Business Agreement Types -CompTIA Security +
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An other wondertable as my personal wiki the main source of info was Ian Neil CompTIA Sec + Manual. Do you see something odd? Bluesky
Agreement Type | Main Function | Risks / Insecurity | Recommendation / Best Practices |
---|---|---|---|
Basic Contract | Formally establishes the relationship between two parties, defining roles, responsibilities, and terms. | Can be ambiguous if it lacks specific security clauses or confidentiality provisions. | Include clear security, confidentiality, and compliance clauses. |
Service Level Agreement (SLA) | Defines service standards and response times between provider and client. | Risk of non-compliance, unclear metrics, or insufficient penalties. | Define precise metrics, penalties, and continuous monitoring mechanisms. |
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) | Formal and legally binding document describing roles, responsibilities, and terms of cooperation. | Legal risk if not sufficiently detailed; may be interpreted ambiguously. | Detail specific terms and responsibilities to avoid disputes. |
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) | Formal acknowledgment of mutual intentions, not legally binding. | Lack of legal enforceability can create uncertainty in security commitments. | Use for preliminary agreements; does not replace legal contracts. |
Master Service Agreement (MSA) | Establishes general terms for multiple contractual transactions. | Risk if it does not include specific clauses about data security and incident handling. | Complement with SOW and detailed security clauses. |
Statement of Work (SOW) / Work Order (WO) | Details deliverables, deadlines, and specific project tasks. | Risk if security requirements or audits are not specified. | Include technical and security requirements specific to each project. |
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) | Protects the confidentiality of sensitive information shared between parties. | Legal risk if poorly drafted or if the scope of protected information is not clearly defined. | Draft with clear scope, duration, and penalties for breaches. |
Business Partnership Agreement (BPA) / Joint Venture (JV) | Defines collaboration, profit sharing, intellectual property, and decision-making. | Risk in protecting intellectual property and managing legal and security responsibilities. | Include detailed clauses on data handling, IP, and security. |
Right-to-Audit Clause | Allows evaluating provider compliance with policies and standards. | Risk if access is restricted or audits ignored, compromising transparency. | Define clear access, frequency, and audit scope. |
Other Secure Practices | Description | Recommendation |
---|---|---|
Third-Party Risk Management | Continuous evaluation of risks associated with suppliers and third parties. | Implement formal processes for continuous assessment and monitoring. |
Specific Security Clauses | Inclusion of contract clauses addressing confidentiality, data protection, and continuity. | Include clear clauses mandating compliance with standards (e.g., GDPR, ISO 27001). |
Training and Awareness | Training employees and partners on contractual responsibilities and security. | Periodic training programs and contract review sessions. |
Contingency and Incident Response Plans | Defined roles and procedures for handling third-party-related incidents. | Establish joint response plans and conduct regular drills. |
Periodic Contract Review and Updates | Adapt contracts to reflect changes in regulations and security context. | Review and update agreements annually or after significant changes. |