Vendor Security Questionnaire Template: Free SIG-lite Excel Download
Related guides:
Key takeaways
- A vendor security questionnaire standardizes how you assess third parties before procurement and on renewal.
- This SIG-lite workbook includes 30 questions across 10 domains with auto-calculated risk scores.
- The Vendor Summary tab tracks approval status and next review dates in one register.
- SecureSlate helps automate vendor risk workflows and evidence collection.
Overview
Third-party risk is a core SOC 2 and ISO 27001 expectation. SaaS companies rely on cloud providers, payment processors, HR tools, and AI services. A repeatable questionnaire keeps reviews consistent and defensible.
What makes it useful
- SIG-lite coverage: Governance, access control, data security, vulnerability management, incident response, BCP, compliance, third-party risk, physical security, and personnel.
- Weighted scoring: Each question has a score; totals roll into Low, Medium, High, or Critical ratings.
- Evidence prompts: Notes column tells you what to request (policy name, SOC 2 report, pen test summary).
- Vendor register: Track category, risk tier, assessment date, and renewal in one place.
Download the template
- Download: Vendor Security Questionnaire (XLSX)
Copy the file per vendor or duplicate the Questionnaire tab for each assessment.
Tab-by-tab walkthrough
Overview and Version & Approval
Document control, owner, and approval sign-off. Set vendor name and assessment date before sending questions.
Questionnaire
30 questions with Domain, Response, Yes/No/N/A, Risk Flag, Notes, and Score columns. Flag gaps that need compensating controls or executive approval.
Scoring
Auto-calculated totals: possible score, achieved score, percentage, and overall risk rating. Use this in procurement decisions and annual vendor reviews.
Vendor Summary
Register of all vendors with Category, Risk Tier, Score %, Risk Rating, Next Review, Approved By, and Status (Approved, Under Review, Rejected).
How to use it as audit evidence
| Evidence type | Template location |
|---|---|
| Vendor assessment process | Completed Questionnaire per vendor |
| Risk-based decisions | Scoring tab + approval in Vendor Summary |
| Renewal tracking | Next Review and Status columns |
| Management review | Version & Approval sign-off |
Pair each completed file with the vendor's SOC 2 report or equivalent attestation.
Common mistakes
- Sending the full SIG to every vendor regardless of data access
- No follow-up when Risk Flag cells are marked
- Register not updated when contracts renew or scope changes
- Scores reviewed once with no link to contract approval
How SecureSlate helps
SecureSlate centralizes vendor inventories, assessment workflows, and evidence so third-party risk stays current between renewals.
FAQ
Is SIG-lite enough for enterprise customers?
Often yes for initial screening. High-risk vendors may still need a full SIG, pen test review, or onsite assessment.
How often should we re-assess vendors?
Many teams review annually for critical vendors and every two years for low-risk tools with no customer data access.
Who approves vendor risk exceptions?
Typically CISO or security lead, with legal and procurement for contract terms.
Disclaimer (legal note)
This article is for general information only and is not legal, regulatory, or professional advice. Requirements vary by framework, industry, and jurisdiction. Consult qualified advisors for your specific obligations.
Need compliance without the complexity?
SecureSlate automates ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and more. Built for growing teams. See it in action.
No credit card required
