Before relying on a vendor’s certification for international security standards, such as ISO/IEC 27001, it is most important that the information security manager confirms that the certification scope is relevant to the service being offered. The certification scope defines the boundaries and applicability of the information security management system (ISMS) that the vendor has implemented and audited. The scope should cover the processes, activities, assets, and locations that are involved in delivering the service to the client. If the scope is too narrow, too broad, or not aligned with the service, the certification may not provide sufficient assurance of the vendor’s security capability and performance.
The current international standard was used to assess security processes (A) is an important factor, but not the most important one. The information security manager should verify that the vendor’s certification is based on the latest version of the standard, which reflects the current best practices and requirements for information security. However, the standard itself is generic and adaptable, and does not prescribe specific security controls or solutions. Therefore, the certification does not guarantee that the vendor has implemented the most appropriate or effective security processes for the service being offered.
The certification will remain current through the life of the contract (B) is also an important factor, but not the most important one. The information security manager should ensure that the vendor’s certification is valid and up to date, and that the vendor maintains its compliance with the standard throughout the contract period. However, the certification is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that requires periodic surveillance audits and recertification every three years. Therefore, the certification does not ensure that the vendor’s security capability and performance will remain consistent or satisfactory for the duration of the contract.
The certification can be extended to cover the client’s business (D) is not a relevant factor, as the certification is specific to the vendor’s ISMS and does not apply to the client’s business. The information security manager should not rely on the vendor’s certification to substitute or supplement the client’s own security policies, standards, or controls. The information security manager should conduct a due diligence and risk assessment of the vendor, and establish a clear and comprehensive service level agreement (SLA) that defines the security roles, responsibilities, expectations, and metrics for both parties.
References = CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, Chapter 3: Information Security Program Development and Management, Section: Information Security Program Management, Subsection: Procurement and Vendor Management, page 142-1431
