→ The Executive Blind Spot 👨‍💼

It’s just another Tuesday.
You’re prepping for your next board update when your CRM vendor emails:“We’ve detected unusual activity involving client data.”

Hours later, it’s in the news. Attackers breached your vendor’s systems not yours but they’re using its access to siphon your data.

You didn’t lose control of your network.
You lost control of your trust boundary

→ Why It Matters (Business Impact)

• Outsourcing is a business move.

• Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) is the safeguard.

When you outsource, you delegate function, not accountability.
When you skip TPRM, you inherit every weakness your supplier hides behind “trust us.”

→ GRC X Offensive Security (Collaboration Angle)

Attackers love the path of least resistance.
They don’t hack you — they compromise the vendor you trust.

Common entry points:

• Compromised MSP credentials

• Over-scoped API tokens

• Unsigned software updates

• Vendor tools with zero telemetry

Every integration is a potential pivot.
Every blind spot is an invitation.

→ Compliance Lens: What Auditors Expect

✅ If you can’t show it, it didn’t happen.

→ Actionable Playbook (Practical Steps)

How to make TPRM actionable — and auditable.

1. Classify your suppliers.
   Tag each as critical, high, medium, or low. Keep the register live.

2. Harden contracts.
   Add security clauses: MFA, 72-hour breach notice, right-to-audit, kill switch.

3. Limit access surface.
   Use scoped API keys, short-lived credentials, JIT access. Log reviews quarterly.

4. Pull vendor telemetry.
   Centralize supplier logs in your SIEM; don’t wait for “we’ll notify you.”

5. Simulate a vendor breach.
   Run a tabletop. Start with a compromised SaaS provider and track response time.

Each step produces evidence tickets, redlines, reviews, logs. That’s what auditors (and attackers) notice.

→ Leadership Lens (Executive Takeaways)

You can outsource operations not risk.
The next breach won’t start in your data center; it’ll start in your vendor’s.
Make sure your controls and your evidence travel with them.

Action:

1. Pick your top 3 critical vendors today.

2. Find: contract, latest security report, and access list.

3. If one’s missing, you’ve found tomorrow’s audit finding.

Every control tells a story. Share yours and continue the dialogue with me on LinkedIn.