Classify Service Providers
Description
Classify service providers. Classification consideration may include one or more characteristics, such as data sensitivity, data volume, availability requirements, applicable regulations, inherent risk, and mitigated risk. Update and review classifications annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
Implementation Checklist
Tool Recommendations
Third-party risk management with automated vendor assessments, continuous monitoring, and risk scoring
ServiceNow · Enterprise subscription
Third-party risk management platform with vendor assessment automation, continuous monitoring, and compliance mapping
OneTrust · Enterprise subscription
Security ratings platform providing continuous monitoring of vendor cybersecurity posture with data-driven risk scoring
BitSight · Enterprise subscription
Threats & Vulnerabilities (CIS RAM)
Threat Scenarios
Disproportionate Trust Granted to High-Risk Service Provider
ConfidentialityA service provider processing large volumes of sensitive regulated data is treated with the same minimal oversight as a low-risk office supply vendor because no classification system distinguishes provider risk levels.
Regulatory Non-Compliance from Unclassified Provider Handling Regulated Data
IntegrityAn organization fails a regulatory audit because it cannot demonstrate risk-appropriate oversight of service providers handling protected health or financial data, as no classification scheme exists.
Vulnerabilities (When Safeguard Absent)
No Risk-Based Classification of Service Providers
Without classifying providers by data sensitivity, volume, availability requirements, and regulatory exposure, the organization applies uniform and often insufficient controls regardless of actual risk.
Inability to Prioritize Vendor Risk Management Efforts
Absence of classification prevents the organization from focusing security oversight resources on the highest-risk service providers, resulting in inadequate attention to critical vendor relationships.
Evidence Requirements
| Type | Evidence Item | Collection Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Document | Current inventory or catalog documentation | Maintained continuously, reviewed quarterly |
| Document | Process/procedure documentation for identification activities | Reviewed annually |
| Record | Third-party risk assessment reports and scorecards | Annually per vendor |
| Document | Vendor contracts with security requirements | Per contract cycle |
| Document | Governing policy document (current, approved, communicated) | Reviewed annually |