In security and cybersecurity, a "Third Party Vendor," often referred to simply as a "third party," is an external entity, typically a company or organization, that provides goods, services, software, infrastructure, or any other resources to another organization. These external entities are contracted or partnered with to fulfill specific business needs or functions. Third-party vendors can access an organization's systems, data, or network, and their activities can introduce potential security risks, making it essential for organizations to assess and manage the security of these external relationships. Third-party vendors may include software providers, cloud service providers, suppliers, consultants, and other business partners.

Key considerations related to third-party vendors in security and cybersecurity include:

Security Assessment:  Evaluating the security practices and controls of third-party vendors to ensure that they meet the organization's security requirements and industry standards.

Contractual Agreements:  Establishing legal and service level agreements (SLAs) that outline security expectations, compliance requirements, and responsibilities for both parties.

Data Protection:  ensuring that third-party contractors adhere to applicable data protection rules while handling and protecting sensitive data, such as financial, customer, or intellectual property information.

Risk Management:  Identifying and addressing security risks and vulnerabilities—including those that might be exploited by threat actors—introduced by third-party providers.

Incident Response:  Collaborating with third-party vendors to develop and test incident response plans for coordinated actions in the event of security incidents or breaches.

 Compliance: Confirm that third-party vendors comply with relevant regulations and industry-specific security standards.

Managing the security of third-party vendors is critical to protecting an organization's assets, maintaining customer trust, and preventing security breaches, data leaks, and compliance violations that can result from vulnerabilities or lapses in these external partnerships.

ThreatNG, as a comprehensive platform integrating External Attack Surface Management (EASM), Digital Risk Protection (DRP), and Security Ratings, plays a pivotal role in fortifying Third Party Vendor security, mainly focusing on the organization's external digital presence. By proactively identifying vulnerabilities, threats, and third-party risks, it offers a comprehensive view of potential security concerns. For example, suppose ThreatNG detects a critical vulnerability in a third-party vendor's software to manage the organization's digital presence. In that case, it seamlessly triggers an orchestrated handoff to the organization's Vendor Risk Management (VRM) platform. This streamlined transition empowers the VRM team to assess the severity and impact of the vulnerability, ensuring that the vendor complies with contractual security standards and swiftly initiates corrective actions. Furthermore, ThreatNG's integration with complementary solutions streamlines post-assessment analysis, enabling organizations to enhance Third Party Vendor security, maintain a secure digital presence, and ensure that external partners meet the required regulatory and industry standards, safeguarding their digital ecosystem from potential vulnerabilities and risks.