Cognizant—Cybersecurity- TPRM Assessor

Job description

Description: #Cyber Security Experts# Job Title: Third-Party Cybersecurity Risk Management (3PCRM) Assessor / SME Experience: 5 to 15 years Location: Bangalore only {Re-location fine} Function: Cybersecurity / Third-Party Risk Management Role Type: Individual Contributor Role Overview We are looking for an experienced 3PCRM Assessor to perform third-party cybersecurity risk assessments, evaluate vendor security controls, review evidence, conduct SME interviews and walkthroughs, and prepare assessment findings and final reports. The role requires strong knowledge of cybersecurity controls, risk frameworks, and third-party security assessment methodologies. Key Responsibilities Third-Party Cybersecurity Assessments - Perform end-to-end third-party cybersecurity assessments in accordance with established assessment methodology and risk requirements. - Conduct engagement and/or application-specific remote assessments based on defined scope. - Review vendor security questionnaires, supporting documentation, policies, procedures, and evidence. - Compare current Control Assessment (CA) vendor responses with previous assessments to identify and document changes in the vendor's control environment. - Identify control gaps, risk observations, and changes in the vendor's security posture. - Request and participate in assessment kickoff meetings and conduct follow-up discussions with vendors where required. - Conduct SME interviews, control walkthroughs, demonstrations, and evidence validation sessions. - Validate the effectiveness and implementation of applicable cybersecurity controls. Control Mapping & Assessment Analysis - Map vendor SOC 2 controls, SIG questionnaire responses, or equivalent third-party assurance artifacts to applicable company security questionnaires and control requirements. - Evaluate whether existing third-party assurance reports and artifacts provide sufficient coverage of required controls. - Identify control areas requiring additional clarification, evidence, or testing. - Assess the applicability and effectiveness of controls based on the vendor's environment, services, data access, and risk profile. Findings & Reporting - Identify and document initial assessment observations and potential control exceptions. - Work with vendors and internal stakeholders to clarify assessment findings and obtain additional evidence where required. - Determine and document final Control Exceptions based on assessment results. - Prepare clear, concise, and evidence-based assessment findings and recommendations. - Produce final assessment letters, results, and supporting documentation. - Ensure assessment records are complete, accurate, and audit-ready. Stakeholder Management - Collaborate with vendors, internal security teams, application owners, procurement, risk teams, and other stakeholders. - Communicate assessment requirements, observations, evidence gaps, and control exceptions effectively. - Conduct assessment follow-ups and manage outstanding actions through closure. - Support consistent application of the organization's third-party cybersecurity assessment methodology. Required Skills & Experience - 5+ years of experience in Information Security, IT Audit, Cybersecurity Risk, GRC, or Third-Party Risk Management. - Proven experience conducting Third-Party Cybersecurity / TPRM assessments. - Strong experience in: - Security control assessments - Evidence review and validation - SME interviews and walkthroughs - Vendor risk assessments - Control gap identification - Assessment report writing - Experience validating controls through walkthroughs, demonstrations, interviews, and supporting evidence. - Strong understanding of cybersecurity controls and risk management practices. - Ability to independently assess vendor security environments and determine control effectiveness. Cybersecurity Domain Knowledge Strong understanding of the following areas: - Identity & Access Management (IAM) - Privileged Access Management (PAM) - Vulnerability Management - Patch Management - Cloud Security - Incident Response & Management - Security Operations - Security Governance - Data Protection & Sensitive Data Handling - Production Support Controls - Change Management - Business Continuity / Disaster Recovery - Physical Security - Third-Party / Vendor Risk Management Framework & Assurance Knowledge Working knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and assurance standards, including: - NIST CSF - ISO/IEC 27001 - CIS Controls - SOC 2 - SIG / SIG Lite or equivalent third-party security questionnaires - IT General Controls (ITGC) - Risk-based control assessment methodologies Assessment & Audit Capabilities - Ability to perform onsite and remote assessments, where required. - Experience validating controls through control walkthroughs, interviews, system demonstrations, and evidence inspection. - Ability to distinguish between control design and operating effectiveness. - Strong documentation and report-writing skills. - Ability to translate technical control observations into clear business and risk language. - Strong attention to detail and ability to challenge inadequate or incomplete evidence. Preferred Qualifications - CISA, CISSP, CRISC, CISM, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor/Implementer, or equivalent certification. - Experience with enterprise TPRM/GRC platforms. - Experience assessing cloud service providers, SaaS vendors, technology vendors, and critical third parties. - Experience working in regulated or highly controlled environments. Key Competencies - Third-Party Cybersecurity Assessment - Cyber Risk Assessment - Control Testing & Validation - Evidence Review - Vendor/Supplier Risk Management - SOC 2 & SIG Assessment - Control Mapping - IAM & Privileged Access - Cloud & Infrastructure Security - Risk & Control Analysis - Findings & Exception Management - Assessment Report Writing - Stakeholder & Vendor Management Strong Analytical & Communication Skills The candidates should be experienced on: - Security Frameworks: - Deep understanding of widely accepted information security frameworks, NIST Cybersecurity, HIPAA, PCI, Shared Assessments (SIG), etc - Cloud Security: - Demonstrated understanding of cloud security. - Experience evaluating cloud hosting environment - Risk Management: - Experience identifying, assessing, monitoring, and prioritizing Infosec risks across multiple domains - Experience evaluating the effectiveness of supplier/third party managed cybersecurity requirements. - Vulnerability & Pen testing: - Experience evaluating pen testing and vuln scanning methodologies. - Experience interpreting the security testing results. - Relevant Information Security/Risk Management Certifications (nice to have) - CISM, CRISC, CISA, CISSP, CCSP, CCSK, CCSA