Preparing for your PCI audit isn't a matter of simply "checking the boxes" to meet compliance requirements. Ongoing compliance with PCI DSS builds trust with customers and stakeholders, protects your customers' data, and helps with long-term reputation management. 

With recent updates in PCI DSS 4.0, there's been an increased focus on compliance maintenance. This article will help you understand the core principles of PCI DSS, how to apply them to your organization, and how to stay compliant over time.

What Is A PCI Audit and How Does It Work At A High Level? 

A PCI audit is an assessment of an organization's compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), a set of security requirements that protect cardholder data. The auditor reviews your organization's security measures, policies, and technical infrastructure to verify that you meet requirements.

In our recent webinar on Compliance to Confidence: Simplifying PCI Security Standards, Rhymetec CISO Metin Kortak discussed frequently asked questions and concerns around PCI DSS Version 4.0 with Kevin Whalen, Head of PCI at Prescient Security. 

"The Version 4 standard has a number of new requirements, but I don't think any of the changes are overly difficult. There are a few that are, but a lot of what the update did was simplify and consolidate some of the requirement language. But there are some new enhancements to it to be aware of," noted Kevin Whalen during our webinar. 

One such enhancement is the new focus on ensuring organizations maintain compliance over time. As we have seen with other recent updates to cybersecurity and compliance frameworks like NIST CSF Version 2.0, there is a stronger focus in the updated PCI DSS 4.0 on continuous compliance. This means businesses need to show they maintain compliance on an ongoing basis rather than just at the time of the audit.

The PCI compliance readiness process starts with a gap analysis to identify areas that need remediation. Once gaps are addressed, the formal audit is conducted by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA). This individual reviews documentation, interviews staff, and tests controls to validate compliance. Following your audit, they will provide a report on the findings and note any corrective actions you need to take. 

Core Principles and Requirements Under PCI DSS

There are five core principles under PCI DSS. Each of the following requirements is important from a compliance perspective and will also vastly improve your security if you did not have them in place previously. 

Let's go over each principle in more detail, and explain how they help prevent breaches and keep your customers' data safe: 

1. Securing and Monitoring Your Network

PCI DSS requires that you set your network up with security top-of-mind. 

This includes measures like firewalls to block unauthorized traffic and making sure your systems are configured securely. You also should set up ways to constantly monitor your network for suspicious activity and conduct regular security tests. 

Let's say you run a SaaS platform offering payment processing for small retailers:

If your network isn't secured properly, it's easier for hackers to intercept cardholder data during transactions. By setting up proper firewall measures, you can block unwanted traffic and limit access to only those who really need it.

Regular network monitoring, meanwhile, will alert you to unusual activity, such as an unexpected increase in traffic to your payment systems. Lastly, ASV scans for PCI, vulnerability scans, and penetration tests can help identify weak points and enable you to fix them before they can be exploited. 

2. Protecting Cardholder Data

Under PCI DSS, you must encrypt sensitive cardholder data whenever it's stored or transmitted. Encryption makes the data unreadable to anyone without the decryption key, so even if it's intercepted, it's useless to bad actors.

As an example, if a platform offers subscription services and stores credit card information for recurring payments, under PCI DSS they must have encryption enabled to prevent hackers from being able to steal readable credit card data. This is a particularly important measure if your business deals with large volumes of recurring transactions where cardholder data may be stored for longer periods of time. 

3. Updating Security Policies For Your PCI Audit

Under PCI DSS, organizations must have a set of documented information security policies. Your policies should outline precisely how you protect sensitive data, and how different members of your teams play a role in this. 

For example, your policies may require that all developers at your company use secure coding practices, or that support staff avoid accessing customer payment data directly.

*Note: Having strong security policies in place is critical regardless of organization size, but small businesses or those without designated security members on staff often struggle to set up clear and usable policies. Check out our blog on crafting security policies for small businesses for guidance on how to not only write, but how to effectively communicate your security policies so they are followed by employees.

4. Vulnerability Monitoring 

Vulnerability monitoring entails common sense security measures like keeping antivirus software up to date and regularly applying security patches to your systems. The idea is to address security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. 

If a known vulnerability exists in one of the software components your project management tool relies on to work, for example, threat actors could use that to access your customers' data. Continuously monitoring for potential vulnerabilities and having a plan to address them is critical not only for your PCI audit but also from a baseline security perspective. 

5. Access Control

Access control measures need to be implemented to ensure only the right people can get into your systems and access sensitive cardholder data. Baseline security measures that all organizations should ideally be doing, like multi-factor authentication (MFA), also help with access control. 

You never want everyone internally to have full access to cardholder data. By limiting access to only the employees who absolutely need it - and by also adding MFA to verify their identity - you reduce the risk of unauthorized access enormously. 

Why Is PCI DSS Compliance Important For Your Business?

Businesses that handle cardholder data are required to obtain PCI DSS compliance. Non-compliance can result in fines, legal penalties, and damage to your organization's reputation. Breaches can lead to financial losses, erode customer trust, and cause disruptions to your business operations. 

Compliance also reduces the risk of fraud and theft of payment data, which can result in financial harm to both your business and your customers. With the introduction of PCI DSS 4.0, businesses are expected to demonstrate continuous compliance and show that they are taking a proactive approach to managing security risks. 

Types of PCI DSS Audits and Their Scope

The type of PCI audit your business requires depends on your merchant level and the volume of transactions you process annually. Each audit type covers all of the requirements in the PCI DSS standard, but may vary in depth based on the size of your business and the sensitivity of the cardholder data you process:

Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)

This is a self-evaluation tool used by smaller businesses that don't handle large volumes of cardholder data. The SAQ is basically a checklist where you answer a series of questions about your security practices, and is broken down into different versions depending on how you process payments. There are specific versions for businesses that process payments online, through a physical point-of-sale system, or over the phone. 

As an example, if you run a SaaS business that provides a billing platform for freelancers, and you rely on a third-party payment processor like Stripe to handle the actual transactions, you wouldn't be storing or processing cardholder data directly. Therefore, you'd likely fall under the SAQ version that applies to businesses that outsource their payment processing, and it would serve to validate that your company never stores or has access to that data. 

Report on Compliance (RoC) 

For larger organizations or those processing a large volume of transactions, a PCI audit conducted by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) is required. 

This audit is more extensive and includes on-site assessments of your security controls, and is generally required for larger businesses or those processing a significant number of transactions. If your company processes more than 6 million transactions per year, you'll likely need an RoC. 

