Today, expanding your technology stack comes with a hidden cost: increased risk. Each new sysOrganizations today are facing more risk than ever, and it is coming from every direction. Whether it is new systems going live, infrastructure expanding, or vendors being added, each of these additions introduces new risks. As a result, security teams quickly…
TL;DR TPRM tools covered: Sprinto, MetricStream, OneTrust, ServiceNow, Archer, Diligent, ProcessUnity, SecurityScorecard, UpGuard, and Black Kite.This list mixes end‑to‑end TPRM platforms, enterprise GRC suites, workflow-first platforms, and external cyber monitoring layers (because most mature programs run a stack).The implementation section closes with a practical rollout plan you can adapt to your vendor volume and regulatory…
SOC 2 and ISO 27001 have been the most common contenders in the compliance landscape, and many companies ask us which one they need. Is one better than the other? The answer depends on several factors and can vary depending on what you’re looking for. Read on to understand the differences and similarities between the…
As businesses grow, so does their investment in IT. This means areas like data analytics, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity need to expand quickly to meet rising demand. However, with all this growth there also comes a need for a strong framework to keep everything secure and compliant. That’s where Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) comes…
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TL;DR Policy management software creates structured governance: It centralizes drafting, approvals, distribution, attestations, and audit trails so policies aren’t scattered across drives and email threads.There are different categories of tools: From basic document repositories to dedicated lifecycle platforms, compliance automation tools, and full GRC systems that connect policies to risks and controls.The best tools depend…
TL;DR This guide compares GDPR compliance software across consent tools, privacy operations platforms, and continuous compliance/GRC systems to help organizations choose based on automation depth, data complexity, and scalability. Top GDPR Compliance Software in 2026:1. Sprinto2. Drata3. Netwrix Auditor4. PrivIQ5. LogicGate6. AuditBoard7. Transcend8. OneTrust9. Wired Relations Finding the best GDPR compliance software isn’t about picking…
TL;DR Small businesses can complete a SOC 2 Type 1 in ~2–3 months; Type 2 typically takes 6–12 months due to the observation periodType 1 validates control design; Type 2 verifies controls operate effectively over timeTotal cost usually ranges from $20K–$70K depending on scope, auditor, and toolingThe process includes scoping, implementing controls, readiness assessment, and…
TL;DR This guide compares the top risk compliance software tools for 2026, based on automation, risk visibility, integrations, scalability, and ease of implementation.Best Risk Compliance Software in 2026:1. Sprinto2. Drata3. Vanta4. OneTrust5. AuditBoard A risk compliance software has become the backbone of staying audit-ready in today’s hyper-regulated landscape, think HIPAA breaches, ISO 27001 audits, and…
TL;DR TPRM tools covered: Sprinto, MetricStream, OneTrust, ServiceNow, Archer, Diligent, ProcessUnity, SecurityScorecard, UpGuard, and Black Kite.This list mixes end‑to‑end TPRM platforms, enterprise GRC suites, workflow-first platforms, and external cyber monitoring layers (because most mature programs run a stack).The implementation section closes with a practical rollout plan you can adapt to your vendor volume and regulatory…
TL;DR A compliance framework is a structured system of policies, controls, processes, and documentation that helps organizations meet regulatory, security, and customer requirements.Frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS differ in scope, rigor, and applicability, but share 60–90% control overlap, enabling efficient multi-framework adoption.Implementing a framework requires a clear roadmap: scope…
For any fast-growing company, a strong security and compliance foundation is never built in the audit season. It’s built through continuous, structured gap analysis that keeps controls healthy, teams aligned, and surprises off the audit report. A missed access revocation, a dormant control, an outdated policy, or an unnoticed vendor lapse can quietly accumulate until…
GRC in cybersecurity is now key to containing rising incident rates. A recent security report found a 44% year‑over‑year increase in global cyberattacks, and the World Economic Forum estimates that roughly 95% of incidents stem from human error. For CISOs, GRC leaders, security architects, compliance teams, and mid-market SaaS founders, these incident rates set a new standard….
