Ensuring Security Compliance for Third-Party E-commerce Providers

The Importance of Examining Compliance during Review Period

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Question

An organization has contracted with a third-party e-commerce provider.

Which of the following is MOST important for the information security manager to examine during the subsequent compliance review period?

Answers

Explanations

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A. B. C. D.

A.

When an organization contracts with a third-party e-commerce provider, it is essential to ensure that the provider meets the organization's information security requirements. Therefore, a compliance review is crucial to examine the provider's controls, infrastructure, adherence to the service level agreement, and right-to-audit provisions in the contract.

Out of the given options, the most important aspect for the information security manager to examine during the subsequent compliance review period is the "adherence to the service level agreement" (SLA), which is option C.

A service level agreement is a contractual agreement between an organization and its service provider that outlines the level of service that the provider is expected to deliver. It also specifies the metrics that will be used to measure the service provider's performance, such as uptime, response time, and customer support.

The SLA sets expectations for the provider's performance and outlines the consequences of non-compliance, such as financial penalties or termination of the contract. Therefore, it is crucial for the information security manager to ensure that the provider adheres to the SLA to avoid any potential security risks or breaches that could affect the organization's operations and reputation.

Option A, "Changes to the provider's controls and infrastructure," is also important to examine. Still, it is typically included in the SLA, making option C the more critical factor to consider during the compliance review.

Option B, "Financial provisions and maintenance expenses," is important for budgetary and financial planning purposes. Still, it is not directly related to information security.

Option D, "Right-to-audit provisions in the contract," is also essential as it allows the organization to conduct audits on the provider's information security controls and infrastructure. However, it is not as critical as the adherence to the SLA, which outlines the provider's performance standards and consequences of non-compliance.

In conclusion, the information security manager should prioritize examining the provider's adherence to the service level agreement during the compliance review period to ensure that the provider meets the organization's information security requirements.