5 Steps To Prepare For Your PCI Audit

At a high level, the following 5 steps illustrate the process leading up to your PCI DSS audit. 

At any one of these steps, it can be helpful to consult an outside expert, such as a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP), with ample prior experience helping organizations achieve PCI DSS compliance. 

1. Understand your scope.

Mapping out the scope of your audit is the first step. You'll need to determine which of your systems, networks, and processes handle cardholder data. Merchants have to request additional information from customers under certain circumstances: 

"When we start our scoping process, what we usually try to understand in the beginning is how the payments are being processed…Where it gets complex is when the physical card is not present when you're making a purchase. Because the physical card is not present, PCI has certain requirements in place so that when you make a purchase online, for example, you have to provide some additional information like your billing address," said Rhymetec CISO Metin Kortak on this topic during our webinar. 

You also need to define your Cardholder Data Environment (CDE). 

"What that means is we need to understand exactly where the card information is being processed. Is it only processed by the customer's hosting provider? Or does the card information also reside in other third-party applications or physical servers? It's important to understand the entire scope so that when we go through an audit, we can give them the proper scope and make sure that the PCI security controls are implemented on all of those hosting providers and other vendors," said Metin. 

2. Conduct a gap analysis leading up to your official PCI audit.

Perform an internal assessment to pinpoint areas where your organization does not meet PCI DSS audit requirements. This is important to do before your formal audit, as it will give you a chance to address any deficiencies beforehand. MSSPs that are experienced in compliance and offer one-off gap assessment services can be a great resource during this step. 

3. Remediate any identified gaps.

Next, address any gaps found during your internal assessment. Common security measures that may need to be addressed at this stage include updating your firewalls, strengthening encryption protocols, or further formalizing your access controls.

4. Update your documentation. 

Prior to your audit, make sure all of your policies and security measures are well-documented in a format that will make it easy for your auditor to keep track of. Using a compliance automation tool can be extremely helpful with this, as they provide a single, easily accessible place to upload all of your documentation for your auditors to see. 

5. Perform ongoing monitoring for your next PCI audit.

This element is one of the heaviest lifts of the current version of PCI DSS. 

Compliance maintenance under PCI DSS 4.0 is expected, and ongoing monitoring will help you stay compliant throughout the year. You should be regularly monitoring security systems and processes to detect any potential misconfigurations or vulnerabilities. This includes automated monitoring of various controls, such as payment page script security: 

"The most significant change of 4.0 is the payment page script security, where they've added some new requirements in the software development controls as well as automated security controls around monitoring for changes to the construction of your pages that contain input fields for cardholder data." - Kevin Whalen, Prescient Security

Common Challenges and What To Do 

Some common challenges businesses face when preparing for PCI DSS audits include:

Defining the Scope of Your PCI Audit

Many businesses struggle with understanding the full scope of systems that must be in compliance with requirements under PCI DSS. To address this, perform an inventory of systems handling cardholder data. As an example, you will have more strict requirements that apply to your scope if you take payments over the phone instead of in person. 

"Depending on how the payments are being processed, how the credit card information is being collected by the buyers - that impacts the level of work that we're going to do for our customer," Metin Kortak, Rhymetec 

Maintaining Compliance Over Time After Your PCI Audit

Maintaining an effective compliance maintenance program that scales with your business can be a challenge. Using automated monitoring and logging tools to track compliance in real-time can be helpful, as can working with an outside expert like a Managed Security Services Provider with specific expertise in enabling organizations to stay compliant over time. 

Documentation

Many organizations lack adequate documentation of their security policies and controls. 

You need this documentation not only for compliance purposes but also as a common-sense security measure: All of your employees should be aware of your security policies and procedures, such as your policy on measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA).  

Bonus Tip: For your PCI DSS audit, a compliance automation platform can be incredilby helpful with documentation. Compliance automation tools provide a single location with all of your documentation clearly laid out, so that you and your auditors can easily access and keep track of it.  

Third-Party Risk 

Third-party risk management plays an important role in PCI compliance. If you're using a third party to process or store credit card information, you generally need to obtain that company's own attestation or certification document to include in your own PCI audit. 

"Collecting your third parties' PCI certifications is important, especially if the vendor is processing or transmitting credit card information. Aside from that, you still need to conduct vendor assessments on all of your vendors. And that needs to go beyond just collecting the PCI certifications. That might mean checking that those vendors have proper information security policies in place, if they have conducted their own business continuity tabletop exercises, if they conduct access reviews…Just really conducting a thorough due diligence." - Metin Kortak, Rhymetec

In sum, you need to make sure your third-party vendors that process or store your cardholder data in any way are also PCI DSS compliant. 

Post PCI Audit Action Items: How To Stay Compliant

After your audit, there are several steps to help maintain compliance:

Address audit findings.

The first step post-audit is to thoroughly review the auditor's report and remediate any identified deficiencies as needed. 

Be sure you've implemented continuous monitoring measures.

Set up monitoring systems to track your compliance with key PCI DSS controls discussed previously, including encryption, access management, and vulnerability scanning. As noted above, a compliance automation tool can be incredibly helpful with this.

Update your policies as needed.

It can help to schedule regular intervals to review your security policies going forward. This will enable you to change your policies as needed to reflect any changes in your organization's operations, your risk profile, or the PCI DSS standard. 

Have regular internal audits.

Schedule periodic reviews to assess your compliance posture between your annual PCI DSS audits. 

Vendor management.

Lastly, remaining in compliance with PCI DSS requires ongoing monitoring of your third-party vendors to confirm their continued compliance, especially if they are involved in how you handle cardholder data. 

In Conclusion

Although it may seem daunting to prepare for your PCI audit, by following the steps outlined in this article, you can feel confident that you are well prepared for your audit and that your customers' data is protected. 

PCI DSS compliance is not just a one-time effort - compliance requires ongoing attention, especially with the updates introduced in PCI DSS 4.0. After your PCI audit, be sure to continue monitoring your network, confirming third-party due diligence, and updating your policies as needed. Staying proactive will help your business stay secure, remain in compliance, and build long-term trust with your customers and stakeholders. 

About Rhymetec

Our mission is to make cutting-edge cybersecurity available to SaaS companies and startups. We’ve worked with hundreds of companies to provide practical security solutions tailored to their needs, enabling them to be secure and compliant while balancing security with budget. We enable our clients to outsource the complexity of security and focus on what really matters – their business. Contact us today to get started.

