In the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity and data privacy, maintaining compliance with standards like SOC2, ISO27001, and IS27701 presents a significant challenge. As the newly appointed compliance manager at OnBoard, I faced the daunting task of navigating this complex landscape, where the demands for compliance are not only stringent but also continuously evolving.
The conventional approach to managing Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC) involves leveraging specialized tools designed to simplify these processes. However, these solutions often come with hefty price tags, essentially providing a premium database service. Determined to find a more cost-effective and efficient solution, I embarked on an exploratory journey into the Secure Controls Framework (SCF), seeking insights that could pave the way for a better approach to GRC management.
The Genesis of an Idea
My deep dive into the SCF revealed its potential as a foundation for developing a bespoke GRC system tailored specifically to our needs at OnBoard. What stood out was the framework’s emphasis on transparency and collaboration – key elements that resonate with our organizational values. This realization sparked an idea: Could we craft a custom GRC system using low-cost, low-code tooling without compromising on functionality or scalability?
Leveraging Low and No-Code Tools
Armed with a vision and motivated by the challenge ahead, I began piecing together our GRC system using an array of low and no-code platforms. These tools offered several advantages:
- Cost-Effectiveness: By opting for low or no-code solutions, we significantly reduced our software costs compared to off-the-shelf compliance management tools.
- Customization: These platforms allowed us to tailor our system precisely to our needs without being confined by the limitations of pre-built software.
- Collaboration: With ease of use as a key feature of low and no-code tools, team members across departments could actively participate in updating and maintaining our compliance status in real-time.
- Rapid Deployment & Iteration: We were able to quickly set up our GRC system and have been continuously improving it based on feedback from users and changes in compliance requirements.
Achieving Transparency & Rapid Auditing
One of the hallmarks of our self-managed GRC system is its emphasis on transparency. By making compliance processes visible and accessible across OnBoard, we’ve fostered a culture where everyone feels accountable for maintaining our standards.
Moreover, when audit times roll around—often seen as periods of high stress—our system shines by facilitating rapid auditing. With all documentation centrally located and easily accessible, auditors can swiftly verify our adherence to various standards without unnecessary delays.
Reflections & Looking Forward
Developing this self-managed GRC system has been both challenging and rewarding. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets necessity—providing us with a robust tool that not only meets our compliance needs but also aligns with our organizational ethos.