vendors’ knowledge, you elevate the security posture of your entire supply chain and foster a culture of proactive defense.

Some vendors just don’t know what they don’t know. I’ve taken a collaborative approach, running short awareness sessions, sharing incident response best practices, even walking through real-world breach case studies. It’s about lifting everyone’s knowledge so that we’re all operating at a safer standard.

Setting clear, mandatory cybersecurity standards post-risk assessment is crucial. It removes ambiguity, establishes a security baseline, and firmly communicates that robust security is a non-negotiable prerequisite for any ongoing vendor partnership. This truly fosters a more secure ecosystem.

Raise awareness about real-world cyber risks and consequences. Highlight impact of breaches: data loss, financial damage, reputation. Explain how stronger security builds client trust. Show cybersecurity as a value-add, not just a requirement. Position cyber hygiene as a win-win for both parties.

Host joint security workshops over Microsoft Teams to walk vendors through threat scenarios and remediation best practices. Share curated Microsoft Learn modules on secure configuration—such as Defender for Cloud Attack Path analysis or Zero Trust architecture—and provide hands-on labs using Azure Sandbox environments. This collaborative training helps vendors understand risks and implement proven controls effectively.

Education is valuable — but it only sticks when it’s tied to real impact. I’ve seen vendors nod along in security briefings without changing a thing. What usually works better is framing the risk in business terms: compliance penalties, lost contracts, or downtime. Security becomes a priority when it’s seen as a business enabler, not just an IT checkbox.

Tie contract incentives to measurable outcomes: offer premium support tiers or longer-term agreements when vendors achieve a target Secure Score in Azure Security Center or hit specific Compliance Manager improvement actions. You can also structure rebates or volume discounts around attaining SOC 2 Type II reports. This alignment of financial rewards with security performance motivates vendors to invest in stronger defenses.

Security-driven behavior improves when tied to business outcomes. I have successfully used performance-based incentives such as early renewals, streamlined procurement, or public recognition to reward strong security practices. Conversely, placing limitations or delays on insecure vendors creates necessary pressure. Tying incentives to compliance, certifications, and responsiveness reinforces that cybersecurity is integral to partnership value. Vendors respond when they see security as an opportunity rather than just an obligation.

Positive reinforcement works. I’ve offered preferred vendor status to those who demonstrate strong cybersecurity posture or gain certifications. It creates healthy competition and shows that security investment leads to commercial reward.

Offer prioritized vendor status for meeting security benchmarks. Extend contract terms as a reward for strong cybersecurity practices. Include security performance in partner evaluation criteria. Align incentives with clear, measurable security improvements. Make compliance a pathway to deeper, longer-term collaboration.

Incentives can help — but they need to be paired with clear metrics and transparency. I’ve seen cases where “preferred vendor” status was promised but never defined, which diluted the impact. For incentives to drive real change, vendors need to see a direct link between security compliance and business opportunity. Otherwise, it risks becoming just another vague benefit with no urgency.

Continuous oversight is essential to maintaining vendor accountability. I have found the most effective approach combines automated third-party risk tools with recurring check-ins, audits, and metrics reviews. Monitor breach alerts, vulnerability disclosures, and SLA adherence over time. Make it clear that compliance is not a one-time event but a sustained expectation. Use findings to engage vendors in structured improvement plans. Ongoing visibility not only reduces risk but also strengthens collaboration and transparency.

Trust, but verify. Regular reviews, spot checks, and auditing mechanisms are essential. I've worked with clients to implement simple dashboards tracking vendor security posture, flagging expired certificates, or missed updates. It’s not about policing,it’s about accountability.

We rely on you as a trusted partner, but cybersecurity gaps put both our businesses at risk. A breach through your systems could expose sensitive data, lead to regulatory fines, and damage reputations on both sides. That’s why we need to ensure strong security practices are in place. We’re not just asking for compliance—we’re offering continued partnership and support. Let’s work together to make security a shared priority.

Monitoring compliance is crucial — but it often lacks follow-through. I’ve seen audits happen without any real consequence or remediation tracking, which weakens their value. To be effective, monitoring should be continuous, lightweight where possible, and tied to a feedback loop that includes both technical and business stakeholders. Otherwise, it becomes a routine exercise with little impact.

Long-term vendor relationships thrive on mutual investment in security. Based on my experience, inviting vendors into planning discussions, joint risk reviews, and post-incident analyses fosters stronger alignment. Collaboration should include shared goals, open communication channels, and inclusion in relevant governance forums. When vendors feel like integrated partners rather than external providers, they become more responsive and transparent. Strengthening trust and coordination leads to more resilient and secure outcomes.

Create strong vendor communication through regular check-ins, clear guidelines, feedback loops, joint security drills, and dedicated contacts to enhance security initiatives and drive continuous improvement.

Ultimately, security works best when it’s a partnership. I’ve found that inviting vendors to the table early, especially in planning or architecture discussions, helps them feel valued and increases buy-in. Security shouldn’t be a sticking point; it should be a shared responsibility.

Colaborar com os fornecedores em práticas de cibersegurança não é apenas uma questão operacional — é essencial para mitigar riscos reputacionais, fortalecer a competitividade no mercado e garantir conformidade com as exigências legais, como as leis de proteção de dados. A responsabilidade compartilhada fortalece a resiliência, gera confiança e cria uma vantagem competitiva num cenário onde segurança é cada vez mais um diferencial estratégico.

Create a shared Microsoft Teams or Azure DevOps board for security issue tracking, where your team and vendor security leads jointly manage remediation tasks, share patch schedules, and escalate urgent fixes. Regularly review progress in standing virtual security huddles, adjusting priorities based on Sentinel telemetry. This transparent, hands-on partnership fosters shared accountability and continuous improvement.