At first glance, finding, assessing, and implementing a new vendor relationship doesn't seem like it should be that difficult to achieve. After all, an outside vendor is brought in to help solve a problem, not create a new one, correct? Unfortunately, vendor onboarding can cause more friction than is realized, especially regarding security assessments and understanding security controls.

Here are a few tips your InfoSec, procurement, and sales teams can take to help reduce unnecessary friction when it comes time to assess and onboard new vendors:

1. Identify vendors who are in line with your security protocols.

Right out of the gate, it is always a good idea to work with new vendors with security protocols that closely align with yours. This may mean actively working with security leaders in your space or researching feedback from past vendors on how security protocols worked with this new vendor. If different departments or procurement teams are bringing new vendors to the table, make sure they know what to look for and how to decide between two potential vendors before you get too far into the sales process to turn around.

2. Publish your security controls so the vendor can get a head start on assessments.

Another good way to reduce any friction is to help your new vendor with their assessment request process proactively. Publishing your security protocols and then sharing this information with the vendor can help both of your teams get ahead of things and jump-start the vendor assessment process.

3. Get involved early in the sales process.

One tip for InfoSec teams looking for more control and transparency during the vendor assessment and onboarding process is to get involved as early as possible. When InfoSec resources have insight and visibility in the onboarding process (even if it's just being cc'd on updates), it's easier to jump in with answers, updates, and ideas when roadblocks arise.

4. Give your internal teams tips on what to look for in new vendors.

Depending on your internal team's size, you may be dealing with multiple vendor requests at once. InfoSec resources can be spread thin, which can cause friction during crucial moments in vendor partnerships. With your larger corporate team working as an extension of your InfoSec team, InfoSec resources can enter into vendor conversations confident that nothing missed or skipped may cause an issue down the road.

Ready to get started?

With Whistic, your InfoSec team can leverage secure, cloud-based technology to make vendor security a priority across your organization. From equipping procurement teams with the tools they need to take the first steps to assess vendors to educating your entire organization on what to look for in security-first vendors, Whistic can help establish a security-first mindset in your organization.

You can learn more and get started here.