Skip to main content

On-demand webinar coming soon...

Blog

How-to guide: Get started responding to security questionnaires

Brianna Smith, Content Marketing Specialist, OneTrust | GRCP
April 6, 2020

N/A

Security questionnaires are the most popular method for evaluating an organization’s security program. However, it’s time-consuming and cumbersome to answer hundreds of questions. Those responsible for responding to these questionnaires know this all too well. So, what can we do to make it easier to respond to security questionnaires? Check out our security questionnaire guide to learn more:

Try Questionnaire Response Automation for FREE today!

Security questionnaire guide

Step 1: Establish an intake process

To improve a process, you often need to look at the first step. When you receive a request for information, or a request to complete a questionnaire, how do you receive it? This initial intake is critical to set questionnaire respondents up for success.

Organizations use intake points to gather critical information up front, providing context for questionnaire requests. These intake points are often made available through:

  • Integrations with CRM, enabling sales teams to make requests as a part of the sales cycle 
  • Webforms on a trust page, enabling businesses to make requests directly from a website 
  • Email triggers, enabling individuals to send an email to specific address to kick off a request

By centralizing intake, your organization can better view all requests, simplifying project management and improving response times. Remember, collecting even basic context as part of the intake process is critical. This information can be as simple as:

  • Client name 
  • Requesting individual 
  • Status of NDA 
  • Status of trust package (see step 3) 
  • Any additional context
     

Step 2: Build a security questionnaire answer library

To save time when responding to a security questionnaire, you need a library of “go-to” answers that you can reuse. This answer library is critical and can either be built up organically as you answer incoming questionnaires or more methodically by basing your library off of an industry-standard questionnaire, such as the Shared Assessments SIG Lite or SIG Core.

When building an answer library, consider:

  • The tool you use, because spreadsheets and word docs can grow cumbersome 
  • The search quality, because finding an answer should be simple 
  • The ability to attach evidence, because most questionnaires ask for documentation 
  • The sorting capabilities, because some answers may pertain to only certain questionnaires

Use our free Questionnaire Response Automation tool to build an answer library and autocomplete any incoming questionnaire.

Step 3: Create a trust package

Organizations will often use a “trust package” to reduce the likelihood that a questionnaire needs to be completed. By proactively demonstrating a strong security, privacy, and compliance program, you can put your customers concerns at ease.

A typical trust package may include the following:

  • SOC 2 
  • Security, Privacy, and Compliance Certifications 
  • Privacy Notice 
  • Security Whitepaper 
  • Reliability Metrics 
  • Disaster Recovery Procedures

Many organizations will build public-facing versions in the form of a trust page on their website. Here is a good example.

Step 4: Track critical metrics

Do you know if your security questionnaire response process is working well or in need of an overhaul? To understand how well a team is performing, you need a standard to hold them against.

Some metrics to consider in making that determination may include:

  • Total number of questionnaires completed 
  • Number of questionnaires completed per person 
  • Hours spent per questionnaire 
  • Dollar amount associated with each questionnaire
     

Step 5: Ensure accountability with an audit trail

When refining your questionnaire response process, it’s important that those involved have accountability. To do so, team leads can set internal service-level agreements (SLAs) to define response-time expectations. While operating over email opens the door to mistakes and missed deadlines, leveraging a dedicated tool can provide activity trails to help report on the metrics mentioned above. Simple automation can help improve accountability too, such as automated:

  • Calendar invites 
  • Email reminders 
  • Weekly reports
     

Respond to more questionnaires, In less time

Questionnaires are here to stay. They remain the primary method to evaluate an organization’s security, privacy, and compliance program. The steps listed above are only a small piece of the solution. Those tasked with responding to questionnaires are looking toward technology, such as Vendorpedia’s Questionnaire Response Automation tool, to automatically answer any custom questionnaire.

Try Questionnaire Response Automation for FREE today!


You may also like

Webinar

Technology Risk & Compliance

The PDPL in Saudi Arabia is now in effect: is your business ready?

Join our Saudi Arabia PDPL webinar for an overview on the data protection law, its requirements, and how to prepare for full enforcement.

December 12, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Technology Risk & Compliance

Elevating client compliance with OneTrust Automation: Key strategies for partners

Discover how to use OneTrust Compliance Automation to establish client baselines, improve efficiency, and drive scalability. Learn key strategies to enhance your compliance impact.

December 11, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Technology Risk & Compliance

Understanding the NIS 2 Directive: Compliance insights and best practices

This DataGuidance webinar explores the latest and expected developments in the implementation of the NIS 2 Directive, focusing on practical compliance strategies to ensure your organization is prepared.

