Introduction

When it comes to suppliers, a handshake and good faith aren’t enough.
If your suppliers handle sensitive data or provide critical services, you need written, enforceable agreements that clearly define how they’ll protect your information.

ISO 27001 Control 5.20 ensures that security requirements are not just discussed but documented in supplier contracts.

Summary of Control 5.20: Addressing Security Within Supplier Agreements

🔒 Control Title: Addressing Security Within Supplier Agreements
📘 Source: ISO/IEC 27002:2022, Section 5.20
🧩 Control Category: Organizational
🔍 Attributes:

Control Type: #Preventive / #Detective

Security Properties: #Confidentiality, #Integrity, #Availability

Cybersecurity Concepts: #Protect, #Detect

Operational Capabilities: #Third_Party_Risk_Management, #Governance

Security Domain: #Protection_and_Defense

Control Objective

To ensure that supplier agreements include clearly defined security requirements covering confidentiality, compliance, incident response, and other obligations reducing risks from outsourcing and third-party involvement.

Implementation Guidance

1) Include Key Security Clauses:

• Confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations
• Compliance with ISO 27001 or other frameworks (e.g., SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA)
• Data ownership, handling, and destruction requirements
• Access controls and monitoring
• Subcontractor obligations

2) Define Incident Handling:

• Require suppliers to report security incidents quickly
• Specify escalation timelines and points of contact

3) Audit and Review Rights:

• Reserve the right to audit or request compliance reports from suppliers

4) Assign Responsibilities:

• Clarify which party is responsible for what in the event of a security incident

5) Address End-of-Contract Requirements:

• Secure data return or destruction
• Revoke supplier access to systems and facilities

Why This Control Matters

Without security clauses in supplier agreements:

• You may be left exposed if a supplier suffers a breach
• Legal and compliance obligations could be unclear or unenforceable
• Customers may lose trust if third parties mishandle data

With strong contractual requirements:

• Suppliers are legally bound to meet your security expectations
• Accountability is clear before, during, and after the partnership
• Regulatory compliance risks are reduced

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Using generic contracts without security-specific clauses
• Not updating agreements when regulations change
• Overlooking subcontractors in the supply chain
• Lacking clear exit and data-handling provisions

Canadian Cyber’s Take

At Canadian Cyber, we help organizations embed security into supplier contracts so expectations are clear and enforceable.
From confidentiality clauses to incident reporting obligations, we make sure your agreements protect your data and reputation.

Want Supplier Agreements That Truly Protect You?

We can help you draft, review, and enforce ISO 27001-compliant supplier agreements tailored to your business and industry.
👉 Click here to strengthen your supplier contracts.

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