How to Read, Interpret, and Review Third Party Reports for Vendor Risk and Compliance

This presentation provides a practical framework for evaluating third‑party assurance and security reporting used in vendor risk management and compliance programs. While emphasizing how to read and review SOC 1 and SOC 2 reports, it also explains how SOC reports fit within a broader landscape of third‑party reporting options, including ISO 27001, ISO 42001, penetration testing, and vulnerability scanning. Participants will learn how to interpret report scope, opinions, testing results, exceptions, and complementary user entity controls, and how to determine whether a particular report type provides sufficient assurance for the services and risks involved. The session concludes with a structured review process and documentation approach to support consistent, defensible vendor oversight.