What is the MOST important aspect for an auditor when obtaining cloud hosting services from a vendor?

The most important aspect for an auditor when obtaining cloud hosting services from a vendor is the agreement for the vendor to provide annual external audit reports in the contract. This is crucial because external audits often assess compliance with relevant standards and regulations, evaluate the effectiveness of controls, and provide an independent verification of the vendor's practices and security posture. The reliability of such reports allows auditors to have confidence in the vendor's operations, particularly in areas critical to security, availability, and compliance.

Additionally, external audit reports are performed by independent parties, which enhances their credibility and offers assurance that the vendor is managing risks appropriately. This is particularly vital when organizations are responsible for sensitive data and need to mitigate potential risks associated with third-party services. Ensuring that annual external audits are part of the contractual obligations establishes an ongoing mechanism for oversight and can help identify any deficiencies before they become significant issues.