Supply chain requirements are becoming increasingly stringent, with organisations expecting suppliers to demonstrate strong cybersecurity, compliance, and operational resilience. The good news? A few proactive steps can significantly improve your readiness and help protect your business from disruption.
Use this simple checklist to assess whether your business is supply chain ready.
✅ Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is often one of the first areas customers and partners assess.
Checklist:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enabled
- Endpoint protection deployed on all devices
- Security updates and patching managed regularly
- Strong password policies enforced
- Access permissions reviewed regularly
✅ Data Backup
A cyber attack, accidental deletion, or hardware failure can quickly disrupt operations.
Checklist:
- Critical data backed up regularly
- Backups stored securely
- Backup recovery tested periodically
- Cloud and on-premises data protected
- Recovery objectives clearly defined
✅ Supplier Due Diligence
Your suppliers can introduce risks into your organisation.
Checklist:
- Review cybersecurity practices of key suppliers
- Understand what data suppliers can access
- Request evidence of security certifications where appropriate
- Assess third-party risks regularly
- Maintain an up-to-date supplier register
✅ Business Continuity
Every business should be prepared for unexpected disruptions.
Checklist:
- Business continuity plan documented
- Critical systems and processes identified
- Recovery procedures established
- Key roles and responsibilities assigned
- Plans reviewed and tested regularly
✅ Communication Plans
Clear communication is essential during a disruption.
Checklist:
- Internal communication procedures documented
- Customer communication templates prepared
- Supplier contact information maintained
- Escalation processes defined
- Incident notification procedures established
✅ Staff Awareness Training
Employees remain one of the strongest lines of defence against cyber threats.
Checklist:
- Regular cybersecurity awareness training provided
- Phishing awareness exercises conducted
- Security policies communicated to staff
- New employees trained during onboarding
- Reporting procedures clearly understood