Interested in reading more? Check out more content on our blog:

• Generative AI Security Risks For Businesses: Practical Advice For The Concerned
• vCISO Pricing Breakdown: Find The Best Fit For Your Needs
• Cybersecurity for SMBs: 10 Key Measures and Statistics
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This article goes over vCISO pricing models and services, how to choose the right option for your business, and how to make sure you receive the guidance and services you need without unnecessary expenditure. 

For startups and SMBs, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance are challenges that demand expert attention. However, many organizations either lack the resources or don't need to hire a full-time Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to meet their needs. A Virtual CISO (vCISO) offers a practical alternative, delivering high-level security leadership on a flexible, cost-effective basis. 

Today, vCISO services are used not only by startups but also by enterprises that need executive-level security leadership without the full-time salary overhead. By partnering with an MSSP like Rhymetec, organizations of all sizes gain access to compliance expertise across SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, and CMMC, plus global regulations like NIS2 and GDPR for European expansion.

vCISO Pricing Structures

Let's go over the three main vCISO pricing structures and their average costs right off the bat:

 Project-Based Pricing

Businesses often select this option if they need one-time tasks like security audits, risk assessments, or gap assessments. As you can probably imagine, the cost varies widely depending on the specific project. 

As an estimate, project-based vCISO pricing ranges from $10,000 (for services like gap & risk assessments) - to $50,000 (prices can go up this high for things like penetration testing and compliance certifications).

This option is best for companies tackling immediate needs, such as preparing for a SOC 2 or HIPAA readiness assessment, or validating new cloud infrastructure security controls. 

Hourly vCISO Pricing

Hourly vCISO pricing typically falls between $200 - $500 per hour. This option may be suitable for companies that need occasional expert input or are looking to address specific tasks without a long-term contract. 

However, a major con of hourly pricing is that your hours may be capped on a weekly or monthly basis. This means that if you need extra support if something comes up, you may not be able to receive it on demand. 

For example, Rhymetec’s Executive Tier provides what is essentially a full-time vCISO, fully integrated into your systems, offering audit preparation, vendor management, and direct collaboration with trusted auditors and partners such as A-LIGN.

Monthly Retainers

Monthly retainer fees typically range from $5,000 - $20,000 per month, depending on the level of service and the vCISO's involvement. 

This pricing model allows you to have continuous access to a vCISO, offering the most comprehensive support. This benefits businesses that need ongoing direction and hands-on management of their infosec programs. 

What Does The vCISO Role Entail?

A Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) is a seasoned cybersecurity professional who provides the strategic leadership and services of a traditional CISO, but operates remotely and often on a part-time basis. 

vCISOs work with businesses to develop and manage their security programs, maintain overall good security hygiene, and protect the company's data and systems. This role is particularly appealing to startups and SMBs that need expert guidance and support but without the full-time commitment or cost of an in-house CISO. 

vCISOs assist with a wide range of services, including risk management, compliance with regulatory standards, incident response, and security policy development. Some Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs), such as Rhymetec, offer comprehensive vCISO services that provide an elegant solution for businesses aiming to improve their security posture without the overhead of a full-time CISO.

In practice, a vCISO helps organizations evaluate risk, implement security frameworks, maintain audit readiness, and navigate changing regulatory environments. They often work hand-in-hand with compliance automation platforms for evidence collection and reporting, setting them up and leveraging them on your behalf.

What Are The Advantages of a vCISO vs. In-House Security? 

For SMBs and startups, the choice between a vCISO and an in-house security team often comes down to three main considerations:

• Cost
• Expertise
• Flexibility

Hiring a full-time CISO can be prohibitively expensive, with salaries often exceeding six figures. Not to mention, there are the additional costs of benefits, training, and other resources required to support the role. 

A vCISO, on the other hand, offers the expertise of a seasoned CISO at a fraction of the cost, often working part-time or on a retainer basis. vCISOs bring a breadth of experience from working with multiple clients across various industries, which can be particularly beneficial for smaller companies that may not have the resources to stay on top of the latest threats and regulatory changes. 

For instance, Rhymetec's Executive Tier vCISO Service provides not just a dedicated vCISO, but also full integration with the client's systems, providing a level of support that rivals that of an in-house team. This allow startups and scaling enterprises to achieve enterprise-grade security without building costly in-house departments.

Factors Impacting vCISO Pricing

vCISO pricing can vary substantially depending on the scope of services, the requirements specific to your location and industry, and the complexity of your existing infrastructure. The broader the scope of services - such as adding compliance frameworks or expanding to full-time support - the higher the cost. 

For example, Rhymetec's pricing structure adjusts based on the level of service required. Our Mentor Tier starts at $2,500 per month, which covers essential advisory services and assistance in maximizing your use of a compliance automation platform. 

However, if a client needs additional services, such as manual security services to meet requirements under a framework like SOC 2 or align with new NIST governance requirements, the monthly fee increases by a minimum of $500. Companies in highly regulated industries may face higher costs due to the need for specialized expertise and more comprehensive services. 

For instance, a vCISO can act as a CMMC consultant and help defense contractors navigate the requirements by determining which certification level applies to them and how to reach compliance efficiently. Many organizations begin by reviewing a CMMC Level 1 Checklist, but a vCISO builds on that by mapping the right controls and managing implementation. They help also clarify higher-level common doubts such as when CMMC versus FedRAMP is the right framework to pursue, since both can impact federal contracts.

Pricing Models for vCISO Services

As discussed previously at a high level, there are several common pricing models for vCISO services:

The most straightforward and popular option is a flat monthly fee. Businesses often find that this option allows them to budget more effectively and provides predictability. This model is often tiered, with different levels of service available depending on the company's needs.

Rhymetec, for instance, offers three tiers of service on a monthly basis: Mentor, Manager, and Executive. The Mentor Tier is ideal for startups and SMBs needing strategic guidance, while the Manager Tier adds more hands-on management of security and compliance. 

The Executive Tier, with custom scoping, offers the equivalent of a full-time vCISO, including advanced services like penetration testing and vendor risk management: 

Another model is an hourly-based arrangement, where the vCISO is available for a set number of hours per month. This model offers flexibility but can lead to variable costs depending on how much time is used. 

