Why Third Party Vendor Audits Matter in 2026
Businesses today depend on a large network of partners. Cloud platforms, SaaS tools, payment processors, logistics companies and IT service providers all play a role in daily operations. This interconnected setup makes work easier, yet it also opens the door to a new wave of cyber risks. By 2026, security teams consider vendors one of the highest-risk entry points for attackers. A small weakness in a partner’s environment can easily cascade into a major breach for the primary organization. This is why vendor audits have become essential. Modern Supply Chain Risks You Can’t Ignore The digital supply chain is no longer simple. It involves many external systems handling business data at different layers. This creates multiple points where an attack can start. Some of the biggest challenges include: Vendors using unapproved or insecure tools Hundreds of cloud apps holding sensitive data API connections that expose internal systems Subcontractors you never evaluated ...