Audits are no longer one-off events. For most growing companies, they’re recurring, multi-framework, and closely tied to revenue, trust, and regulatory expectations. As audit scope expands, manual processes built on spreadsheets, shared drives, and last-minute coordination quickly break down. Audit management software helps teams centralize evidence, track readiness continuously, collaborate with auditors, and reduce the…
TL;DR This guide compares GDPR compliance software across consent tools, privacy operations platforms, and continuous compliance/GRC systems to help organizations choose based on automation depth, data complexity, and scalability. Top GDPR Compliance Software in 2026:1. Sprinto2. Drata3. Netwrix Auditor4. PrivIQ5. LogicGate6. AuditBoard7. Transcend8. OneTrust9. Wired Relations Finding the best GDPR compliance software isn’t about picking…
TL;DR GDPR is the European Union’s new data privacy law that was formed to give more control to EU citizens and residents over the use of their data.GDPR mainly controls the data processing activities related only to EU citizens’ & residents’ data undertaken by any public or private company worldwide. There are two exceptions to GDPR…
TL;DR GDPR compliance for small businesses exempts them from its record-keeping requirements for data processing with a few criteria.GDPR requirements include processing data on a lawful basis, privacy by design and default, data security, accountability & governance, and privacy rights of data subjects.Complying with GDPR includes a 12-step checklist containing identifying and updating privacy notices,…
If your business touches even a byte of data from someone in the EU, congratulations, you’re now playing in the big leagues of privacy. The GDPR doesn’t care whether you’re a global enterprise or a two-person startup. The moment EU data enters your world, the rulebooks open; and it’s a long one. But beneath the…
In May 2023, Meta was fined €1.3 billion by the Irish Data Protection Commission for unlawfully transferring data to the United States. This remains the largest GDPR fine ever issued to date. However, while massive penalties like these dominate headlines, they represent only a fraction of the overall enforcement activity across Europe. Since the GDPR…
GDPR compliance is vital for organizations operating within the EU. Non-compliance can lead to severe legal and financial consequences, as seen in Austria’s recent ban on Google Analytics. Specifically, Article 44 of the GDPR states that data is not allowed to be transferred beyond the EU or the EEA unless the recipient nation is able…
GDPR is the gatekeeper to one of the world’s largest markets. If you want to do business in Europe or work with European customers and their data, GDPR is not optional. It is the price of admission. And the scale of its impact is unmistakable. Ever since the GDPR took effect, over half a million…
TL;DR Patient trust in healthcare is rooted in privacy. Unfortunately, not every healthcare provider preaches this. I’ve watched teams struggle to navigate consent forms, email attachments, and rogue spreadsheets. Worst of all, I’ve seen entire organizations ruined due to the repercussions of healthcare data leaks. GDPR was designed to put an end to all of…
TL; DR SOC 2 and GDPR overlap on key control areas like encryption, access management, vendor risk, and incident response—smart teams map once and comply across both.Treating them as separate initiatives creates duplication, drains resources, and slows down audits. Unified compliance operations are faster, leaner, and more scalable.Automating evidence collection, mapping shared controls, and continuously…
HIPAA compliance in 2026 centers on updated Notice of Privacy Practices obligations and the 42 CFR Part 2 final rule compliance date of February 16, 2026. Organizations should also prepare for stricter HIPAA Security Rule expectations by strengthening access controls, encryption, asset inventories, testing and documented evidence of ongoing compliance.
Protected Health Information (PHI) is any personal or medical information that can be used to identify a patient or their medical history. HIPAA’s Privacy Rules sets the standards on how PHI can be used and transmitted by while protecting patients’ privacy. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) also classifies those attributes as PHI that…
A patient’s health and financial information are sensitive. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, was passed to safeguard patients’ Protected Health Information (PHI). The rules laid down by HIPAA are federal law and limit the use and disclosure of PHI by healthcare providers and related entities. Failure to adhere to HIPAA rules…
TL, DR: Roles and responsibilities of a HIPAA consultantPrivacy assessments, risk assessments, policy reviews, training, breach notification assessments and moreTop 10 HIPAA consultantsPraetorian Secure, Appinventiv, INCompliance, RSM US, ScienceSoft, Healthicity LLC, Colington Consulting, RSI Security, Clearwater, TechumenHIPAA consultant Costs$50-$250 per hour A HIPAA awareness assessment revealed that over 50% of employees are not well-trained to…
HIPAA-compliant data storage is now a high-stakes pillar of healthcare security, even though on paper it can look like nothing more than ‘where the data lives.’ Why is this so critical? A recent analysis of dark‑web marketplaces found that an electronic health record can sell for up to $1,000—far more than a stolen credit card number….