Some providers also offer project-based vCISO pricing for specific initiatives, such as phishing training for employees, a security audit, gap assessments, penetration testing, or compliance certification.

vCISO Pricing Compared To In-House Options 

Taking a look at the differences in vCISO pricing and in-house options reveals substantial cost savings:

The average salary for a full-time CISO can exceed $200,000 per year, not including bonuses, benefits, and investing in necessary resources. Companies often need to invest in ongoing training and potentially expand their IT team to support the CISO's initiatives. 

In contrast, a vCISO from Rhymetec's Mentor Tier, as an example, costs a total average of $30,000 per year, with options to scale services as needed. Even the top-tier Executive service, which provides comprehensive, full-time support, is more cost-effective than hiring an in-house CISO, particularly when considering the added value of expert-level services that might otherwise require multiple hires! 

Consider the average cost of the following positions:

Job Title (Salary range for an in-house full-time hire in 2024):

• CISO ($215,000 – $275,000 per year) 
• Cloud Security Specialist ($110,000 – $150,000 per year)
• Application Security Specialist ($130,000 – $180,000 per year)
• Penetration Tester ($110,000 – $150,000 per year)
• Security Operations Analyst ($110,000 – $160,000 per year) 
• Threat Intelligence Analyst ($80,000 – $140,000 per year)
• Governance, Risk and Compliance Specialist ($65,000 – $100,000 per year)
• Vulnerability Management Analyst ($100,000 – $165,000 per year)

SMBs and startups need the same level of expertise but not necessarily the same amount of work as large enterprises that spend millions of dollars on a security team with many highly specialized individuals. 

Small businesses need the same level of experience but not necessarily the same amount of work. Many organizations choose to work with a Managed Security Services Provider with vCISO support precisely for this reason, as they fill this gap perfectly. At Rhymetec, our vCISO pricing model centralizes all of these skillsets under a single engagement, giving SMBs access to the same expertise as large enterprises without the payroll overhead.

vCISO Pricing & Scope of Work 

When considering working with a vCISO, understanding the scope of work and exactly what will be delivered is crucial. 

A typical vCISO proposal will outline the specific services offered, the frequency of engagements (such as weekly meetings or monthly reports), and the expected outcomes. Rhymetec's Mentor Tier includes weekly virtual meetings, gap assessments, and policy development, while the Manager and Executive Tiers expand the scope to include incident management, vendor management, and even penetration testing upon request. 

The proposal will also detail if and how the vCISO will integrate with your existing team. In Rhymetec's Executive Tier, this includes not just virtual support but also on-site meetings and close collaboration with the client's internal IT team. This helps align your tailored vCISO services with your business objectives and cybersecurity needs. 

Case Studies: SMBs and Startups Leveraging vCISOs

In our experience with clients, particularly with B2B startups, the vCISO program enables companies to meet their security and compliance goals in a much shorter timeframe than other options would have allowed for:

In our cybersecurity case studies, we've found that the vCISO pricing model and services provide several key advantages for companies. First and foremost, when working with a vCISO, specifically through an MSSP, it allows access to a vast set of skills: 

"You can rely on a single individual, or you can have the benefit of a whole team of deep expertise and process knowledge. It's a small investment when you're considering in-house resources versus an entire team available on call at a fractional need – the ROI is really compelling." 

– Harry Karamitopoulos, President, Modicum

Customers leveraging a vCISO program also find that it enables them to stay on track with their security and compliance goals, while being able to move their business forward and eliminating the need to build out expensive in-house teams: 

"It kind of is like my 'security blanket.' I am a team of one for security and I need support. Having the Rhymetec team to lean on, help me consider options, weigh the pros and cons for different assets around security, and have someone else to bounce ideas off of has been helpful. Also, helping me stay on track and act as a copilot to help manage and navigate those decisions are all things that are essential to me. Without it, I would have to go out and hire more people, and the vCISO essentially cuts out the workforce I would need to hire full-time." 

– Rolland Miller, Vice President of Security and Compliance, Orum

Lastly, we often hear from clients that working with their vCISO provides the level of experience and knowledge they need to meet their goals, and their vCISO's established relationships with auditors and compliance automation companies are a critical resource during the audit process: 

Maximize The Value of Your vCISO Investment 

To get the most value from a vCISO, businesses should do the following:

• Make sure your objectives from working with a vCISO are clearly defined 
• Communicate regularly with your vCISO 
• Establish metrics for success and periodic reviews of your security posture as it evolves

Rhymetec's vCISO services are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing businesses to begin with basic services and scale up as their needs grow. For example, a startup might begin with the Mentor Tier to establish a security foundation and achieve security advisement, then transition to the Manager or Executive Tier as their operations and the marketplaces they sell to expand. This not only helps manage costs but also ensures that the vCISO's services evolve in tandem with the business. 

An effective engagement with a vCISO enables you to vastly improve your company's overall security posture over time, and serves as a business enabler as you break into new marketplaces and grow your business.

At Rhymetec, we act as both strategic advisors and hands-on operators, making advanced security and compliance attainable for companies of any size through our vCISO pricing options.

Concluding Thoughts: A Model for vCISO Pricing & Services With Busy Technology Executives Top of Mind

Whether you're looking to start out with basic advisory services or invest in full-time support, the right vCISO can provide the expertise required to protect your business and take security off your plate so you can focus on what really matters - your business. 

Rhymetec's vCISO pricing tiers and vCISO services were created with busy technology executives and their workflows in mind. Our goal is to help you shorten your timelines, reduce your team's level of effort, and successfully guide your company through all of your cybersecurity and compliance needs so you can continue to move your business forward. Contact us today to learn more:

FAQs - vCISO Pricing & Services

What is a vCISO and how is it different from a full-time CISO?

A vCISO provides the same strategic leadership as a Chief Information Security Officer but works on a part-time or flexible basis. This makes it far more cost-effective while still delivering deep expertise.

How much does a vCISO cost?

Costs vary depending on scope and pricing model. Project-based engagements can range from $10K–$50K, hourly rates run $200–$500, and monthly retainers average $5K–$20K. Rhymetec offers tiered services beginning at $2,500/month.

Why would a company choose a vCISO over hiring in-house?

Hiring in-house requires salaries exceeding $200K annually plus benefits. A vCISO gives access to equivalent expertise at a fraction of the cost, with the flexibility to scale services as needed.

Can a vCISO help with compliance certifications?

Yes. vCISOs often lead compliance readiness efforts for SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, CMMC, and other frameworks. They manage everything from gap assessments to evidence collection to audit prep.