December 04, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Technology Risk & Compliance

Tech risk and compliance masterclass: An evidence-based approach to building by-design risk and compliance practices

Discover strategies to embed compliance and risk management into business processes with minimal disruption, using technology-driven solutions for efficiency, scalability, and improvement.

November 06, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Technology Risk & Compliance

Building a strong security posture: Managing compliance, risk, and business engagement in a dynamic landscape

Join our webinar to learn how to optimize security posture, streamline compliance, and leverage automation to manage IT risk in today's complex digital landscape. Register now!

October 29, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Automation

Build resiliency and operationalize compliance with OneTrust: Fall product release recap, 2024

Join our upcoming product release webinar to explore how these new capabilities can help your organization navigate complex frameworks, streamline third-party management, and accelerate AI and data innovation.

October 22, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Technology Risk & Compliance

Compliance Automation product demonstration

Join our live demonstration and see how Compliance Automaiton can help boost compliance efficiency with automated workflows, shared evidence, and 40+ frameworks.

October 02, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Technology Risk & Compliance

Tech risk & compliance masterclass: The anatomy of a framework

Master the fundamentals of constructing robust compliance frameworks that can seamlessly integrate with organizational operations while aligning with regulatory and strategic mandates to deliver measurable insights on your progress and gaps.

August 14, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Technology Risk & Compliance

Tech risk and compliance masterclass

Unlock tech risk management & compliance excellence. Master risk management, build robust frameworks, and foster cross-functional collaboration for long-term resilience.

August 07, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Technology Risk & Compliance

Introducing OneTrust Compliance Automation

Join us as we explore OneTrust Compliance Automation, a holistic and fully integrated solution that streamlines and optimizes workflows, compliance, and attestation.

July 25, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Data Discovery & Classification

Catch it live: See the all-new features in OneTrust's Spring Release and Post-TrustWeek recap

Join us as Ryan Karlin, Senior Director of Product Marketing highlights important updates from TrustWeek including an inside look into OneTrust's new platform features that make it easier for customers to activate data responsibly, surface and mitigate risk, and navigate the complex regulatory environment.

June 06, 2024

Learn more

Report

AI Governance

GRC strategies for effective AI Governance: OCEG research report

Download the full OCEG research report for a snapshot of what organizations are doing to govern their AI efforts, assess and manage risks, and ensure compliance with external and internal requirements.

May 22, 2024

Learn more

Infographic

Third-Party Risk

Streamline compliance with the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)

Download our infographic to learn about the new DORA regulation, who needs to comply, and how OneTrust can help streamline the process.

April 29, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Ethics Program Management

EthicsConnect: Risk - It’s not just for breakfast anymore

Join us for a deep dive into embedding privacy by design into the fabric of your business to promote the responsible use of data.

April 25, 2024

Learn more

Infographic

Technology Risk & Compliance

Rethinking risk assessments: Bridging the gap between best practices and action

Download our infographic to learn the main challenges faced during risk assessments, proven frameworks for assessing risks, and how to translate guidance into action.

March 07, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Technology Risk & Compliance

PCI DSS Compliance: How to scope and streamline monitoring with Certification Automation

Join our PCI DSS webinar where we discuss how Certification Automation can help free up valuable InfoSec resources, streamline audits, and stay continuously compliant.

March 05, 2024

Learn more

eBook

Ethics Program Management

Business messaging apps: A guide to corporate compliance

How can your business use third-party messaging apps while staying compliant? Dive into key usage considerations based on the DOJ’s 2023 guidance.

February 13, 2024

Learn more

Webinar

Technology Risk & Compliance

5 automation trends to modernize InfoSec compliance

Join our webinar for insights on transforming InfoSec program management. Navigate the complexities of modern security with a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective approach.

February 07, 2024

Learn more

Infographic

Third-Party Risk

4 top-of-mind challenges for CISOs

What key challenges do CISOs face going into the new year? Download this infographic to hear what experts from industries across the board have to say.

January 30, 2024

Learn more

eBook

Technology Risk & Compliance

NIST CSF 2.0: Changes, impacts and opportunities for your Infosec program

Get your free guide to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 and learn how its proposed changes will impact your InfoSec programs.

December 18, 2023

Learn more

Resource Kit

Technology Risk & Compliance

NIST CSF essentials: Empowering cybersecurity excellence

Download our NIST CSF Essentials resource kit and master cybersecurity compliance with expert insights, strategies, and real-world case studies.

December 15, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Technology Risk & Compliance

Demonstrating GDPR compliance with Europrivacy criteria: The European Data Protection Seal

Join our webinar to learn more about the European Data Protection Seal and to find out what the key advantages of getting certified.

