Information Security: How to Securely Check External Service Providers

27. September 2026 Laura Informationssicherheit Dienstleisterprüfung DSGVO xynap

# Information Security: How to Securely Check External Service Providers

The use of external service providers is indispensable for many companies. But it also brings risks – especially with regard to information security. An external provider can process sensitive data, gain access to systems or even distribute malware. Therefore, a careful examination of such service providers is crucial to ensure the security of your own IT infrastructure.

## What does this mean for your company?

When using external service providers, you need to make sure they meet your security standards. This includes the confidentiality of data, the protection against hacker attacks and compliance with legal requirements such as the GDPR. It is important to conduct a thorough review before working together to identify and minimise potential risks at an early stage.

## How ISN/xynap supports this

xynap’s **Infrastructure** and **Security** modules provide secure infrastructure and security measures relevant to the selection and management of external service providers. They help you to ensure the security of your systems without relying on external providers.

## What does this mean for the testing of external service providers?

When testing external service providers, you should pay attention to the following aspects: **Confidentiality: Make sure the data is not shared without your consent. **Security standards**: Check that the provider has appropriate security measures, such as encryption or access restrictions. - **Access control**: Ensure that only authorized persons can access your systems. \n- **Continuous monitoring**: An external provider should be able to detect and respond to security incidents.

What is an Identity Fabric?

An identity fabric is a system that manages different identities and access rights in a unified framework. It makes it possible to manage user identities across multiple systems without configuring each system individually. This is especially useful when using external service providers as it simplifies the security and access to your systems.

Why is trust important?

Trust is a central aspect of working with external service providers. It is important that the provider is not only technical, but also ethical and trustworthy. A relationship of trust is the basis for long-term and secure cooperation.

## How can you build trust?

To build trust, you should: Make clear agreements that define safety standards and responsibilities. - **Perform regular checks** to ensure that the provider complies with the agreements. Create transparency by involving the provider about your security requirements and your data.

## Conclusion

External service providers are a crucial step in ensuring your company’s information security. With careful scrutiny and the right choice, you can minimize risks and ensure secure cooperation. With xynap, you can use the necessary security measures and infrastructure to protect your data and systems.

Sources (6)

  1. www.dr-datenschutz.de
  2. www.bsi.bund.de
  3. www.kes-informationssicherheit.de
  4. www.secjur.com
  5. t3n.de
  6. www.heise.de