Using Lightweight Supplier Due Diligence Questionnaires

Lightweight Supplier Due Diligence Questionnaires are an efficient method for evaluating suppliers who do not have direct access to a company's network, confidential data, or critical systems. These questionnaires provide a streamlined approach to assessing a supplier’s basic cybersecurity posture while minimising the administrative burden on both parties.

This article explains when to use a lightweight questionnaire, the key topics covered, and what questions are typically asked.

When to Use a Lightweight Due Diligence Questionnaire

A full supplier due diligence assessment is often necessary when suppliers handle sensitive data or interact with internal systems. However, in cases where suppliers pose minimal cybersecurity risks, a lightweight questionnaire is more appropriate.

Ideal Use Cases

• The supplier does not have access to the corporate network or internal systems.

• The supplier does not handle or store confidential, secret, or classified information.

• The supplier provides low-risk services, such as marketing, consultancy, or physical supplies.

• The supplier is a small business or third-party vendor with limited IT infrastructure.

• The supplier is involved in non-technical operations, such as catering, facilities management, or logistics.

Using a lightweight questionnaire in these scenarios allows for efficient risk assessment without overwhelming the supplier with unnecessary security requirements.

What Does a Lightweight Questionnaire Cover?

The lightweight supplier due diligence questionnaire typically consists of core cybersecurity and compliance topics without the in-depth technical assessments found in full due diligence reports.

Key Sections & Questions

The questionnaire is structured around fundamental security and compliance areas, including:

1. About the Organisation

• Name of the supplier and primary contact details.

• Description of the services provided.

• Whether the supplier uses third-party subcontractors.

2. Security Policy & Organisation

• Does the organisation have an information security policy?

• Is the organisation accredited to ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, or PCI-DSS?

• Who is responsible for security governance within the organisation?

3. Personnel Security

• Are employment background checks conducted (e.g., DBS checks, reference checks)?

• Are staff provided with cybersecurity awareness training?

• Are employees subject to confidentiality agreements (NDAs)?

4. Data Protection & Privacy

• Is the organisation GDPR-compliant or aligned with other data protection regulations (e.g., CCPA)?

• Does the organisation have a data retention and disposal policy?

• How does the organisation handle customer data?

5. Physical Security

• Where is the supplier’s primary office or data centre located?

• Does the supplier’s workplace have access control measures (e.g., security badges, visitor logs)?

• How is paper-based confidential information handled and disposed of?

6. Information Disposal

• Are electronic devices (e.g., laptops, USBs, storage devices) securely wiped before disposal?

• Does the supplier use certified destruction services for sensitive data?

• How is printed confidential material disposed of?

7. System Management & IT Security

• Does the supplier have anti-virus, firewalls, and endpoint protection in place?

• Are software updates and security patches applied regularly?

• Does the supplier have password policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

8. Business Resilience & Disaster Recovery

• Does the supplier have a business continuity plan in case of disruptions?

• Are backups of critical data stored securely?

• Has the supplier experienced a cybersecurity incident in the past 12 months?

9. Network Security (if applicable)

• Does the supplier operate its own corporate network?

• How does the supplier secure its Wi-Fi and remote access connections?

• Are logs and monitoring systems in place to detect unauthorised access?

Advantages of Using a Lightweight Questionnaire

A lightweight due diligence questionnaire balances efficiency and security by ensuring a reasonable level of cybersecurity assessment without excessive complexity.

Key Benefits:

1. Faster Response Time – Since suppliers don’t need to perform detailed security assessments, they can complete the questionnaire quickly.

2. Reduces Burden on Small Vendors – Small businesses and non-technical suppliers may lack formal cybersecurity policies, so a lightweight approach ensures they are not overwhelmed.

3. Focuses on Key Risks – The questions prioritise essential security practices without excessive scrutiny of technical implementations.

4. Provides a Baseline Security Assessment – Ensures all suppliers meet a minimum security standard before engagement.

How to Use a Lightweight Questionnaire in Supplier Onboarding

Step-by-Step Process

1. Identify the Supplier’s Risk Level

   • If the supplier does not access internal systems or handle confidential data, proceed with a lightweight questionnaire.

   • If the supplier has higher access or handles sensitive data, consider a full due diligence assessment.

2. Send the Questionnaire

   • Provide the supplier with the questionnaire and clear instructions for completion.

   • Ensure they understand why it is necessary and how their responses will be used.

3. Review the Responses

   • Ensure all critical questions are answered.

   • Verify compliance claims (e.g., ISO 27001, GDPR alignment) through documentation where applicable.

   • Identify any areas of concern (e.g., lack of basic security controls).

4. Assess the Risk

   • If the supplier meets basic cybersecurity expectations, they can be approved.

   • If major gaps exist, follow up for clarifications or additional measures.

   • If high-risk concerns arise, escalate the assessment to a full due diligence review.

5. Document the Decision

   • Maintain records of completed questionnaires as part of the supplier risk management process.

   • Monitor for any future changes in security posture.

Example Scenario: When to Use a Lightweight vs Full Due Diligence Assessment

Conclusion

A lightweight supplier due diligence questionnaire is a practical approach for evaluating low-risk vendors while maintaining an effective security baseline. It ensures that all suppliers meet fundamental cybersecurity and compliance requirements without excessive administrative overhead.

By focusing on essential security principles, organisations can streamline supplier onboarding while ensuring basic risk management. For higher-risk suppliers, a full cybersecurity due diligence assessment should be conducted.