November 30, 2023

Learn more

Checklist

Technology Risk & Compliance

SOC 2 checklist: 8 steps to achieve compliance

This SOC 2 checklist provides clear action steps that enable you to mature your security program and fast-track your way to compliance.

November 28, 2023

Learn more

Data Sheet

Technology Risk & Compliance

Integrations to automate your framework compliance: ISO 27001, SOC 2, and NIST CSF

Explore how OneTrust integrations can help you automate compliance with today’s most popular InfoSec frameworks.

November 28, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Ethics Program Management

Ethics Exchange: Risk assessments

Join our risk assessments experts as we discuss best practices, program templates, and how provide an assessment that provides the best value for your organization.

October 25, 2023

Learn more

Infographic

Technology Risk & Compliance

Understanding Europe's Top InfoSec and Cybersec Frameworks

Learn the ins and outs of Europe’s top InfoSec and cybersec frameworks, including ISO 27001, UK Cyber Essentials, the NIS2 Directive, DORA, and more.

October 05, 2023

Learn more

Infographic

Technology Risk & Compliance

5 key areas for improved automation in InfoSec compliance

Streamline and scale your organization’s InfoSec compliance program by focusing on these five key areas of automation.

October 02, 2023

Learn more

eBook

Technology Risk & Compliance

Prioritizing the right InfoSec frameworks for your organization

In this free eBook, we explore the basics of three top InfoSec frameworks and how to decide which is the best fit for your organization.

September 27, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Third-Party Risk

Live Demo EMEA: How OneTrust can help advance your third-party risk management program

Join us for a live demo of OneTrust's third-party risk management solution and see how it can help automate and streamline your TPRM program.

September 19, 2023

Learn more

eBook

Privacy Management

Responsible data use: Navigating privacy in the information lifecycle eBook

Download this eBook and get the insights you need to safeguard customer privacy and ensure responsible data use in the information lifecycle.

August 22, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Technology Risk & Compliance

How to successfully implement ISO 27001 to demonstrate security and assurance across any jurisdiction

Join our live webinar and hear from security professionals on how to get ISO 27001 certified, streamline audit preparation, and demonstrate security assurance across any regulatory jurisdiction.

June 28, 2023

Learn more

eBook

Third-Party Risk

InfoSec's guide to third-party risk management: Key considerations and best practices

Download our eBook to learn practical advice on how to approach third-party risk management like an InfoSec expert.

June 05, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

GRC & Security Assurance

Combating InfoSec compliance fatigue: Insights for navigating growingly complex requirements

In this webinar, you will hear first-hand from information security experts experts what are the key pain-points and their strategies to be audit ready. 

February 27, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

Technology Risk & Compliance

Introducing OneTrust Certification Automation: Build, scale, and automate your InfoSec compliance program webinar

In this webinar, learn how to right-size your compliance scope for different frameworks across various business dimensions and enable an agile audit process.

February 15, 2023

Learn more

Webinar

GRC & Security Assurance

Introducing OneTrust Certification Automation: Reinforce privacy accountability with automated InfoSec compliance

Learn how to enable an agile audit process by breaking down complex InfoSec requirements into actionable tasks to help automate your compliance program.

February 10, 2023

Learn more

eBook

Technology Risk & Compliance

The future of information security

Learn how to respond to the security landscape and build a proactive InfoSec program to help your customers and business.

October 10, 2022

Learn more

eBook

Technology Risk & Compliance

The art of the enterprise IT risk assessment

Ensure your enterprise IT risk assessment is a success with a top-down approach that gets executive buy-in from the start

September 16, 2022

Learn more

eBook

Technology Risk & Compliance

The enterprise DevSecOps playbook

As a unified business function, DevSecOps combines rapid software development with top-notch security at scale.

September 02, 2022

Learn more

Webinar

GRC & Security Assurance

How to reinforce your InfoSec risk program in a “Not If, But When” incident environment webinar

Learn how scaling your approach to managing IT assets & risk assessments can deliver a complete picture to better measure and inform program investments.

August 16, 2022

Learn more

Webinar

GRC & Security Assurance

5 critical mistakes to avoid when answering security questionnaires

Avoid these 5 critical mistakes when answering security questionnaires and streamline responses with this webinar.

March 01, 2022

Learn more

Webinar

GRC & Security Assurance

How successful security teams manage risk to build Trust and drive Growth

Watch this webinar to learn what makes a successful risk management program and how effective security teams build trust.

January 12, 2022

Learn more

Webinar

Privacy Management

Build an incident management playbook

Prepare for privacy and security incidents by building an incident management playbook.

August 27, 2021

Learn more

Fundamental to Comprehensive: Where Does Your Compliance Program Stand? Infographic | Resources | OneTrust

Learn more