Do vCISOs work with partners or tools?

Many vCISOs, including Rhymetec’s team, collaborate with audit partners like A-LIGN and leverage compliance automation platforms such as Drata and Anecdotes to streamline readiness.

What industries benefit most from vCISO services?

Startups, SaaS companies, healthcare, fintech, and government contractors all benefit. Any organization that needs to prove compliance to customers, investors, or regulators can use a vCISO to reduce cost and complexity.

About Rhymetec  

Our mission is to make cutting-edge cybersecurity available to SaaS companies and startups. We've worked with thousands of organizations to provide practical security solutions tailored to their needs, enabling them to be secure and compliant while balancing security with budget. We enable our clients to outsource the complexity of security and focus on what really matters – their business.

Interested in reading more? Check out more content on our blog:

• Managed Compliance: An Updated Approach For The Cyber Regulatory World
• Why Managed Security Services? In-House vs External Security
• AI Frameworks: What They Are & Why We Need Them

This ISO 42001 checklist will walk you through the four phases of achieving certification. 

These steps are based on our security team's process for helping organizations complete their ISO/IEC 42001 certification readiness. Our security team at Rhymetec has helped hundreds of companies achieve their security goals and meet compliance requirements. To find out how we can fast-track you to ISO 42001 compliance, contact our team today: 

Hopefully, this checklist will give you a clear idea of the work ahead needed for ISO 42001 compliance and will help you create a project plan. 

We'll start with a high-level overview of your ISO 42001 checklist and then dive into each phase in detail: 

ISO 42001 Checklist Overview

1. Build a Strong Base for ISO 42001 Compliance.

• Understand Your ISO 42001 Requirements
• Conduct An Initial Gap Analysis
• Conduct A Risk Assessment
• Obtain Executive Support

2. Execute Your ISO 42001 Compliance Blueprint.

• Designate a Compliance Project Leader
• Draft An Implementation Roadmap For AIMS
• Set Up The AIMS Structure
• Create Organization-Wide Awareness
• Apply Necessary AIMS Controls
• Conduct Executive AIMS Evaluations

3. Preparation for Your External Audit.

• Conduct Internal Audits
• Select an ISO 42001 Certification Body
• Prepare Documentation
• Pre-audit Meeting

4. Obtain Your Certification. 

• Undergo Your Audit
• Address Any Identified Issues
• Ongoing Improvements & Post-Audit Plan

Let's go over detailed steps under each phase:

Phase 1: Build A Strong Base For ISO 42001 Compliance

In this phase, you'll lay the groundwork for your organization to build an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS) and achieve ISO 42001 compliance. 

Establishing an AIMS is not just about compliance; it's about crafting a concrete strategy to improve decision-making and risk management around AI technologies. After this phase, you'll have a clear direction for responsible AI use and be on the right path to work towards ISO 42001 compliance: 

1. Understand Your ISO 42001 Requirements

Does your organization act as a producer, provider, or user of AI systems? 

You'll have different requirements depending on which of these your organization falls under. 

Providers are companies such as OpenAI that build AI models like ChatGPT. Service providers customize and use these models. Users can include any business that uses AI services either directly from producers or via services from providers. 

Which AI systems, processes, and technologies will your AI Management System cover?

Which technologies and assets do you have that incorporate AI? You will need to identify what will be included to map out the boundaries of your Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS). 

Make sure you understand AI concepts as established in ISO frameworks. 

Are you already familiar with how ISO frameworks define terms like "AI systems" and "machine learning models"?

If so, great! If not, ISO provides a glossary of terms you can use to see exactly what the frameworks mean when they use these terms. It's important to familiarize yourself with the terminology to understand each step of the compliance process, speak the same language as your auditors, and avoid miscommunications. 

2. Conduct An Initial Gap Analysis

Evaluate your current ISO 42001 controls. 

Compare your existing practices against ISO 42001 controls. Do you have any current practices to mitigate AI risks? What about ethical concerns related to AI, and data integrity concerns? You may already have a basis for some of the controls, especially if you already have another ISO framework. 

Identify where you need to develop new controls or adjust existing ones. 

Now that you have an idea of how your current practices map onto ISO 42001 controls, draft up a complete list of what you need to do to develop new controls or adjust existing ones. You will need this going forward.

3. Conduct A Risk Assessment

Identify all potential hazards associated with AI systems and development.

Unlike frameworks like ISO 27001, ISO 42001 does not focus heavily on security. 

Security is an element of the framework, but a relatively small one. Instead, the potential hazards associated with AI, such as ethical issues, environmental considerations, and concerns around fairness and bias, are key.

Focusing on the areas mentioned above, come up with a list of potential AI risks related to your products, services, and all other activities. 

Prioritize risks based on their level and determine corresponding controls.

Assess the likelihood and potential consequences of each risk. You will need this documentation later on. Start drafting an action plan to remediate risks, focusing on the highest risks first. Assess your list of existing practices and their effectiveness in mitigating risks. 

Threats range from cybersecurity attacks to operational risks like system failures or errors in the AI's decision-making process. For each AI-related risk that your organization could potentially encounter, the impact level needs to be assessed: 

Impact is categorized as low, medium, or high based on factors like financial loss, legal repercussions, and damage to customer trust. As an example, if your AI handles sensitive or critical data, the risk of a data breach would be considered high risk (as a breach could result in substantial legal and reputational damage). 

A medium risk could be data bias in functions that are not critical to core operations but could impact user satisfaction or minor decision-making processes. A threat with a low-risk level could be any potential minor AI performance fluctuations. If you use an AI-driven customer support chatbot, for example, the risk of users experiencing minor delays in response time or slight inaccuracies in non-critical responses could be considered low risk.   

Think ahead when conducting your risk assessment: What would happen if your organization experienced each risk? How complex would remediation be? How would employees, stakeholders, and your business operations be impacted? 

4. Obtain Executive Support

Build a business case for ISO 42001 certification. 

Create a compelling business case that shows the strategic benefits of ISO 42001 certification. Include how it will enable AI governance, help your organization comply with regulations, ease concerns that customers and prospects may have, and build stakeholder trust. 

A formalized AI management system offers a lot of long-term value. What this looks like will depend on your specific organization. Try to emphasize not only the ways in which ISO 42001 mitigates risk but also how it offers opportunity and innovation potential. 

Assign responsibilities to senior management for AIMS. 

