What Suppliers Need to Know When Supporting SOCI Act Responsible Entities

As Australia strengthens its national security posture, the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act) has emerged as a pivotal regulation governing how critical infrastructure is managed and protected. While much attention is rightly focused on the responsibilities of Responsible Entities, there’s an equally critical component often overlooked: the suppliers and third-party service providers who support them.

If your business provides products, software, or services to organizations classified under the SOCI Act, it’s essential to understand your shared responsibilities and the compliance expectations you must meet to ensure ongoing trust and legal alignment.

SOCI Act for Supplier

Why Suppliers Are in the SOCI Spotlight

Responsible Entities rely on vendors and service providers for operational continuity, digital transformation, and even physical protection. This interconnectedness means vulnerabilities in your supply chain can cascade directly into critical infrastructure systems.

The Australian government has explicitly recognized supply chain risks in the All Hazards model within the Critical Infrastructure Risk Management Program (CIRMP). As a result, suppliers are now under increasing scrutiny to demonstrate cybersecurity resilience, operational reliability, and transparency.

Key Responsibilities for Suppliers Supporting SOCI Entities

1. Cybersecurity Controls & Assurance

Suppliers must implement cybersecurity practices that align with recognized frameworks (e.g., NIST CSF 2.0, ISO 27001). This includes:

• Secure software development and patching processes

• Regular vulnerability testing

• Multi-factor authentication and encryption

• Threat detection and incident response planning

2. Transparency and Risk Disclosure

Suppliers must:

• Disclose known vulnerabilities and supply chain dependencies

• Inform Responsible Entities of any breaches or incidents that may impact their operations

• Cooperate during audits, assessments, or compliance reviews

3. Compliance with Contractual and Regulatory Obligations

Contracts between suppliers and SOCI-covered entities must reflect:

• Security expectations

• Data handling and retention policies

• Service level agreements (SLAs) related to risk management

  
  

4. Participation in Risk Assessments

You may be required to:

• Complete risk assessments or security questionnaires

• Participate in supply chain resilience evaluations

• Provide documentation to support CIRMP reporting and annual reviews

  
  

5. Support Incident Response and Business Continuity

Suppliers should be prepared to:

• Collaborate during cybersecurity or physical incidents

• Offer support for continuity of service

• Share response timelines and post-incident actions

  
  

How to Strengthen Your Position as a SOCI-Ready Supplier

To align with SOCI requirements and become a trusted supplier:

• Adopt a risk-based security framework (e.g., NIST CSF, Essential Eight)

• Document your internal controls and security posture

• Engage in threat intelligence sharing where relevant

• Train your staff on the implications of SOCI and supply chain security

  
  

Final Thoughts

Being a supplier to SOCI Act Responsible Entities isn’t business as usual. It comes with elevated responsibilities that go beyond traditional procurement checklists. Demonstrating proactive risk management, cybersecurity maturity, and transparency not only helps secure national infrastructure—it also strengthens your position in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.

At Critical AI, we help both Responsible Entities and suppliers automate risk assessments, monitor compliance, and ensure readiness for SOCI obligations.

🔗 Learn more at www.criticalai.com.au