Storing healthcare data is a legal obligation shaped by both HIPAA and a maze of state-specific retention rules. As we head into 2026, service providers, business associates, and compliance teams must navigate overlapping federal mandates, differing state timelines, and rising enforcement risks. This guide breaks down HIPAA’s data retention requirements, how they compare to medical…
HIPAA violations continue to surge across the healthcare ecosystem, and the data tells a clear, yet troubling story. According to HIPAA Journal, 508 healthcare data breaches were reported as of August 2025, with 58 breaches impacting 3,789,869 individuals happening in August alone. A huge chunk of these issues came down to compromised user or administrative accounts,…
HIPAA is an incredibly complex framework. For most healthcare teams, HIPAA’s rules can seem scattered, overly technical, and difficult to decode. Yet understanding it is essential for compliance, protecting patient data, and avoiding costly penalties. Knowing exactly what each HIPAA component covers, how they work together, and where your specific compliance responsibilities begin is a…
HIPAA compliance can become increasingly complex as a healthcare organization grows. With more patient data, tools, and vendors to manage, meeting regulatory requirements takes a significant amount of time and effort. HIPAA compliance software helps reduce this workload by organizing your security tasks, automating evidence collection, and keeping your documentation up to date. In this…
TL;DR Sprinto can help you automate the entire compliance journey & help you get ISO 27001 compliance-ready in just weeks without burning a hole in your pocket.There are four ways to go about your ISO 27001 certification.You can go either with a DIY approach, a GRC tool, an external consultant or automate the entire journey…
Most ISO 27001 audit failures aren’t about bad security. They are about misaligned auditors. You’ve invested months mapping controls, collecting evidence, and keeping up with the ISO 27001 requirements. But the success of your audit hinges on one critical factor: your auditor. Choose the wrong one, and you may face unnecessary delays or even risk…
SaaS businesses need to inspire confidence and trust about how they manage and establish data security to clock continued growth. And the best way to build such trust is by gaining independent and internationally-recognized accreditations for your security controls. The ISO 2700 certification is one of the most recognized international security standards. It demonstrates your…
TL; DR ISO 27001 certification is a document issued by an accreditation body after the audit that confirms that the organization’s ISMS meets all the requirements under ISO 27001.ISO 27001 certification steps include defining scope, conducting risk assessment, implementing controls, evaluating performance, and auditing controls. An ISO 27001 certification helps build customer trust by showing them…
Getting an ISO 27001 certification largely depends on how effective your internal audits are. An ISO 27001 internal audit tells you if your ISMS is actually working as intended, whether your controls are in place, and if there are any gaps you need to fix before you meet the external auditor. And here’s the part…
SOC 2 and ISO 27001 have been the most common contenders in the compliance landscape, and many companies ask us which one they need. Is one better than the other? The answer depends on several factors and can vary depending on what you’re looking for. Read on to understand the differences and similarities between the…
You’ve invested in firewalls, encryption, and endpoint protection, but what happens if someone sneaks into your server room or a power surge takes everything offline? Physical security gaps such as these can cost organizations millions every year, yet they’re often treated as an afterthought until a disaster strikes. A single preventable outage can run over $100,000,…
Malware protection is a core requirement for ISO 27001 compliance, but many security and compliance teams underestimate the depth of what’s needed. It’s easy to install antivirus software across endpoints. What’s harder is proving that protection is consistently active, up to date, monitored, and backed by evidence that auditors will accept. For SMBs with lean…
If you’re pushing code to production every week and juggling compliance at the same time, the idea of a “Secure Development Policy” might sound like bureaucratic red tape. But if you’re aiming for ISO 27001 certification, it’s non-negotiable. Auditors expect not just secure code, but proof that your development practices are standardized, enforced, and continuously…
There is no fixed price on the costs involved with becoming PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards) compliant. Instead, the costs largely depend on the size of your business, the volume of transactions your company conducts annually, and the transmission and storage methods you use. PCI DSS is designed to ensure the security…
TL; DR This article compares the best PCI compliance software to help organizations secure cardholder data and meet PCI DSS requirements, evaluating tools based on risk management, continuous monitoring, integrations, support for vulnerability scanning, and audit readiness.Best PCI Compliance Software to Secure Payment Data in 2026:1. Sprinto2. Secureframe3. Drata4. AuditBoard5. Vanta6. Thoropass7. Compliance Manager GRC8….
