The HITRUST CSF is widely accepted as a high-integrity framework that maps to control domains and requirements from 50+ authoritative regulations and standards, including HIPAA. Obtaining HITRUST certification helps you demonstrate industry-standard security, though the certification process does require significant time investments.
In this guide, you’ll learn what the timeline consists of and how long it might take to get certified so you can plan your tasks and allocate resources effectively. We’ll cover:
- Key stages of the HITRUST certification process
- An estimated timeframe for each stage
- Common timeline variables
- Tips for expediting the certification process
5 HITRUST certification stages
Before pursuing a HITRUST certification, you should open your organization’s MyCSF account with HITRUST. MyCSF is HITRUST’s official compliance management platform that you must use to provide evidence and complete your assessments.
The timeline for achieving HITRUST compliance depends on the certification level you choose: e1, i1, or r2. Typically, e1 certification workflows can be wrapped up quickly, while i1 or r2 dictates a longer timeframe because of more extensive control requirements.
The length of the process also depends on the individual time required in the following certification stages:
- Pre-assessment: During the pre-assessment, you need to fill out six web forms in the MyCSF portal (five if you’re pursuing e1 or i1 certification). These forms revolve around your organization’s security, chosen certification, and scope, giving you an idea of what evidence you should collect or organize beforehand.
- Readiness assessment (optional): A readiness assessment lets you perform a gap analysis and get your controls ready for the validated assessment. It can be a self-assessment or an independent assessment performed by a third party. It’s voluntary but the time spent on this step can considerably expedite the later stages of certification.
- Validated assessment: A validated assessment demands significant time investment. You need to score your controls with the HITRUST requirement statements using the PRISMA model and the Control Maturity Scoring Rubric. An external assessor will then validate your scores based on their observations and the provided evidence.
- Remediation (occasional): The HITRUST audit might uncover gaps you’ll need to bridge to get certified. You may also need to address CAPs (corrective action plans) for controls that don’t meet the necessary criteria.
- Quality assurance and deliverables preparation: After the validated assessment is complete, a HITRUST QA analyst will perform the final review to verify the information. Once the QA process is done, you’ll receive the report draft. You have 30 days to accept it or request revisions, after which you should receive the final report.
While there’s no fixed timeframe for any of the above processes, we have some reference points based on common averages.
{{cta_withimage19="/cta-modules"}} | HITRUST Compliance Checklist
How long does it take to obtain a HITRUST certificate?
The expected time to go through the five HITRUST certification stages is outlined in the following table:
On average, the certification process should last between three and eighteen or more months, depending on what certification tier you’re targeting. Organizations on the lower end of the time frame are those that prepare for the assessment well in advance—they typically experience minimal to no back-and-forth during the assurance process.
Note that the table is only a reference point, with the exact time frame depending on various factors like identified compliance gaps and automation level. For instance, organizations that leverage compliance automation tools like Vanta have more streamlined evidence collection and control monitoring processes, which can help them get ready for e1 certification in as little as 80 hours.
HITRUST certification timeline: Key variables to consider
The HITRUST certification timeline depends on various moving parts, including:
- Selected certification level: The HITRUST e1 and i1 assessments are based on predefined requirement statements, which makes them easier to complete. In contrast, r2 assessments are risk-based and involve custom controls (with organizations addressing 380+ controls on average), which prolongs the certification process.
- Organization size: The more operations, employees, and facilities you have, the longer the certification process will be due to the extensive security reviews and audits spanning your security infrastructure and the workforce behind it.
- Security infrastructure complexity: If you have a complex IT infrastructure—for instance, a hybrid infrastructure consisting of on-premise and cloud-based infrastructure—some aspects of the HITRUST assessment, such as scoping, readiness assessment, and validation, will take longer.
- Security control maturity: If you already have a mature security program, you might complete certification faster due to minimal to no CAPs.
- Number of inheritable controls: HITRUST implements a shared responsibility model that lets organizations inherit the controls of their cloud service providers (if applicable). If many of your in-scope controls are inheritable, the certification process will likely be faster.
Even though HITRUST certification can be a lengthy endeavor in some cases, you can shorten the time frame by following a few best practices.
