Est. 4 min read

In a time where data is becoming any organization’s most valuable asset, entrusting it to a technology partner is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Whether you’re managing sensitive internal data or handling customer information, every technology partner needs to meet stringent standards for security and compliance. Below are 5 questions you should definitely ask when evaluating any new, data-centric technology vendor—and how we approach security at Idelic to keep your data safe.

Data Breaches Are on the Rise

High-profile data breaches have dominated headlines in recent years, underscoring just how common (and costly) these events have become. When you partner with a company that stores or processes your data, their systems and processes become your responsibility, too. A breach that compromises your vendor will directly affect you and your reputation. 

Do They Have a Trusted, Secure Infrastructure?

One of the most critical indicators of a vendor’s security posture is the tooling and infrastructure they use. In general, look for the following:

• Proven Cloud Providers
  A well-established cloud platform will typically have extensive security features built-in—everything from physical data center security to advanced encryption and network protections.
  
  
• Encryption: Confirm that a vendor encrypts data both in transit (e.g., via TLS/SSL) and at rest (e.g., with AES-256). Even if attackers gain access to the data, encryption ensures it remains unreadable to unauthorized individuals.
  
  
• Access Control: Seek out vendors who practice the principle of least privilege—only those who need access to specific datasets get it. Solutions like Single Sign-On (SSO) and multi-factor authentication can further reduce the risk of compromised credentials.
  
  
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Vendors should employ DLP technologies or policies to prevent sensitive information from being accidentally leaked or maliciously exfiltrated.
  
  
• Incident Response Plan: Ask whether they have a documented plan to respond to data breaches. A rapid, effective response can minimize damage and restore systems before more data is compromised.
  
  
• Continuous Compliance
  Having a compliance monitoring process that runs year-round—versus once a year—helps identify and address any gaps in security controls before they lead to larger issues.
  

When a vendor uses infrastructure and tooling with proven track records, it’s a signal that they take data security seriously. Technology partners that adhere to the practices above demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding your data from the moment it’s created or ingested, all the way through storage, processing, and eventual deletion.

How Do They Prioritize Employee Protection?

Even the strongest technology stack can be compromised if internal controls are weak. Single Sign-On (SSO) capabilities greatly reduce the risk of compromised credentials by giving employees a single, secure entry point. Additionally, we make sure every device used by our employees—laptops, mobile devices, and more—is protected with the latest security updates. Continuous training, regular security awareness checks, and strict offboarding processes ensure that no one has access to systems longer than they should.

What Systems Are in Place to Stay On Top of Vulnerabilities?

Software vulnerabilities can appear at any time. That’s why it’s essential to adopt a proactive approach to vulnerability management. At Idelic, we keep a constant pulse on newly discovered vulnerabilities and have a process in place to patch or mitigate them as quickly as possible. We also track a key metric known as Mean Time to Resolve (MTTR)—how long it takes us to fix a vulnerability once it’s detected. This metric demonstrates our commitment to resolving potential issues swiftly, and it’s something you should ask any vendor about: “How quickly do you address and close known vulnerabilities?”

Are They Compliant?

Regulatory and industry standards (such as SOC 2) protect customers and end users by holding technology providers accountable for sound security practices. Although GDPR specifically pertains to the European Union and may not apply to every U.S.-based organization, other regulations—whether federal or industry-specific—can. Compliance demands that vendors consistently review and update their processes, from employee onboarding and offboarding to vulnerability management and regular system checks.

Tips for Evaluating a Vendor’s Compliance

When it comes to compliance frameworks, SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) stands out as a must-have for data-centric organizations. But not all SOC 2 reports are created equal:

SOC 2 Type 1: Evaluates a company’s security controls at a specific point in time. For instance, If the company was evaluated and measured on October 1, 2022, they met all requirements at that point in time.

SOC 2 Type 2: Takes things further by examining whether an organization maintains those security controls effectively over a period—often six months or more. Type 2 compliance demonstrates a commitment to long-term security and a proven track record of maintaining secure practices.

Going through the SOC 2 process—both Type 1 and Type 2—helps confirm that a vendor isn’t just secure for a moment in time, but is actively maintaining and improving their controls and processes on an ongoing basis.

Why Compliance Matters

Regulatory and industry standards (such as SOC 2) protect customers and end users by holding technology providers accountable for sound security practices. Although GDPR specifically pertains to the European Union and may not apply to every U.S.-based organization, other regulations—whether federal or industry-specific—can. Compliance demands that vendors consistently review and update their processes, from employee onboarding and offboarding to vulnerability management and regular system checks.

In Short, Here are 5 Key Questions to Ask Potential Vendors

• Do you have a trusted, secure infrastructure?
• What measures are in place to protect data?
• How do you prioritize employee protection?
• What systems are in place to stay on top of vulnerabilities? 
• Are you SOC 2 Type 2 compliant?

These questions will help you discern whether a vendor takes security and compliance as seriously as you do.

The Bottom Line

Choosing a secure and compliant vendor can mean the difference between smooth operations and devastating data breaches. At Idelic, we’re committed to protecting customer data through robust processes, top-tier tools, and rigorous compliance standards. By leveraging industry-leading infrastructure, prioritizing rapid vulnerability resolution, and adhering to frameworks like SOC 2, we strive to offer the confidence and assurance fleets need in a data-centric partner.