Companies handling sensitive customer data and payment information are under pressure to comply with not just one, but multiple security frameworks. It’s no longer a question of if you’ll need to prove compliance, but how many certifications you’ll be asked to show. One framework wants proof that your entire business manages information risk; the other…
Credit card and payment information is one of the most sensitive pieces of information that some organizations handle. So, it goes without saying that there are standards and rules in place to protect such sensitive data. Violating the rules has severe consequences. Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) are guidelines rolled out by…
TL;DR PCI DSS is for payment card data. It is seen as the gold standard for protecting sensitive authentication data and with PCI DSS 4.0 in effect the requirements have only become more stringent. The newer and stronger version was built after much input from the PCI Community, including 6,000+ comments from 200 companies and…
The payment card industry faces constant threats of breaches. CreditDonkey reports that credit card fraud affected 47% of Americans in the past five years. Malicious actors steal card data every two seconds, highlighting the urgency of strong security measures. If you are a merchant who processes or accepts payment cards, you have to store card…
As an organization processing card data via online portals, you should be PCI DSS compliant to avoid penalties and reputational damage. But the process is exhaustive, time-consuming, and expensive. This article aims to simplify and demystify the PCI compliance framework, help you identify the PCI levels, learn about the 12 PCI DSS requirements checklist, and…
Key Points Introduction The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) was created by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) to protect sensitive transaction data and keep it secure from cybersecurity threats. The PCI SSC is an independent organization founded in 2006 by major payment card companies like American Express, MasterCard, Visa, JCB International,…
Getting your PCI DSS ducks in a row requires a good understanding of the compliance requirements, their relevance in your business environment, and the controls that can help you bolster the protection of cardholder data. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is designed to protect the entire payment card value chain and,…
TL;DR Small businesses can complete a SOC 2 Type 1 in ~2–3 months; Type 2 typically takes 6–12 months due to the observation periodType 1 validates control design; Type 2 verifies controls operate effectively over timeTotal cost usually ranges from $20K–$70K depending on scope, auditor, and toolingThe process includes scoping, implementing controls, readiness assessment, and…
A SOC (Security Operations Center) is a security hub tasked with maintaining an organization’s security posture and protecting it from internal and external security breaches. A SOC unit has security experts that rely on security monitoring tools and SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) to patch vulnerabilities that hackers could use to penetrate their secure…
Here’s a familiar situation—a customer tells you that you need to pass a SOC 2 audit to close the deal and immediately your mind races. Where do you start? What kind of evidence do you gather? How do you create a report that the auditors can use to assess your security protocols? We’ve all been…
In the cult movie Wall Street, Gordon Gekko unapologetically proclaims, “I don’t throw darts at a board. I bet on sure things.” Don’t worry. This isn’t an article in adoration of his shameless villainy. We want to direct your attention to what he was particularly good at – hedging his risks before making a play….
