It is now public knowledge: InfoCert, one of the leading European providers of trusted digital services, has recently fallen victim to a data breach, once again highlighting the urgent need for a solid and integrated cybersecurity strategy. At the core of such a strategy lies an approach that, in line with European regulations (including the NIS2 Directive), brings together in a single framework the concepts of rating and due diligence for third parties and the entire digital supply chain.
The strategic value of ratings and Due Diligence
Organizations—especially those operating in critical sectors or delivering sensitive services—cannot afford to neglect continuous monitoring of their digital supply chains. Specifically, rating and due diligence activities are combined into a single process aimed at identifying potential issues, assessing levels of exposure, and ensuring that security requirements are actually met by suppliers and partners.
This analysis should go beyond mere document checks, extending across the entire ecosystem to include technical procedures, organizational practices, and operational standards.
This integrated approach is consistent with European regulatory requirements, which not only mandate the adoption of adequate protection measures but also call for periodic checks on the entities involved in business processes. Continuous risk assessment thus becomes a critical element in preventing incidents like the one that affected InfoCert—helping to avoid vulnerabilities or negligent practices that could compromise data integrity and corporate reputation.
Why the entire supply chain must be involved
In today’s digital landscape, security is no longer the sole responsibility of a single organization. It increasingly depends on the relationships and interdependencies formed with suppliers, consultants, and partners. Here’s why:
- Shared Risk: A vulnerability in a supplier or sub-supplier can quickly spread within the main organization, enabling unauthorized access to critical data.
- Regulatory Compliance: The obligation to assess risks across the entire supply chain reflects the need for a comprehensive defense system—targeted controls are only effective if applied to every link in the chain.
- Reputational Responsibility: A data breach undermines the trust of customers and stakeholders, damaging not only the company’s image but also the reputation of the entire sector. For this reason, integrating ratings and due diligence serves as a crucial safeguard for maintaining credibility and preserving market value.
It is clear that an approach combining evaluation and verification into a continuous, systematic process—aligned with European cybersecurity directives—is essential. Only in this way can organizations effectively protect their data, safeguard their reputation, and ensure service continuity.
Argo Cyber’s role
With extensive experience in security management and monitoring, Argo Cyber offers a structured method for rating and due diligence of supply chains and partners. This approach, based on shared and regularly updated parameters, enables organizations to identify potential vulnerabilities before they escalate into critical issues, while also ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting corporate assets.
