Staff Access to Sensitive Data

This question asks whether the vendor's employees (or their contractors) can see or access your sensitive business data, financial information, or health records. It's like asking whether the cleaning crew at a bank can open the safe deposit boxes - you need to know who has access to your most sensitive information.

Unnecessary data access by vendor staff increases insider threat risks and compliance liabilities. Every person with access is a potential security vulnerability through malice, mistake, or compromised credentials. Limiting and monitoring access reduces breach risks, ensures compliance with privacy regulations, and builds customer trust. This directly impacts your ability to handle regulated data and win security-conscious clients.

Vendors often claim 'limited access' without specifying who has access, when, and for what purposes. Another mistake is not considering third-party contractors or support staff who might have temporary access during troubleshooting or maintenance.