Why Security Teams Block Software Purchases (And How to Prevent It)

You're not alone. Even as companies speed up buying decisions, security compliance remains a decisive factor that can halt any software purchase. Why? Because every new tool introduces potential risks—from data breaches to regulatory violations that could cost millions.

But here's the truth: Security reviews don't have to derail your procurement process. By understanding core compliance requirements and engaging IT teams early, you can evaluate vendors effectively and avoid last-minute surprises.

This guide walks you through the essential security considerations that impact every software purchase, helping procurement and IT teams work together to protect your company while deploying the tools your business needs.

IT security reviews start with the same core questions: How does the vendor protect your data? What compliance standards do they meet? Where do they store information?

Start with these fundamental requirements when analyzing procurement software.

Ever wonder where your company's data goes? It's constantly moving between systems and sitting in databases. That's why you need vendors who take encryption seriously. Not just basic protection—we're talking bank-grade AES-256 encryption. Ask vendors directly: "How do you protect our data when it moves? How do you protect it when it's stored?" If they can't give clear answers, that's a red flag.

Nobody wants a security free-for-all. You need smart controls over who enters your systems and what they can do once inside. Single Sign-On (SSO) gives your team one secure way to access everything. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds extra security (yes, those annoying but essential verification codes). Most importantly, you want control over who sees what—from high-level dashboards down to individual documents.

Here's what actually matters in the alphabet soup of security certifications: SOC 2 proves they won't lose your data. PCI DSS shows they handle payments properly. ISO 27001 tells you they follow global security rules. Don't just take their word for it—ask for proof. Good vendors will happily share their certificates and recent audit reports.

The best vendors actively try to break into their own systems (legally, of course). They hire security experts to probe for weaknesses every few months. They fix problems fast. And they're proud to show you their test results and improvements. Ask them: "When was your last security test? What did you find? How did you fix it?" Their answers reveal how seriously they take your security.

Google Cloud Platform gives vendors better security tools. New encryption keys generate every few minutes. AI systems flag attacks in real time. The platform already guards thousands of business applications worldwide. Ask your vendors: "Which cloud platform runs your software?" Their answer reveals exactly what protection you'll get.

For instance, today’s cloud platforms offer built-in protections:

◉ Advanced Key Management: GCP's token management system continuously rotates security keys, making them virtually impossible to compromise. By the time an attacker targets one key, it's already changed.

◉ Enterprise-Grade Infrastructure: Leading cloud providers maintain security certifications, physical data center protection, and dedicated security teams that extend to the applications they host.

◉ Automated Threat Detection: Cloud platforms employ AI-powered systems to identify and block attacks before they reach your data. This adds an extra layer of protection beyond vendor security measures.

So what does all of this mean for your business? Let’s say a ransomware attack hits your company. Your on-premise systems freeze. Employees can't access files. But your cloud-based procurement software? It keeps running. Your team continues processing orders, paying suppliers, and managing contracts. That's the difference robust cloud security makes—your business stays open even when other systems shut down.

"Is your AI going to use our data?"

It's the first question IT security teams ask about AI-enabled software. And they should. While AI powers incredible advances in fraud detection and process automation, it also introduces new security considerations that weren't part of traditional software reviews.

The reality is that AI needs data to function. The key lies in how vendors handle that data. Google Cloud AI, for instance, maintains strict separation between customer data and model training. Your information helps spot fraud in your systems without being used to train models for other customers.

But security isn't just about data privacy. Smart AI design puts guardrails around automated decisions. When Raindrop's AI spots suspicious bank account changes, it doesn't just block them—it routes them for human review. This balanced approach prevents both fraud and false positives.

Your IT team needs these answers before approving AI-enabled software. Get them early, and you'll avoid the endless security review cycle that kills too many promising projects.

Your new software won't operate in isolation. It must connect with your ERP, share data with other systems, and fit into your existing security framework. This interconnected reality creates unique security challenges your IT team will scrutinize carefully.

First, examine how the vendor handles API security. Modern REST APIs should use OAuth 2.0 authentication and maintain detailed access logs. Watch out for vendors who treat API security as an afterthought—they're putting your entire system at risk.

Single Sign-On (SSO) capabilities matter too, but don't just check the box. Dig deeper: Does the vendor support your specific SSO provider? What happens if authentication fails? Can you enforce your password policies and access controls?

The most secure integration approach combines strict access controls with detailed monitoring. Your IT team should be able to track exactly what data moves between systems and who accessed it. If a vendor can't provide this visibility, continue your search for a provider that can.

Stop treating IT security reviews as the final hurdle. Start treating them as part of your initial vendor assessment.

Smart procurement teams engage IT security from day one. Share the vendor shortlist before demos begin. Include security requirements in your RFPs. Ask about compliance certifications during initial conversations. This proactive approach prevents the dreaded last-minute security showstopper.

Questions your IT team will ask:

◉ Has the vendor experienced any breaches?

◉ What's their incident response plan?

◉ How quickly do they patch vulnerabilities?

◉ Where exactly will our data live?

◉ Who has access to our information?

Get answers early. Document them clearly. And remember—IT security isn't trying to block purchases. They're protecting your company from risks that could cost millions in damages and lost trust. Work with them, not against them.

Ransomware attacks shut down companies every week—just ask Jazeera Airways about its 2021 experience. When they were faced with a ransomware attack that shut down internal systems, their spend commitments managed in Raindrop were secure and the system never went down. Modern cloud-based procurement runs differently. Multiple security layers, instant backups, and isolated systems mean one breach can't take down everything. When attackers hit your on-premise systems, cloud platforms like GCP keep your procurement running. Orders flow. Payments process. Business continues. That's not luck—it's smart architecture.

This isn't just about staying operational during crises. Modern security prevents everyday threats, too. Take payment fraud—a growing concern as criminals get more sophisticated. When someone tries to change supplier banking details, AI-powered systems flag suspicious patterns instantly. Multiple layers of verification kick in before any money moves.

The stakes keep rising. A single successful phishing attack can compromise your entire supply chain. One missed security patch can expose sensitive data. But companies with robust security practices and reliable cloud-based tools stay protected, even as threats evolve.

Good security doesn't just prevent problems—it enables business growth. When you can prove strong security controls, you can close deals faster, enter new markets easier, and earn customer trust quicker.

Security isn't a one-time checkbox. Smart companies build ongoing security assessments into their vendor relationships. Here's what works:

Create a security scorecard for each vendor. Track their ongoing compliance status, incident response time, and security update frequency. Make this scorecard part of your regular vendor reviews.

Schedule quarterly security check-ins. Review any security incidents, discuss upcoming changes, and verify that security certifications remain current. These regular touchpoints catch issues before they become problems.

Demand transparency about security practices. Your vendors should notify you about potential vulnerabilities, planned security updates, and changes to their security infrastructure. If they're hesitant to share this information, consider it a warning sign.

Remember: Yesterday's security measures might not stop tomorrow's threats. The best vendors continuously improve their security posture, staying ahead of emerging risks while keeping your data safe.

Security compliance can make or break your software purchase. But when procurement and IT security work together from the start, you can protect your company without stalling progress.

Next steps for your team:

◉ Create a security requirements checklist with your IT team

◉ Build security questions into your RFP templates

◉ Document your vendor security assessment process

◉ Set up regular security reviews for existing vendors

The most successful companies treat security as a competitive advantage, not a roadblock. They choose vendors who take security seriously, like Raindrop, built on Google Cloud Platform with security at its core.