Hire a TPRM Specialist
Your organisation is only as secure as the weakest link in your vendor chain. Supply chain attacks, data breaches at third parties and non-compliant vendors pose a growing risk. MVPeople Group delivers TPRM specialists who map, assess and manage your vendor risks in accordance with NIS2 and sector-specific requirements.
Third party risk management: securing the chain
Modern organisations are deeply intertwined with their vendors and third parties. Cloud providers process your data, SaaS applications support critical business processes and IT service providers have access to your systems. Each external party introduces potential risks: from data breaches and cyber attacks to business continuity disruptions and compliance violations.
In recent years, high-profile supply chain incidents have demonstrated how vulnerable organisations are through their vendor chain. The SolarWinds attack, Kaseya ransomware and MOVEit vulnerability affected thousands of organisations through a single compromised vendor. This has greatly increased awareness around TPRM and led to stricter regulation.
NIS2 explicitly requires organisations to manage cybersecurity risks in their supply chain. DORA requires financial institutions to maintain a register of all ICT service providers and classify them based on criticality. GDPR requires data controllers to ensure that processors take appropriate security measures. All this makes TPRM an indispensable part of business operations.
MVPeople Group has an experienced network of TPRM professionals: from strategic TPRM managers who lead the entire vendor risk programme to vendor risk analysts who conduct vendor assessments and supply chain security specialists who secure the digital supply chain.
TPRM profiles we deliver
From vendor assessment to supply chain security: our specialists cover the full TPRM spectrum.
TPRM Manager
Responsible for the entire third party risk management programme. Develops TPRM policy, manages the vendor risk assessment process and reports on the risk profile of the vendor portfolio to management.
Vendor Risk Analyst
Conducts risk assessments on vendors and third parties. Analyses SIG questionnaires, evaluates security certifications, assesses contractual safeguards and produces risk reports with concrete recommendations.
Supply Chain Security Specialist
Focuses on securing the digital supply chain. Identifies risks in software supply chains, assesses SaaS dependencies and implements measures against supply chain attacks and compromised updates.
TPRM Consultant
Advises on and implements TPRM frameworks and processes. Sets up vendor classification, due diligence procedures, contractual security requirements and continuous monitoring in accordance with ISO 27036 and NIS2 requirements.
Third Party Auditor
Conducts audits at third parties to verify compliance with contractual security requirements and standards. Reviews SOC 2 reports, ISO 27001 certifications and performs on-site assessments at critical vendors.
Certifications in our network
Frequently asked questions about TPRM
What is Third Party Risk Management (TPRM)?
Third Party Risk Management (TPRM) is the systematic identification, assessment, monitoring and management of risks arising from relationships with external parties such as vendors, service providers, cloud providers and partners. TPRM includes assessing the security measures of third parties, setting contractual requirements and continuously monitoring the risk profile throughout the vendor relationship.
Why has TPRM become increasingly important?
Organisations are increasingly dependent on third parties for critical business processes, IT services and data processing. Incidents such as the SolarWinds supply chain attack and the MOVEit vulnerability have demonstrated that attackers increasingly use the supply chain as an attack vector. Additionally, NIS2 and DORA set explicit requirements for vendor risk management, making TPRM a legal obligation for many organisations.
What are the NIS2 requirements for supply chain security?
NIS2 requires essential and important entities to manage cybersecurity risks in their supply chain. This includes assessing the security measures of direct vendors, incorporating security requirements in contracts, monitoring the security level of vendors and having an incident response process that covers the chain. Organisations must demonstrate a systematic approach to supply chain security.
Which frameworks are used for TPRM?
The most commonly used TPRM frameworks are ISO 27036 (vendor relationships in information security), NIST SP 800-161 (supply chain risk management), the Shared Assessments SIG/SIG Lite questionnaire programme for vendor assessments, and the NIS2 chain requirements. Many organisations also use custom TPRM frameworks that combine elements of these standards, tailored to their specific risk profile and sector.
How do you classify vendors based on risk?
Vendor classification is the foundation of any TPRM programme. Vendors are typically categorised into risk tiers (critical, high, medium, low) based on factors such as: the sensitivity of the data they process, the criticality of the service to business operations, the level of system access they have and the replaceability of the vendor. Critical vendors receive the most comprehensive assessment and continuous monitoring.
How quickly can a TPRM specialist start?
We typically present suitable TPRM profiles within 5 to 10 working days. Availability depends on the requested specialisation: a vendor risk analyst is generally more readily available than a senior TPRM manager with specific industry experience in, for example, the financial sector. Get in touch for a realistic estimate.
Does MVPeople also support setting up a TPRM programme?
Yes, through our MVProjects service line we deliver specialists who set up complete TPRM programmes. This includes developing TPRM policy and procedures, setting up vendor classification and risk assessment, drafting contractual security requirements, selecting TPRM tooling and implementing continuous monitoring. We also deliver interim TPRM managers who temporarily lead the programme.
Need a TPRM specialist?
From vendor risk analysts to supply chain security experts: we deliver the TPRM professionals who make your vendor risks manageable.