Attestation

What is an Attestation?

Attestation is a process in which a third-party vendor or internal stakeholder formally acknowledges and certifies that the information they have provided is true, complete, and compliant with specified policies or regulatory requirements. This declaration is often tied to security questionnaires, compliance reports, policy acknowledgments, or control self-assessments.

In third-party risk management, attestation serves as a key validation mechanism. It reinforces accountability by requiring vendors to affirm that their practices, controls, and documentation are accurate at the time of submission. Attestations are typically captured through digital forms or workflows and stored as part of the audit trail. They support due diligence, continuous monitoring, and audit readiness by providing traceable proof of vendor claims or actions.

FAQs

What types of information are vendors typically required to attest to?

Vendors may attest to the accuracy of their security posture, compliance with specific regulations, completion of internal controls, policy adherence, or the truthfulness of responses in risk assessments and questionnaires.

How is attestation different from certification?

Attestation is typically a self-declared statement made by a vendor or stakeholder, whereas certification is issued by an independent third party after a formal evaluation. Attestation is used to establish internal accountability, while certification provides external validation.

Why is attestation important in third-party risk management programs?

Attestation provides a documented trail of responsibility and supports regulatory expectations for governance and oversight. It helps organizations ensure that vendors are not only submitting required data but are also formally affirming its accuracy, which is essential for defensible risk decisions.