Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) Plan

Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) is the process of identifying, assessing and mitigating risks in an organization's supply chain that could impact the security and integrity of an organization's products, services and operations.

C-SCRM includes risks associated with the use of third-party vendors, software and other components that make up an organization's broader technology infrastructure. Effective C-SCRM involves identifying potential vulnerabilities and threats in the supply chain and implementing measures to reduce or eliminate those risks. This includes conducting risk assessments, implementing cybersecurity controls and regularly monitoring the supply chain for evolving threats and potential vulnerabilities.

C-SCRM also involves working closely with suppliers and vendors to ensure that those Third-Party Service Providers (TSP) meet an organization's cybersecurity and privacy requirements to prevent the introduction of additional risks to the organization.

There is a lot of invaluable information on the Internet about what C-SCRM is from authoritative sources, such as the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the US National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) and many others. However, it is important to understand that NIST is the authoritative source on C-SCRM-related matters and provides authoritative guidance on the subject for the US Government:

• Section 1323 of the Secure Technology Act tasked NIST with identifying and recommending development of "supply chain risk management standards, guidelines, and practices for executive agencies to use when assessing and developing mitigation strategies to address supply chain risks..."
• Section 201.301(d) of the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act (FASCSA) requires the Federal Acquisition Security Council (FASC) to consultation with NIST and participate in FASC activities as a member to advise the FASC on NIST standards and guidelines issued under 40 U.S.C. 11331, including ensuring that any recommended orders do not conflict with such standards and guidelines.

NIST has several publications and sites that directly frame or support SCRM:

• NIST SP 800-161, Supply Chain Risk Management Practices for Federal Information Systems and Organizations;
• NIST IR 8276, Key Practices in Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management: Observations from Industry;
• NIST IR 8286, Integrating Cybersecurity and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM); and
• NIST's guidance on Executive Order (EO) 14028

Keep in mind that the NIST publications are merely guidance and there is no formal implementation guidance for C-SCRM.

If you are interested in implementing an SCRM plan, we provide a product we call the C-SCRM Strategy & implementation Plan (C-SCRM SIP), and you can learn more about it from this link – https://complianceforge.com/free-guides/cybersecurity-supply-chain-risk-management-scrm.