In cybersecurity, 'third' typically refers to a 'third party' - an external organization, vendor, or service provider that connects to a company's systems. Integrating third parties can improve efficiency and capabilities, but it also introduces new risks. These external connections may create additional pathways for cybercriminals to exploit, making it crucial for organizations to assess and manage the security of all third-party integrations. Effective third-party risk management helps protect sensitive data and maintain overall cybersecurity.