The thinking behind The Agency.
Insights and analysis on third-party risk management, vendor security, regulatory compliance, and the agentic shift reshaping how TPRM teams actually work.
From the team.
Risk ManagementThe Fourth-Party Problem: Why Your Vendor's Vendors Are Now Your Biggest Blind Spot
Most third-party risk programmes stop at tier one. The breach data says the attackers don't. Here's why fourth-party visibility is the defining TPRM challenge of 2026 — and what CISOs need to do about it.
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Risk ManagementRiskXchange vs SecurityScorecard vs BitSight: Eight Dimensions That Actually Matter
RiskXchange, SecurityScorecard, and BitSight all claim to lead on data quality, AI, and speed. We measured all three across eight critical dimensions — from score freshness and remediation speed to data ownership and platform transparency. The results are clear: not all TPRM platforms are built the same.
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Risk ManagementBenchmarking Your Vendor Risk Management Program Maturity: A 2026 Strategic Guide
Most vendor risk programmes in 2026 are still run by just one or two people managing hundreds of suppliers—while 60% of breaches now originate in the supply chain. This guide breaks down how to benchmark your vendor risk management maturity, move beyond manual spreadsheets, and transition to an AI-driven, continuous monitoring model. Learn the five maturity levels, identify where your programme stands, and build a clear roadmap toward proactive, real-time resilience that satisfies regulators like DORA and upcoming FCA requirements.
Read moreComplianceContinuous Vendor Security Monitoring: Closing the 364-Day Blind Spot
Continuous vendor security monitoring eliminates the “364-day blind spot” created by outdated annual assessments, replacing static questionnaires with real-time, AI-driven visibility. In a landscape where most breaches originate from third parties, organisations must adopt an outside-in approach, using automated intelligence, cybersecurity ratings, and tiered monitoring to detect and remediate risks instantly. This guide shows how to transform vendor risk management into a proactive, data-driven system that strengthens resilience and meets modern regulatory demands like DORA.
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ComplianceSupply Chain Cybersecurity Framework: The Definitive 2026 Guide for CISOs
A modern supply chain cybersecurity framework is no longer about periodic vendor audits—it’s about continuous, real-time visibility across your entire digital ecosystem. In 2026, rising threats and stricter mandates like NIS2 and CMMC 2.0 require CISOs to move beyond static compliance and adopt AI-driven monitoring, cybersecurity ratings, and an outside-in perspective. This guide outlines how to build a resilient, data-driven framework that secures not just your direct vendors, but every layer of your supply chain.
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ComplianceThe Essentials of Modern Cybersecurity Law: A 2026 Regulatory Guide
Cybersecurity law in 2026 has shifted from voluntary frameworks to enforceable mandates that demand continuous, real-time oversight. This guide breaks down global regulations like NIS2, DORA, and CIRCIA, and shows how to move from static compliance to a legally defensible, data-driven security posture across your entire supply chain.
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