Which agreement focuses specifically on the exchange of data between organizations and includes security controls?

The Interconnection Security Agreement (ISA) is specifically designed to address the security aspects of data exchanges between organizations. This type of agreement outlines the security requirements and protocols that must be adhered to when two or more organizations share sensitive data or connect their networks. The ISA typically includes provisions regarding the management of data transfer risks, specifying security controls necessary for protecting the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the shared data.

In an ISA, organizations agree on the technical and procedural safeguards that will be implemented to secure the data that flows between them. This could involve clarifications on encryption methods, authentication procedures, and monitoring practices, among other security measures.

Notably, the definitions and purposes of the other agreements differ significantly from that of the ISA. An Operational Level Agreement (OLA) typically outlines the internal operations and service levels that departments or teams must adhere to within an organization, but it does not focus on inter-organizational data sharing. A Master Service Agreement (MSA) serves as a broad agreement that outlines terms for services and may include some security considerations, but it is more focused on the overall business relationship rather than specific data exchange security. A Privacy Level Agreement (PLA), while related to privacy issues, does not concentrate specifically on the technical exchange of data