SOC 2 is often the gateway to compliance for most SaaS companies. Teams quickly learn that implementing SOC 2 controls cannot be done by following a checklist. It requires transparent processes, defined ownership, and diligent evidence of controls. For many SMBs, the challenge is not intention but interpretation. Documentation can feel abstract, the terminology can…
SOC 2 reports are point-in-time assessments. They’re valid for a year, but don’t automatically account for what happens after the reporting period ends. That gap between the expiration of your last SOC 2 report and the issuance of the next creates a window of uncertainty for customers, auditors, and procurement teams. How do you assure…
TL; DR Costs for SOC 2 Type 1 audits start from $5,000 and can go up to $25,000, while Type 2 audits range from $7,000 to $50,000.Overall, the total SOC 2 compliance costs in 2026 will average between $30,000 and $50,000, varying based on organization size, complexity, audit type, and auditor choice.Additional costs include lost…
SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 are independent attestation reports that help organizations prove they have reliable security, privacy, and internal controls in place. Although they originate from the same AICPA framework, each report serves a distinct purpose: SOC 1 focuses on financial reporting controls, SOC 2 evaluates security and trust principles, and SOC…
A big ticket deal seems to be progressing well. The final demo went smoothly. The prospect seems eager to sign the deal, even giving you a verbal thumbs-up pending last-minute approvals. And then, out of left field, comes an email asking you to send over your SOC 2 report. Panic sets in. Slack threads light…
TL;DR TPRM tools covered: Sprinto, MetricStream, OneTrust, ServiceNow, Archer, Diligent, ProcessUnity, SecurityScorecard, UpGuard, and Black Kite.This list mixes end‑to‑end TPRM platforms, enterprise GRC suites, workflow-first platforms, and external cyber monitoring layers (because most mature programs run a stack).The implementation section closes with a practical rollout plan you can adapt to your vendor volume and regulatory…
TL;DR A compliance framework is a structured system of policies, controls, processes, and documentation that helps organizations meet regulatory, security, and customer requirements.Frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS differ in scope, rigor, and applicability, but share 60–90% control overlap, enabling efficient multi-framework adoption.Implementing a framework requires a clear roadmap: scope…
For any fast-growing company, a strong security and compliance foundation is never built in the audit season. It’s built through continuous, structured gap analysis that keeps controls healthy, teams aligned, and surprises off the audit report. A missed access revocation, a dormant control, an outdated policy, or an unnoticed vendor lapse can quietly accumulate until…
GRC in cybersecurity is now key to containing rising incident rates. A recent security report found a 44% year‑over‑year increase in global cyberattacks, and the World Economic Forum estimates that roughly 95% of incidents stem from human error. For CISOs, GRC leaders, security architects, compliance teams, and mid-market SaaS founders, these incident rates set a new standard….
Audits are no longer one-off events. For most growing companies, they’re recurring, multi-framework, and closely tied to revenue, trust, and regulatory expectations. As audit scope expands, manual processes built on spreadsheets, shared drives, and last-minute coordination quickly break down. Audit management software helps teams centralize evidence, track readiness continuously, collaborate with auditors, and reduce the…
TL;DR Early-stage teams increasingly use compliance to unlock markets, accelerate deals, and expand their addressable customer base.Enterprise and mid-market customers expect proof of security and maturity upfront, often refusing to engage without it.For smaller teams, compliance builds credibility and access; for larger SMBs, it reduces friction, shortens sales cycles, and improves efficiency.Compliance strengthens buyer confidence…
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), developed by the U.S. Department of Defense details the cybersecurity requirements for contractors in the Defense Industrial Base. It is published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). If you are a defense contractor, you must protect controlled unclassified information (CUI) from a wide range of threats…
TL;DR ISO 42001 operationalizes responsible AI principles through structured clauses (like risk assessment, transparency, and human oversight) and 39+ Annex A controls.Adopting ISO 42001 helps meet emerging global AI regulations (EU AI Act, NIST AI RMF, Canada’s AIDA) by aligning with their core requirements like explainability, accountability, and post-market monitoring.Common challenges include scoping scope creep,…
TL; DR This guide explains the key software categories required for FedRAMP compliance and compares tools based on their role in control management, continuous monitoring, risk management, and incident response.Top 5 FedRAMP Software in 2026:1. Sprinto2. Uptycs3. Anitian4. Aquia5. Coalfire FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) compliance is required by any cloud service provider…
| Dec 26, 2025
| Feb 19, 2026