{{cta_webinar3="/cta-modules"}} | Choosing the right HITRUST certification level and streamlining implementation
4 best practices for expediting the HITRUST certification process
If you want to make the HITRUST certification process smooth and efficient, consider these best practices:
1. Understand your CSP’s controls
After defining and understanding the scope of your HITRUST assessment, you can review your CSP’s controls to see if you can inherit some of them. You can get a significant head start with inheritable controls and reduce the time and effort spent on implementing controls from scratch as well as conducting the corresponding security reviews.
2. Opt for the readiness assessment
While a readiness assessment adds another stage to the certification process, it can minimize the remediation time and help you go through validation more confidently because all the necessary controls will already be in place. You’ll also know what to expect from the validated assessment in terms of the overall workflow, which can prevent inefficiencies.
3. Streamline the evidence collection process
You’ll need to demonstrate the effectiveness of your security controls through different types of evidence (verbal, documented, etc.). However, manual evidence collection can be exhausting and time-consuming. You should automate the process as much as possible with a dedicated automation solution that makes evidence tracking easier for your HITRUST assessor.
4. Automate the certification process with HITRUST’s automation partner
As HITRUST’s official automation partner, Vanta can help you significantly cut the time and resources necessary to perform a readiness assessment and complete the steps that follow. Its AI and automation functionalities also make evidence collection and control verification processes seamless.
{{cta_withimage19="/cta-modules"}} | HITRUST Compliance Checklist
Get certified faster with Vanta’s HITRUST solution
Vanta is a trust management platform that makes the HITRUST certification process streamlined and effortless. It can automate up to 80% of the HITRUST certification requirements, sparing you the manual work and wasted time you might encounter while trying to meet them on your own.
Vanta’s HITRUST CSF solution offers numerous time-saving features:
- Automated evidence collection: Vanta integrates with 350+ platforms to streamline evidence gathering.
- Simplified gap assessments: Vanta cross-references other frameworks for controls you might’ve already implemented, as well as highlights existing gaps for supported controls.
- Centralized tracking: You get a unified hub for documenting your practices and tracking HITRUST requirements.
- Pre-built resources: The platform offers 200+ resources like templates and tests to expedite your workflows.
- MyCSF integration: You can use this integration to directly import evidence to the HITRUST audit platform, MyCSF.
Watch this free webinar to learn more about Vanta’s HITRUST solution.
You can also leverage Vanta’s network of service partners with expertise in navigating the MyCSF platform.
Schedule a custom product demo to start your HITRUST certification journey with Vanta.
{{cta_simple16="/cta-modules"}} | HITRUST product page
Preparing for HITRUST certification
HITRUST certification timeline: How long does it take?
Preparing for HITRUST certification
The HITRUST CSF is widely accepted as a high-integrity framework that maps to control domains and requirements from 50+ authoritative regulations and standards, including HIPAA. Obtaining HITRUST certification helps you demonstrate industry-standard security, though the certification process does require significant time investments.
In this guide, you’ll learn what the timeline consists of and how long it might take to get certified so you can plan your tasks and allocate resources effectively. We’ll cover:
- Key stages of the HITRUST certification process
- An estimated timeframe for each stage
- Common timeline variables
- Tips for expediting the certification process
5 HITRUST certification stages
Before pursuing a HITRUST certification, you should open your organization’s MyCSF account with HITRUST. MyCSF is HITRUST’s official compliance management platform that you must use to provide evidence and complete your assessments.
The timeline for achieving HITRUST compliance depends on the certification level you choose: e1, i1, or r2. Typically, e1 certification workflows can be wrapped up quickly, while i1 or r2 dictates a longer timeframe because of more extensive control requirements.
The length of the process also depends on the individual time required in the following certification stages:
- Pre-assessment: During the pre-assessment, you need to fill out six web forms in the MyCSF portal (five if you’re pursuing e1 or i1 certification). These forms revolve around your organization’s security, chosen certification, and scope, giving you an idea of what evidence you should collect or organize beforehand.
- Readiness assessment (optional): A readiness assessment lets you perform a gap analysis and get your controls ready for the validated assessment. It can be a self-assessment or an independent assessment performed by a third party. It’s voluntary but the time spent on this step can considerably expedite the later stages of certification.
