For many vendors supporting government projects—particularly those supplying Field Devices, CCTV systems or Building Automation / Management Systems (BMS)—the Security Compliance Testing (SSCT) requirements often comes as an unexpected hurdle.
It’s not uncommon: your solution is technically ready, the integration is working, and the project is on track… until the email comes in:
“Please submit your SSCT plan and security test results.”
Suddenly, the countdown begins—tight timeline, unclear scope, and a growing list of unfamiliar cybersecurity requirements.
Why the Struggle Is So Common
Most vendors in this space are engineering-focused, not cybersecurity experts. Your team might have excellent domain knowledge in hardware integration, sensors, or building automation—but SSCT introduces a completely different skill set.
Let’s break down why so many vendors hit roadblocks during this stage:
1. Cybersecurity Wasn’t in the Original Plan
Many vendors only find out about SSCT requirements after the project has been awarded or is midway through execution. By then:
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The solution is already architected.
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Procurement is done.
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Delivery timelines are fixed.
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There’s no buffer in the schedule or budget to retrofit security controls or documentation.
Security wasn’t excluded due to negligence—it just wasn’t surfaced early enough by project stakeholders.
2. No In-House Cybersecurity Expertise
Unlike software companies or larger system integrators, device vendors often don’t have dedicated security teams. As a result:
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There’s no clear owner for SSCT.
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The team lacks experience with penetration testing, secure configuration, or threat modeling.
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Deliverables like a security-by-design document or audit trail logs feel foreign and burdensome.
The absence of cybersecurity roles becomes especially problematic when responding to design review comments or vulnerability findings raised by assessors.
3. Government Expectations Are Ambitious—and Non-Negotiable
SSCT isn’t a “nice-to-have.” It’s a formal gatekeeping mechanism for public sector systems. The requirements are driven by Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO) and reflect the government’s zero-tolerance policy for insecure systems.
To ensure objectivity and credibility, the government requires the SSCT to be conducted by an independent third party—not the vendor or system integrator themselves.
Failure to meet SSCT expectations can result in:
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Delayed deployment.
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Payment holdbacks.
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Escalations to project owners.
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Damaged reputation with the government sector.
And since cybersecurity risks are increasingly tied to national infrastructure, scrutiny is only going to increase—not ease up.
4. Unclear Scope, Vague Deliverables, and Last-Minute Panic
Many vendors aren’t even sure what the SSCT covers:
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What components are in scope?
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Is a penetration test required?
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What level of logging is needed?
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Can my devices support the security requirements?
By the time these questions are asked, the timeline has already compressed, and teams are scrambling to prepare evidence, engage third-party testers, or write documentation they’ve never seen before.
What Can Vendors Do to Prepare?
Even if cybersecurity isn’t your core business, there are steps you can take to reduce SSCT friction:
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Understand the scope early: Ask during tender or project onboarding if SSCT applies and what is expected of vendors.
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Allocate time and budget: Plan for security reviews, penetration tests, and document preparation—even if it’s not explicitly in the spec.
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Get expert support: Work with consultants who know SSCT inside out and can help you bridge the compliance gap.
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Focus on risk mitigation: Even if your system wasn’t designed with full security controls, there are often compensating measures that can be implemented and justified to assessors.
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At Perennial Consultancy, we’ve supported numerous vendors—many of whom had no cybersecurity team or prior compliance experience—through the entire SSCT process.
From scoping to design review to penetration testing and documentation, we help you meet government expectations without derailing your delivery. If you’re facing an SSCT deadline and don’t know where to start, we can help you navigate the process with clarity, speed, and confidence. Visit us here for a free consultation today.