Assign senior management responsibilities to align the AIMS with your goals and provide them with the necessary resources.

Engage department heads in the analysis. 

Bringing in department heads from IT, legal, operations, and human resources into the gap analysis process, for example, is a great way to create engagement across the organization. Plus, their involvement ensures all potential impacts of AI systems are being considered.

ISO 42001 Checklist Phase 2: Execute Your ISO 42001 Compliance Blueprint 

Here, you'll activate the plans laid out above. This phase involves hands-on tasks such as appointing a project manager, setting up the structures for your AIMS, and implementing controls. This phase of your ISO 42001 checklist ends with your internal audit to assess your ISO 42001 certification readiness before moving on to external evaluations:

1. Designate a Compliance Project Leader

Select a qualified compliance leader.

Appoint a project manager with a solid understanding of AI and compliance issues. This individual will coordinate all activities related to achieving ISO 42001 certification and act as the point of communication between departments and external auditors.

2. Draft An Implementation Roadmap For AIMS

Develop a detailed project plan for your ISO 42001 process. 

Solidify your project plan using the gap analysis conducted earlier as a baseline. Your plan should include deadlines, resource allocations, and every stage from the initial assessment to the final audit.

Budget appropriately. 

Allocate sufficient financial and human resources to support the project. This includes funding for training, external consultants, auditing costs for certification, and technology upgrades needed to comply with ISO 42001.

*TIP: When implementing ISO 42001, you should not rely on checklists alone from external sources. Purchasing the standard should be in your budget for successful implementation.

3. Set Up The AIMS Structure

Define Your AI Management System Structure. 

Set up a structure for your AIMS that integrates with existing organizational processes. The structure should support all stages of AI lifecycle management, from development to deployment and maintenance.

Document All Processes. 

Make sure you are documenting everything as you work through these steps. You'll need everything from workflows, decision-making processes, and control measures documented when it comes time for your audit.

*TIP: Using a compliance automation tool at this point can be tremendously helpful. Compliance automation platforms allow you to easily organize your documentation. When it comes time for your audit, it makes your auditor's job easier and more efficient to be able to see everything clearly laid out in one central place. 

4. Create Organization-Wide Awareness

Develop training programs. 

Organize training sessions to improve your employees' AI and compliance knowledge base. Focus on ethical AI use, data security, and the legal implications of AI technologies.

Circulate information across the organization. 

Distribute informational materials and regular updates about AIMS and its importance to encourage organization-wide understanding and engagement. Internal communications channels such as newsletters, intranets, and staff meetings are all good avenues for dissemination.

5. Apply Necessary AIMS Controls

Implement controls. 

ISO 42001 controls address risk management, data protection, system reliability, and transparency. 

The way controls are implemented will vary depending on your organization's industry, needs, risks, and the types of AI applications you use. (A complete control list can be found in ISO/IEC 42001:2023, Annex A). 

*TIP: Consulting with a compliance expert at this step may be necessary. Many startups choose to work with a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) at this stage. Rhymetec's vCISO program provides hands-on managed security services, taking the complexity of compliance off your plate, and doing the readiness and audit phases for you.

Plan to regularly update control measures. 

Continuous improvement is required by ISO 42001. You should plan to continuously monitor and update controls to adapt to new technologies, changes in organizational processes, and shifts in regulatory requirements.

6. Conduct Executive AIMS Evaluations As An Ongoing Piece of Your ISO 42001 Process

Organize regular review meetings. 

Hold management review meetings periodically to assess the AIMS' performance. Reviews should involve top management and key stakeholders to help AI systems & applications align with broader organizational goals.

Update your executive team regularly. 

The last step in this phase of your ISO 42001 checklist is to regularly update your executive team. Keep them informed about the outcomes of management reviews, including challenges, achievements, and the effectiveness of the AIMS.

ISO 42001 Checklist Phase 3: Preparation for External ISO 42001 Audit

This stage is where you make sure everything is in perfect order for your audit. 

Choosing the right auditor is critical - you want to choose a reputable certification body that will conduct a legitimate and fair audit, providing credible validation of your AIMS. 

Each step in this phase is also an opportunity to solidify stakeholder confidence and demonstrate your proactive approach to responsible AI management and compliance.

1. Conduct Internal Audits

Schedule and carry out internal audits. 

ISO internal audits identify any gaps in compliance and provide recommendations for improvements before your external audit. It serves as a trial run, providing insights into potential audit challenges and giving you a chance to address any issues.

2. Select an ISO 42001 Certification Body 

Choose a qualified auditor. 

Select an auditing firm that has been certified to offer ISO certifications and has demonstrated experience in assessing AI management systems. Your certification body must be accredited to guarantee a legitimate audit and certification.

3. Prepare Documentation

Organize essential documents. 

Gather documentation that demonstrates your compliance with ISO 42001. Documents are to include policies, procedures, control implementation records, and evidence of your plans for continuous improvement efforts. 

Make things as easy as possible for your auditors! Documents should be in a format that is readily available and organized for easy reference during the audit. 

Review and update documentation regularly. 

Regularly review your AIMS documentation to make sure it accurately reflects current AI management practices and that all modifications are recorded. Keep this documentation accessible to all relevant personnel and the auditing team.

4. Pre-audit Meeting

Set up an initial audit meeting. 

Arrange a meeting with the selected certification body to discuss the audit process. Use this as an opportunity to understand the audit scope, methodology, and specific focus areas. You should also align expectations and clarify the audit schedule.

Compile key audit questions. 

Beforehand, prepare a list of questions and points needing clarification. Cover logistical details, specific compliance queries, and any concerns about the AIMS implementation.

Discuss audit scope. 

You'll want to clarify the detailed scope of the audit and confirm that both parties have a mutual understanding of the audit boundaries. The scope must cover all relevant areas of your AIMS. 

Phase 4: Obtaining your ISO 42001 Certification 

This final phase is where all of your preparation pays off. 

Engaging fully with auditors transforms this process from a compliance exercise to a powerful tool for improving your operations and reputation. Undergoing your audit isn't just a badge for your business to put on your website; it's a statement that you take AI risks seriously and are ahead of the curve in managing AI responsibly. 

Lastly, continually improving after the audit shows you're not just "checking a box" to get through an audit. Ongoing improvements post-audit strengthen trust among clients and partners and support compliance maintenance.

1. Undergo Your Audit

Facilitate Auditor Access. 

