The Ascent: Trust, Assumptions, and Alignment
Halfway up a seven-pitch climb, I realized something was off. My climbing partner had more experience than I did, yet our approaches to risk were completely different. While she moved quickly and confidently, I double-checked every anchor, over-communicated each step, and ran through contingencies. It wasn’t just about skill—it was about mindset.
This moment reminded me of something I see constantly in third-party risk management: technical credentials don’t always guarantee reliability. Just as choosing the right climbing partner can mean the difference between success and disaster, selecting the right vendor requires more than just verifying their capabilities—it requires alignment in how they approach risk.
The best climbing guides don’t just know how to climb; they’re trained to manage risk for others. Certifications like AMGA Mountain Guide accreditation prove they follow strict safety protocols. Similarly, in the business world, security certifications like ISO 27001, SOC 2, and HITRUST provide assurance that vendors meet rigorous operational standards—not just once, but through ongoing compliance and audits.
The Descent: Unforeseen Challenges and Third Party Oversights
After a successful ascent, our plan was to descend via a “walk-off” route—a simple hike down the mountain. However, as early fall evening approached, reality intervened. The trail we assumed would be there was nowhere to be found. After four unsuccessful attempts to identify a route that didn’t require rappelling beyond our 200-meter rope, the situation grew tense.
In a last-ditch effort, my partner tried to call for assistance, assuming there would be cell service. There wasn’t. We were stranded, and our only option was to carefully descend via a series of short rappels.
This experience is a perfect parallel to third-party risk assumptions in business. Many organizations trust a vendor’s past performance and assume that reliability is guaranteed—but technology evolves, regulations shift, and leadership changes. If you’re not continuously verifying your vendors, you may discover gaps when it’s too late.
GRC Lesson: Never rely on assumptions. Continuous vendor monitoring, regular audits, and up-to-date certifications are essential to ensure they remain a trustworthy partner.
Establishing Non-Negotiable Standards: Climbing Partners and Vendors
The ordeal forced me to reexamine my criteria for choosing both climbing partners and third-party vendors. Over time, I established four strict requirements that directly align with core principles in third-party risk management:
- Mandatory Safety Protocols (Helmets = Compliance Standards)
Just as helmets are a non-negotiable in climbing, organizations must enforce baseline security standards with vendors. Certifications like ISO 27001, SOC 2, and HITRUST serve as the protective gear of business, ensuring vendors adhere to proven security frameworks. - Comparable or Slightly Superior Skill Levels
It is vital that a climbing partner is either on par with or marginally better than you. In the same way, vendors must be evaluated not only on their technical abilities but also on their capacity to meet your risk standards. - Commitment to Sober, Rational Decision-Making
Climbing in high-stakes environments requires clear-headed judgment. Vendors should operate with the same discipline—meaning compliance isn’t just a checkbox, but a culture. Certifications and regular audits help ensure that vendors adhere to rational, risk-aware practices. - Self-Rescue Knowledge & Contingency Planning
Every climber should have the ability to self-rescue in case of emergency. Similarly, organizations must verify that vendors have business continuity plans and incident response strategies to prevent minor disruptions from escalating into catastrophic failures.
GRC Lesson: Define non-negotiables for your vendors. Ensure they follow certified security practices, make data-driven decisions, and have clear contingency planning in place.
The Role of Historical Data and Continuous Improvement
One of the most significant lessons from my climbing experience was the importance of historical data in refining risk management strategies. I turned to a series of books called "Close Calls", which document past climbing mishaps, to better understand potential pitfalls and how others navigated them. In GRC and third-party risk management, historical data from past incidents, audits, and near-misses is invaluable. This information helps in forecasting risks, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing measures to prevent recurrence.
This is precisely what risk management teams must do. Historical data—incident reports, audit findings, and near-misses—are some of the most valuable tools in refining risk strategies. Regular assessments, formal training, and adherence to evolving certification standards help prevent complacency and reinforce a culture of continuous improvement.
GRC Lesson: A vendor’s past mistakes and audit history should inform future risk assessments. Learn from prior failures, track improvements, and adjust vendor requirements accordingly.
Conclusion: Preparing for the Unexpected with Certified Trust
Both climbing and risk management are not solely about reaching a goal; they are about ensuring a safe return while learning valuable lessons along the way. My multi-pitch climbing experience taught me that even with the right equipment and skills, unchecked assumptions and misaligned priorities can lead to dangerous outcomes.
Whether it’s an AMGA certification in the climbing world or security standards like ISO 27001, SOC 2, and HITRUST in the corporate arena, these certifications enhance trust and build a resilient risk management framework.
By aligning technical competence with strategic alignment and certified standards, you not only mitigate risks but also create a robust, dependable system—capable of weathering the most unpredictable challenges, be they on a cliff face or in today’s complex business landscape.
Next Step: Are Your Vendors Meeting Security Standards?
Run a vendor risk assessment today to ensure your third parties align with your security needs. Learn how SimpleRisk can help.
