Supplier Security and Privacy Assurance
Now more than ever, organizations must diligently apply strong data security and privacy practices in all facets of the business. Protecting confidential and private data is essential to building customer trust, and often required by law such as with Europe’s General Data Protection Requirements (GDPR). Businesses large and small are subject to these regulations, yet the largest, global enterprises face the biggest risks due to the nature and volume of data they possess.
A recurring challenge for many enterprises is how to ensure consistent protection of confidential and private data throughout their complex, global supply chains. Some organizations rely on System and Organization Controls (SOC) reports, but these are not always a perfect or cost-effective solution.
Forward-thinking enterprises are implementing SSPA programs to ensure suppliers are following standardized data protection requirements. SSPA framework assesses risk levels based on set criteria, and requires certain controls and processes be in place based on the assessed level of risk. In whole, these programs help ensure the protection of confidential and private data to which suppliers have been entrusted. Often, these programs include independent verification of compliance by qualified firm.
Compliance with SSPA programs can be essential for suppliers to remain in good standing with important customers. However, many companies have never been through a control assessment and the prospect can be daunting. Many companies are initially confused by the requirements and are worried that the process will be expensive and time consuming. Fortunately, with an experienced partner like SC&H the process can be manageable and cost-effective.
If you have a customer requiring your compliance with an SSPA, we hope you’ll contact us so we can talk about your situation and chart a path to compliance. Fill out the form to get in touch or contact us directly at 877-675-9330.