The most important next step after receiving a vendor questionnaire is to analyze the responses and identify any gaps, issues, or risks that may pose a threat to the organization or its customers. This analysis should be based on the inherent risk profile of the vendor, the criticality of the service or product they provide, and the applicable regulatory and contractual requirements. The analysis should also highlight any adverse or high priority responses that indicate a lack of adequate controls, policies, or procedures on the vendor's part. These responses should be prioritized for further validation, testing, or remediation. The analysis should also document any assumptions, limitations, or dependencies that may affect the accuracy or completeness of the vendor's responses. References:
* Shared Assessments CTPRP Study Guide, Section 4.2.2, page 43
* Third-Party Risk Management: Managing Risk, Section "Assessing and monitoring third-party risk"
* What Is Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM)? 2024 Guide, Section "Third-Party Risk Management Process"