Auditors need to have full access to all relevant sites, personnel, and documentation. Designate a team member to serve as a point of contact and participate in discussions with auditors to streamline the process and clarify any misunderstandings.

2. Address Any Identified Issues

Develop Corrective Actions. 

Promptly create action plans for any non-compliance issues identified during the audit. Assign clear responsibilities and timelines for these actions.

Implement and Document Corrective Actions.

Execute the necessary corrective measures and document the processes. You will need this documentation during follow-up audits.

3. Ongoing Improvements & Post-Audit Plan

Plan for Continuous Improvement. 

Develop a plan for continuous improvement based on audit findings. 

Your post-audit plan should include updating training programs and communication with employees to address any changes. Schedule regular intervals to review the AIMS and identify opportunities to improve.

Conduct Surveillance Audits In Preparation to Re-certify Every 3 Years. 

Lastly, keep in mind you will need future surveillance audits as part of your ongoing ISO 42001 process:

ISO 42001 requires recertification every 3 years to remain compliant. Surveillance audits are needed in between to ensure your organization is ready for the next official audit.

Immediate Benefits After Completing Your ISO 42001 Checklist

After you've completed all items in your ISO 42001 checklist and have your certification in hand, you will see a number of immediate benefits:

You will now be able to communicate, through verified third-party documentation, to your prospects and customers that your AI use follows the highest industry standards. You can use your certification to assuage any concerns your clients and prospects may have about AI. Being able to show them your documentation increases trust and can shorten your sales cycle. This is especially important given that there is growing concern over generative AI security risks.

Additionally, you will have peace of mind knowing that your risk is substantially reduced. The roadmap you now have for the strategic use of AI will serve as a business enabler as you continue to expand your AI offerings and break into new marketplaces.

For more information, check out our ISO 42001 Compliance FAQ for the most common questions our team at Rhymetec sees about ISO 42001 (Who Needs ISO 42001?, How Different Is ISO 42001 Vs. ISO 27001?, How Much Does ISO 42001 Certification Cost?, How Long Does ISO 42001 Certification Take?, and more), or contact our team today:

About Rhymetec

Our mission is to make cutting-edge cybersecurity available to SaaS companies and startups. We've worked with hundreds of companies to provide practical security solutions tailored to their needs, enabling them to be secure and compliant while balancing security with budget. We enable our clients to outsource the complexity of security and focus on what really matters – their business.

If your organization is interested in exploring compliance with AI standards, we now offer ISO/IEC 42001 certification readiness and maintenance services and are happy to answer any questions you may have on the ISO 42001 process.

Interested in reading more? Check out more content on our blog.

If there's one thing most people agree on in 2025, it's that we need strong regulations around artificial intelligence (AI). Nearly 80% of Americans want stricter regulations on the use of public data to train AI models, and surveys show a growing concern over AI jeopardizing our privacy. 

Meanwhile, companies are barreling ahead: Over 56% of businesses use AI to improve business operations, and 83% of executives see AI as a strategic priority. The excitement around this technology and its innovative use cases is understandable, but integrating AI without slowing down to consider privacy, safety, and ethical concerns is risky.

Implementing an AI framework that directly addresses these issues is a major step companies can take to assuage concerns. Certification with ISO 42001 promotes responsible AI use and provides verified, documented evidence to stakeholders that you take AI risks seriously.

What Is ISO 42001?

ISO 42001 is a certifiable international standard providing guidelines for building and managing AI tools. It offers a repeatable framework from which organizations can build solid operational governance and management systems while promoting responsible AI usage. 

The standard covers areas including security, privacy, and ethical practices. It specifies the requirements for creating a reliable AI program that, when developed with overall business goals and daily functions top of mind, can improve the safety of AI systems while also serving as a business enabler.

With AI becoming widely accessible since the introduction of tools like ChatGPT in 2022, the demand for security and privacy measures around AI has been amplified. Enter the role of AI frameworks - of which ISO 42001 is one of the most prominent. 

ISO 42001 supports the development of AI that respects data security and user privacy, addressing the increasing public demand for transparency and accountability:

Why Is ISO 42001 Compliance Important?

A growing number of organizations seek to obtain ISO 42001 compliance for two primary reasons:

1. Certification as a Marketing & Reputation Management Tool: Compliance with ISO 42001 allows companies to communicate to their customers, prospects, and stakeholders that they adhere to the highest standards in AI use and development.

Organizations can use their certification to reassure clients and prospects. ISO 42001 certification acts as a mark of credibility, signaling that the organization has taken steps to implement best practices as laid out by an industry gold standard framework. 

This builds trust with stakeholders concerned about the potential impacts of AI and can shorten the sales cycle. If a prospect asks about your organization's AI practices, being able to show a certification is a powerful tool.

2. To Guide Strategic Implementation of AI: Companies seek to leverage the roadmap offered by ISO in a meaningful way that leads to AI-related strategies that ultimately serve as business enablers. 

ISO 42001 certification not only supports compliance with other regulatory and legal requirements but also positions you to fully reap the business benefits of responsible AI use. By following ISO 42001, companies reduce security risks, optimize decision-making processes, foster customer trust, and ultimately drive business growth and sustainability. 

Who Needs ISO 42001 Compliance? 

ISO 42001 is particularly useful for companies:

• Developing new AI features
• Creating AI-powered products
• Acting as AI producers, service providers, or end-users

Companies must be prepared to make changes to their products as AI technology evolves. Adherence to ISO 42001 largely offsets the amount of time you'll need to spend implementing changes down the road while reducing risk long-term.

The AI ecosystem can be categorized into three roles:

1. AI Producers: Companies like Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic that build and sell foundational AI models. 
2. Service Providers: Organizations that consume these models from producers, customize them, and then sell them downstream. 
3. Customers and Users: The end-users and businesses that utilize AI services and products.

ISO 42001 can apply to any business interacting with others in this ecosystem. Organizations in each of these three roles can benefit from establishing an AI management system as per ISO 42001 guidelines, and focusing on areas such as data provenance, the handling of training data and algorithms, and the outcomes produced by AI systems. 

Encouraging organizations to think deeply about the potential impacts of AI for everyone in their ecosystem is one of the main purposes of frameworks like ISO 42001. 

How To Get ISO 42001 Certification: How Easy Is It? 

One major misconception about ISO 42001 is that it focuses solely on the security and privacy of AI systems. In reality, the standard encompasses a border range of considerations, including ethical practices, fairness, bias resolution, and understanding the overall impact of AI systems. 