- Validated assessment: A validated assessment demands significant time investment. You need to score your controls with the HITRUST requirement statements using the PRISMA model and the Control Maturity Scoring Rubric. An external assessor will then validate your scores based on their observations and the provided evidence.
- Remediation (occasional): The HITRUST audit might uncover gaps you’ll need to bridge to get certified. You may also need to address CAPs (corrective action plans) for controls that don’t meet the necessary criteria.
- Quality assurance and deliverables preparation: After the validated assessment is complete, a HITRUST QA analyst will perform the final review to verify the information. Once the QA process is done, you’ll receive the report draft. You have 30 days to accept it or request revisions, after which you should receive the final report.
While there’s no fixed timeframe for any of the above processes, we have some reference points based on common averages.
{{cta_withimage19="/cta-modules"}} | HITRUST Compliance Checklist
How long does it take to obtain a HITRUST certificate?
The expected time to go through the five HITRUST certification stages is outlined in the following table:
On average, the certification process should last between three and eighteen or more months, depending on what certification tier you’re targeting. Organizations on the lower end of the time frame are those that prepare for the assessment well in advance—they typically experience minimal to no back-and-forth during the assurance process.
Note that the table is only a reference point, with the exact time frame depending on various factors like identified compliance gaps and automation level. For instance, organizations that leverage compliance automation tools like Vanta have more streamlined evidence collection and control monitoring processes, which can help them get ready for e1 certification in as little as 80 hours.
HITRUST certification timeline: Key variables to consider
The HITRUST certification timeline depends on various moving parts, including:
- Selected certification level: The HITRUST e1 and i1 assessments are based on predefined requirement statements, which makes them easier to complete. In contrast, r2 assessments are risk-based and involve custom controls (with organizations addressing 380+ controls on average), which prolongs the certification process.
- Organization size: The more operations, employees, and facilities you have, the longer the certification process will be due to the extensive security reviews and audits spanning your security infrastructure and the workforce behind it.
- Security infrastructure complexity: If you have a complex IT infrastructure—for instance, a hybrid infrastructure consisting of on-premise and cloud-based infrastructure—some aspects of the HITRUST assessment, such as scoping, readiness assessment, and validation, will take longer.
- Security control maturity: If you already have a mature security program, you might complete certification faster due to minimal to no CAPs.
- Number of inheritable controls: HITRUST implements a shared responsibility model that lets organizations inherit the controls of their cloud service providers (if applicable). If many of your in-scope controls are inheritable, the certification process will likely be faster.
Even though HITRUST certification can be a lengthy endeavor in some cases, you can shorten the time frame by following a few best practices.
{{cta_webinar3="/cta-modules"}} | Choosing the right HITRUST certification level and streamlining implementation
4 best practices for expediting the HITRUST certification process
If you want to make the HITRUST certification process smooth and efficient, consider these best practices:
1. Understand your CSP’s controls
After defining and understanding the scope of your HITRUST assessment, you can review your CSP’s controls to see if you can inherit some of them. You can get a significant head start with inheritable controls and reduce the time and effort spent on implementing controls from scratch as well as conducting the corresponding security reviews.
2. Opt for the readiness assessment
While a readiness assessment adds another stage to the certification process, it can minimize the remediation time and help you go through validation more confidently because all the necessary controls will already be in place. You’ll also know what to expect from the validated assessment in terms of the overall workflow, which can prevent inefficiencies.
3. Streamline the evidence collection process
You’ll need to demonstrate the effectiveness of your security controls through different types of evidence (verbal, documented, etc.). However, manual evidence collection can be exhausting and time-consuming. You should automate the process as much as possible with a dedicated automation solution that makes evidence tracking easier for your HITRUST assessor.
4. Automate the certification process with HITRUST’s automation partner
As HITRUST’s official automation partner, Vanta can help you significantly cut the time and resources necessary to perform a readiness assessment and complete the steps that follow. Its AI and automation functionalities also make evidence collection and control verification processes seamless.
{{cta_withimage19="/cta-modules"}} | HITRUST Compliance Checklist
Get certified faster with Vanta’s HITRUST solution
Vanta is a trust management platform that makes the HITRUST certification process streamlined and effortless. It can automate up to 80% of the HITRUST certification requirements, sparing you the manual work and wasted time you might encounter while trying to meet them on your own.
