IT Due Diligence Questionnaire

What is an IT DDQ?

An IT DDQ is a specialized questionnaire focused on an organization’s IT systems, security protocols, and risk management frameworks. It evaluates infrastructure security, data protection, disaster recovery, and vendor management. Unlike general DDQs, IT DDQs require in-depth technical documentation and alignment with industry security standards.

Key Areas Covered in IT DDQs

1. IT Infrastructure & Security – Evaluates network architecture, system configurations, and cybersecurity controls.
2. Compliance & Risk Management – Ensures alignment with ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and other regulations.
3. Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity – Assesses backup strategies, recovery time objectives (RTO), and business continuity plans.
4. Software Development & Change Management – Examines secure coding practices, update policies, and system change controls.
5. Vendor Management – Reviews third-party risk assessments, SLAs, and security compliance of IT service providers.

Best Practices for Completing IT DDQs

1. Centralize IT Documentation – Maintain a repository of security policies, network diagrams, compliance reports, and recovery plans to streamline responses.
2. Align with Security Frameworks – Ensure IT security controls align with recognized industry standards (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2).
3. Leverage Automation – AI-driven tools like Inventive.AI help automate IT DDQ responses, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
4. Be Transparent & Concise – Provide clear, technical yet digestible responses, avoiding excessive jargon.
5. Regularly Update IT Policies – Keep documentation current with emerging cybersecurity threats, regulatory changes, and IT advancements.

Common Challenges & Solutions

• Managing Complex IT Systems – Use visual documentation like network diagrams to simplify explanations.
• Meeting Tight Deadlines – Pre-fill responses using templates or AI-driven automation tools.
• Ensuring Consistency Across Teams – Standardize IT policies and responses to maintain accuracy.

The Future of IT DDQs

As cyber threats evolve, real-time risk monitoring and automated assessments will replace traditional static IT DDQs. Organizations that embrace AI-driven compliance solutions will gain a competitive edge in vendor evaluations.