Integrated Compliance Framework (ICF)
Staying compliant is HARD, but managing multiple frameworks is HARDER. Research indicates nearly 70% of service organizations manage at least six compliance frameworks, facing the burden of multiple overlapping security compliance standards. Furthermore, smaller organizations often lack dedicated compliance teams, leading them to work in silos, which exacerbates the challenge. This disparity results in compliance overload and audit fatigue. Given these intricate assessments and the substantial challenges of continuous compliance, an Integrated Compliance Framework is now a necessity more than ever.
Integrated Compliance Framework (ICF) is a standardized approach to compliance management, seamlessly integrating multiple regulatory requirements, controls, and best practices into a single framework. By mapping and aligning controls across different regulations and standards, it simplifies the compliance process.
This streamlined approach aids organizations by establishing a centralized repository of harmonized controls derived from various regulations, standards, and frameworks. Additionally, transitioning to an overarching compliance program enables organizations to achieve significant efficiency gains and added value. This includes reduced audit costs, improved risk management, minimizing duplication of efforts, optimizing resources, and enhanced brand reputation.
Current GRC Program Challenges
Adherence to multiple frameworks and staying vigilant to evolving standards or newer versions
Navigating different stages of readiness to ensure comprehensive compliance
The audit fatigue of engaging different audit firms for distinct standards
Holistically managing the entire GRC program demands a focus on measuring what matters
The Solution - Comply Many, Audit Once
SECURITY
STANDARDS
SECURITY
FRAMEWORKS
PRIVACY
REGULATIONS
Components of ICF
Framework of Controls
It comprises a meticulously organized collection of controls derived from diverse regulations, standards, and industry best practices.
Harmonization Database
It aligns and maps controls from varied sources, revealing commonalities, overlaps, and conflicts. Its primary function is to identify convergence or divergence among controls from different regulations or standards, simplifying the creation of a unified approach to compliance.
Mappings and Relationships
ICF offers in-depth mappings and relationships between controls, regulations, standards, and frameworks. These mappings illustrate how specific controls address multiple compliance requirements, providing organizations with insights into the interconnections and dependencies among various regulations.
Compliance Reference Architecture
It serves as a reference model outlining the structure and relationships among different elements of compliance, such as controls, requirements, assets, and processes. This architecture helps strategically design and implement a cohesive compliance program.
Our Approach
Build Your Global Control Framework
- Map multiple frameworks to ICF
- Integrate your current SOPs, workflows, and specific tasks tailored to your organization's needs
- Auto delegate periodic tasks to relevant stakeholders, including task/risk owners and key members accountable for specific actions
- Leverage the GRC tool for integrations to enable auto-evidence collection from your 3rd parties – SaaS, CSPs, etc
Continuously Monitor Your Security Posture Using the GRC Tool
- Track task completion and evidence collection
- Assess in real-time your security posture
- Access and utilize the collected evidence efficiently during audits or assessments through the GRC tool's audit console
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Manage your GRC program with Accorian's vSecurity Team that will:
i) Review all evidence and readiness
ii)Track and report on all relevant aspects
iii) Provide advisory support to ensure robust security management
Consolidate Your Existing Certification Audits/Assessments Dates
- Facilitate efficient use of gathered evidence by consolidating certification events
- Employ bridge letters to synchronize and align dates for improved coordination in certification processes
Steps to Comply With
Multiple Security Frameworks
Identify Applicable Standards and Frameworks
- Determine all relevant security standards and frameworks based on your industry, geography, and nature of operations
- Identify commonly used frameworks like ISO 27001, NIST, SOC 2, CIS Controls, GDPR, HIPAA, HITRUST, etc.
Perform Gap Analysis
- Evaluate your existing security measures against the requirements of each standard/framework
- Identify areas where your current security practices fall short of meeting the requirements of these standards
Create Unified Framework
- Leverage tools or methodologies like the integrated Compliance Framework (ICF) to map controls across different standards and identify commonalities
- Align controls from multiple standards into a cohesive framework that meets most requirements
Implement Controls and Best Practices
- Focus on high-priority controls that are common across multiple standards
- Tailor controls to address specific nuances or additional requirements of each standard if necessary
Regular Assessments and Audits
- Conduct regular security assessments against the unified framework
- Perform audits to ensure compliance with individual standards and frameworks
Continuous Improvement and Adaptation
- Use audit findings to continuously improve security measures and adapt to changing compliance landscapes
- Keep track of updates and revisions in standards and frameworks and integrate changes into your unified framework
Explore Compliance Tools and Solutions
- Utilize specialized compliance management software that can assist in tracking, managing, and reporting compliance with multiple standards
- Leverage automation for routine compliance tasks and reporting
Real World Scenario - Case Study
The Challenge
A global financial institution had to comply with a multitude of regulations like the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), Basel III, PCI DSS, and GDPR. Managing these diverse compliance requirements was complex and resource-intensive.
The Result
- Reduced redundancy and duplication of efforts in compliance.
- Improved audit readiness and a clearer view of control dependencies across regulations.
- Cost savings due to optimized compliance processes.
The Solution
- The institution adopted ICF methodologies and tools to harmonize controls across different regulations.
- By using ICF-based compliance management software, they mapped controls from various financial regulations onto a unified framework.
- ICF facilitated the creation of a comprehensive control structure, enabling the institution to identify overlaps and streamline compliance activities.
Pivot To True Security
Attaining compliance and certification is merely an initial phase. GoRICO empowers organizations to achieve and maintain true security through comprehensive solutions and ongoing support.
GoRICO Powered Continuous
Compliance Monitoring
A single platform solution to understand your true security compliance, maturity and posture
A unified platform to manage and monitor multiple security programs
Fully customizable GRC solution designed to look beyond automated controls supporting cloud-native, hybrid, and on-premises environments
Translate your policies, procedures, and SOPs into actionable periodic tasks that match your business requirements
Access real-time security scores and gain a comprehensive understanding of your company’s current security posture at any time
Ready to Start?
Drop your CVs to joinourteam@accorian.com
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