Vanta’s HITRUST CSF solution offers numerous time-saving features:
- Automated evidence collection: Vanta integrates with 350+ platforms to streamline evidence gathering.
- Simplified gap assessments: Vanta cross-references other frameworks for controls you might’ve already implemented, as well as highlights existing gaps for supported controls.
- Centralized tracking: You get a unified hub for documenting your practices and tracking HITRUST requirements.
- Pre-built resources: The platform offers 200+ resources like templates and tests to expedite your workflows.
- MyCSF integration: You can use this integration to directly import evidence to the HITRUST audit platform, MyCSF.
Watch this free webinar to learn more about Vanta’s HITRUST solution.
You can also leverage Vanta’s network of service partners with expertise in navigating the MyCSF platform.
Schedule a custom product demo to start your HITRUST certification journey with Vanta.
{{cta_simple16="/cta-modules"}} | HITRUST product page
What’s a Rich Text element?
What’s a Rich Text element?The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.Static and dynamic content editing
Static and dynamic content editingA rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!How to customize formatting for each rich text
How to customize formatting for each rich textHeadings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
What’s a Rich Text element?
What’s a Rich Text element?The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.Static and dynamic content editing
Static and dynamic content editingA rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!How to customize formatting for each rich text
How to customize formatting for each rich textHeadings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
What’s a Rich Text element?
What’s a Rich Text element?The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.Static and dynamic content editing
Static and dynamic content editingA rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!How to customize formatting for each rich text
How to customize formatting for each rich textHeadings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
What’s a Rich Text element?
What’s a Rich Text element?The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.Static and dynamic content editing
Static and dynamic content editingA rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!How to customize formatting for each rich text
How to customize formatting for each rich textHeadings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
What’s a Rich Text element?
What’s a Rich Text element?The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.Static and dynamic content editing
Static and dynamic content editingA rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!How to customize formatting for each rich text
How to customize formatting for each rich textHeadings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
What’s a Rich Text element?
What’s a Rich Text element?The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.Static and dynamic content editing
Static and dynamic content editingA rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!How to customize formatting for each rich text
How to customize formatting for each rich textHeadings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
What’s a Rich Text element?
What’s a Rich Text element?The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.Static and dynamic content editing
Static and dynamic content editingA rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!How to customize formatting for each rich text
How to customize formatting for each rich textHeadings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
What’s a Rich Text element?
What’s a Rich Text element?The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.Static and dynamic content editing
Static and dynamic content editingA rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!How to customize formatting for each rich text
How to customize formatting for each rich textHeadings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
| Role: | GRC responsibilities: |
|---|---|
| Board of directors | Central to the overarching GRC strategy, this group sets the direction for the compliance strategy. They determine which standards and regulations are necessary for compliance and align the GRC strategy with business objectives. |
| Chief financial officer | Primary responsibility for the success of the GRC program and for reporting results to the board. |
| Operations managers from relevant departments | This group owns processes. They are responsible for the success and direction of risk management and compliance within their departments. |
| Representatives from relevant departments | These are the activity owners. These team members are responsible for carrying out specific compliance and risk management tasks within their departments and for integrating these tasks into their workflows. |
| Contract managers from relevant department | These team members are responsible for managing interactions with vendors and other third parties in their department to ensure all risk management and compliance measures are being taken. |
| Chief information security officer (CISO) | Defines the organization’s information security policy, designs risk and vulnerability assessments, and develops information security policies. |
| Data protection officer (DPO) or legal counsel | Develops goals for data privacy based on legal regulations and other compliance needs, designs and implements privacy policies and practices, and assesses these practices for effectiveness. |
| GRC lead | Responsible for overseeing the execution of the GRC program in collaboration with the executive team as well as maintaining the organization’s library of security controls. |
| Cybersecurity analyst(s) | Implements and monitors cybersecurity measures that are in line with the GRC program and business objectives. |
| Compliance analyst(s) | Monitors the organization’s compliance with all regulations and standards necessary, identifies any compliance gaps, and works to mitigate them. |
| Risk analyst(s) | Carries out the risk management program for the organization and serves as a resource for risk management across various departments, including identifying, mitigating, and monitoring risks. |
| IT security specialist(s) | Implements security controls within the IT system in coordination with the cybersecurity analyst(s). |
