Third-Party Vendor Security Assurance

The Most Overlooked Cybersecurity Threat to Organisations

In today’s connected digital landscape, third-party vendors such as cloud providers, SaaS platforms, IT contractors, and supply chain partners play a crucial role in business operations. However, they also represent one of the most underestimated cybersecurity risks to Australian organisations.

Data breaches caused by third-party failures are increasing in both number and impact. In many cases, these breaches are not due to sophisticated attacks, but rather the absence of proper security controls and due diligence when engaging external vendors.

Why Vendor Risk Should Not Be Ignored

Many organisations fail to address vendor-related risks appropriately. Common issues include:

Lack of visibility over how vendors manage access to systems and data
Poor understanding of system boundaries and security responsibilities
Vendors operating without clear expectations or alignment to internal policies
Incomplete or outdated inventories of vendors and their risk levels

These gaps create vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit, often without the organisation’s awareness until damage is done.

NSAA’s Third-Party Risk Management Services

NSAA Security provides a full suite of Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) services tailored to help organisations strengthen their security posture and meet compliance obligations. Our approach combines expert-led assessments with the structure needed to manage vendor risk effectively.

Our VRM services include:

Risk-Based Vendor Assessments
We assess vendors based on the type of access they have, the nature of the services provided, and the sensitivity of data involved. Both inherent and residual risk levels are considered.
Custom Security Questionnaires
We design and administer security questionnaires aligned with your internal controls and industry standards such as ISO 27001, NIST, ISM, APRA CPS 234, and PCI DSS.
Evidence Review and Validation
NSAA reviews vendor-provided certifications (such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, IRAP), security policies, and proof of compliance to validate risk responses.
Vendor Tiering and Classification
We help you group vendors based on risk exposure, business impact, and criticality, enabling clear prioritisation of assessments and oversight.
Remediation Planning and Risk Tracking
Identified gaps are documented, prioritised, and tracked to resolution. You’ll have a clear view of your most pressing risks and how they are being managed.
Regulatory Alignment
Our assessments support your compliance with key regulatory frameworks including the Australian Government’s ISM, APRA CPS 234, and international standards like ISO 27001 and NIST SP 800-53.

Benefits of NSAA’s Approach

Working with NSAA Security provides your organisation with a range of advantages:

Minimised breach risk through early detection of third-party weaknesses
Simplified compliance for internal policies and external audits
Centralised management of vendor risk documentation and workflows
Improved collaboration and communication between vendors and internal teams
Strategic oversight into your extended supply chain security

Supported by Technology, Led by Experts

NSAA’s vendor risk services are supported by our own advanced platform, Sky BlackBox, which streamlines and automates many aspects of the third-party risk management process. It allows for faster assessments, real-time visibility of vendor security performance, and efficient questionnaire management.

However, technology is only part of the solution. Our value lies in our people. NSAA’s consultants provide hands-on support, risk analysis, and actionable advice to ensure your vendor security program is not just compliant but resilient and scalable.

Strengthen Your Vendor Ecosystem with NSAA

Whether your organisation works with five vendors or five hundred, NSAA Security can help you build a trusted, secure vendor landscape. Our tailored services give you control over third-party risks while saving time and ensuring compliance.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support your compliance journey confidently, efficiently, and in full alignment with your business goals.

SECURITY PTY LTD