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The Hidden Perimeter: Why Third-Party Risk Is Your Risk [Part 1 of 6]
- HAPevolve/Healthcare Preparedness Solutions
- Dec 3
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
In today’s hyper-connected world, your organization’s cybersecurity is only as strong as its weakest link—and that link often lies outside your walls.
Third-party vendors, suppliers, and service providers are essential to business growth. But they also introduce a growing and often underestimated threat: third-party cyber risk.
What Is Third-Party Cyber Risk?
It’s the potential for a security breach or data compromise originating from an external partner with access to your systems, data, or infrastructure.
Think:
Cloud providers
Software vendors
Payment processors
Logistics partners
Freelancers & consultants
Even if your internal security is airtight, a single vulnerability in a vendor’s system can open the door to attackers.
Real-World Examples
Target (2013): Breach via HVAC vendor → 40M credit card numbers stolen
SolarWinds (2020): Supply chain attack → Thousands of organizations impacted
MOVEit (2023): Vulnerability exploited → Hundreds of companies affected globally
Change Healthcare (2024): Ransomware → Multiple impacts, including data compromise of approximately 192 million people
You can outsource services, but not responsibility.
Why It Matters More Than Ever
Most organizations work with hundreds of third parties
Each one expands your attack surface
Regulatory bodies are tightening compliance requirements
What You Can Do Today
Inventory your vendors
Assess their security posture
Establish clear contracts
Monitor continuously
Let’s Start the Conversation
What’s your biggest concern when it comes to third-party cyber risk?
Drop a comment below or connect with me—this is the first post in a 6-part series exploring how to build a resilient vendor ecosystem. Stay tuned for next week’s post: “Know Your Connections: Identifying Third-Party Exposure.”