Introduction
The Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit (HECVAT) is an essential part of the security assessment process for higher education institutions. It is designed to help higher education institutions evaluate the information security and privacy practices of third-party vendors. This document provides a brief overview of the HECVAT process and its significance.
What is HECVAT?
HECVAT, which stands for Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit, is a standardized questionnaire used by higher education institutions to assess vendors' security and privacy controls. It helps institutions ensure that third-party services and products meet their security requirements and comply with relevant regulations.
HECVAT Process
1. Vendor Submission
Vendors seeking to work with higher education institutions must complete the HECVAT questionnaire. This comprehensive document covers various aspects of information security, including data protection, incident response, and compliance with industry standards.
2. Review and Assessment
Upon receiving the completed HECVAT, the institution's security team conducts an initial review to identify any potential risks or concerns. This step ensures that the vendor meets the institution's baseline security requirements. The security team may request additional documentation, conduct interviews, and perform further analysis to verify the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
3. Risk Analysis and Decision Making
Based on the assessment, the institution performs a risk analysis to determine the level of risk associated with partnering with the vendor. This analysis considers factors such as data sensitivity, regulatory compliance, and the vendor's overall security posture. The institution's security team, along with other relevant stakeholders, evaluates the results of the risk analysis to decide whether to proceed with the vendor. If the vendor meets the institution's security standards, they may be approved for partnership.
The HECVAT process is a vital tool for higher education institutions to ensure that their third-party vendors adhere to stringent security and privacy standards. By following this standardized approach, institutions can mitigate risks and protect sensitive information.
For more information and to access the HECVAT, please use the following link: Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkit | EDUCAUSE
For more information or assistance with the Vendor IT Risk Assessment, please contact the University of Montana’s IT Security Office at infosec-grc@umontana.edu.