Contracts with suppliers and third-party partners are used to implement appropriate measures designed to meet the objectives of an organization’s cybersecurity program and Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management Plan.

The organization must maintain a list of partners who have access to confidential information. System vendors and processors of personal data are listed separately from other stakeholders because they play an active role in the processing of data.

A supplier agreement will be drawn up with all partners directly or indirectly involved in the processing of data. The aim is to ensure that there is no misunderstanding between the organization and the supplier of parties' obligations regarding to complying with security requirements.

The organization shall include in the supplier agreement, as appropriate:

• the data used by the supplier (and possible data classification) and staff receiving access to data
• rules on the acceptable use of data
• confidentiality requirements for data processing staff
• parties responsibilities in meeting regulatory requirements
• parties' concrete responsibilities in relation to data security (e.g. access control, monitoring)
• reporting and correcting incidents
• requirements for the use of subcontractors
• allowing auditing supplier processes and controls related to the contract (and committing to correcting non-conformities)
• a commitment to return or destroy data at the end of the contract
• the supplier's responsibility to comply with organization's security guidelines

A designated responsible person actively monitors the supplier's activities and services to ensure compliance with the security terms of the contracts and the proper management of security incidents.

Monitoring includes the following:

• monitoring the promised service level
• reviewing supplier reports and arranging follow-up meetings
• regular organization of independent audits
• follow-up of problems identified in audits
• more detailed investigation of security incidents and review of related documentation
• review of the supplier's future plans (related to maintaining the service level)

The organization shall define a security assessment and conduct it on a regular basis for the partners in the supply chain of the digital services provided.

This should ensure the compliance of the partners affecting the security of the services provided and thus the fulfillment of the terms of the contract.