Security alone is actually a small component in the context of the entire framework. 

At a high level, achieving ISO/IEC 42001 certification includes several steps:

1. Gap Analysis

Conducting a gap analysis identifies the differences between your organization's current state and where you need to be to meet the requirements of ISO 42001.

2. Implementation

Based on the gap analysis, the next step is to implement changes to align with ISO 42001 controls. This could include everything from revising policies to updating procedures and training employees.

3. Internal Audit

Before seeking external certification, conducting an internal audit helps ensure you meet all requirements and are ready for the external audit.

4. External Audit

An accredited certification body performs your external audit, determining whether or not you obtain certification at that time. 

Depending on factors like company size and infrastructure, this process can be complex and time-consuming. However, it ultimately strengthens your organization's AI governance and management practices, reducing risk and saving time and money down the road. 

How Different Is ISO 42001 Vs. ISO 27001? 

Organizations with ISO 27001 certification may assume that transitioning to ISO 42001 compliance is straightforward. However, ISO 42001 is fundamentally different from ISO 27001, despite their complementary nature from a high-level structure perspective. 

While ISO 27001 centers around information security management systems (ISMS), ISO 42001 is highly specialized in the scoping of AI systems. The good news is that ISO 42001 is designed to integrate smoothly with existing ISO frameworks, including ISO 27001. The new framework is designed to be easily integrated for organizations that already have an ISO framework. 

All of the ISO frameworks are designed in a way that allows them to act as building blocks for each other. The areas in which they diverge, meanwhile, leave opportunities for organizations to adapt controls to their specific needs and environments.

As an example, both ISO 27001 and 42001 require a risk assessment. However, even if you've completed your risk assessment for ISO 27001, you would still need to identify risks specific to AI systems for 42001. 

The impact assessment of ISO 42001 goes beyond security and privacy, encompassing broader aspects such as the ethical implications and the societal impact of AI. This expanded focus means that the way controls are operationalized will both diverge from and build on ISO 27001.

How Much Does ISO 42001 Certification Cost?

Let's break down the costs:

Direct Costs

Hiring an accredited certification body to conduct the audit is a primary cost. Depending on the size and complexity of your organization, this can range from $5,000 - $20,000. This fee typically covers the initial certification audit and any follow-up assessments. 

Implementing ISO 42001 requires time and effort from your team. You may need to allocate significant internal resources to manage the project, which can translate into measures like hiring temporary staff to handle regular duties. 

Many startups choose to hire consultants. 

Consulting fees can range from $10,000 - $50,000, depending on the level of support you need. Consultants assist with gap analysis, control implementation, and preparation for your audit.

Indirect Costs

There are potential costs around employee training and awareness, with the goal of making sure everyone understands their role in working towards ISO 42001 compliance. Technology upgrades represent another indirect cost. You may need to invest in new software or upgrade existing systems to meet ISO 42001 requirements. Costs here can vary greatly depending on your technology stack. 

Lastly, there are costs associated with ongoing maintenance. Maintaining ISO 42001 certification requires regular audits and continuous improvement. Budget for annual internal audits and surveillance audits, which can cost between $3,000 - $10,000 per audit per year, and allocate resources for ongoing training and process updates. 

Cost-Benefit Analysis

While the costs may seem significant, consider the benefits: ISO 42001 certification can improve your company's reputation, build customer trust, and open doors to new markets. It mitigates risks associated with AI, potentially saving money in the long run by avoiding costly security issues and reputational damage. 

How To Implement ISO 42001: Critical Components of Building an AIMS & Demonstrating Compliance

Implementing ISO 42001 involves establishing an AI Management System (AIMS) that aligns with the standard's requirements and fits the context of your organization. The framework is structured around 10 clauses, similar to other ISO management systems, and includes annex controls that can be operationalized differently depending on the organization. 

Below are 6 key components of meeting ISO 42001 compliance: 

1. Management Commitment

Leadership must define AI policies, set objectives that align with the strategic direction of the organization, and make resources available for the implementation and maintenance of the system. 

2. Risk Assessment and Impact Analysis

Unlike traditional frameworks that focus on security and privacy, ISO 42001 requires a broader impact assessment. A core part of the framework involves identifying and evaluating AI-related risks across areas, including environmental impact and ethical considerations.

3. ISO 42001 Annex Controls

The annex of ISO 42001 provides specific controls that need to be implemented, which can be adapted to the context of the organization. For example, this may include guidelines around data provenance, with the goal of making sure training data and AI algorithms are not biased. 

4. Operational Planning, Documentation, and Training

Documenting everything pertaining to processes for the effective operation of the AIMS is another key step. Processes need to be clearly defined and laid out for all employees, so they can be consistently followed. 

All staff involved in the AIMS need to have the necessary skills and knowledge. Appropriate training and resources need to be provided to support this. 

5. Monitoring and Measurement

Mechanisms to monitor the performance of the AIMS over time are another key component of ISO 42001 compliance. Such measures can take the form of regular audits and assessments to see if the system remains effective and aligned with requirements. Any issues identified should be addressed promptly. 

6. Continuous Improvement

A process must be established to regularly review and update the AIMS to reflect changes in technology, regulatory requirements, and organizational goals. This iterative approach allows you to stay ahead of emerging risks and challenges.

How Long Does ISO 42001 Certification Take?

With managed security services providers like Rhymetec, it takes anywhere from 4 - 6 months for the preparation and readiness portion of ISO 42001 compliance. 

This timeline varies depending on organization size and the complexity of their AI systems. If an organization has already implemented ISO 27001, the process will be on the faster end, with many controls needing to be tweaked rather than built from scratch.

Several scoping factors determine how long your timeframe will be for the audit, such as the number of employees, complexity factors, and organizational role (producer, provider, developer, or user of AI). As a rough estimate, you can expect the certification audit by an accredited body to take  4 - 8 weeks. 

About Rhymetec

Our mission is to make cutting-edge cybersecurity available to SaaS companies and startups. We've worked with hundreds of companies to provide practical security solutions tailored to their needs, enabling them to be secure and compliant while balancing security with budget. We enable our clients to outsource the complexity of security and focus on what really matters – their business.

If your organization is interested in exploring compliance with AI standards, we now offer ISO/IEC 42001 certification readiness and maintenance services and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Cybersecurity compliance is a fast-growing field, with many new regulations being propagated on an annual basis globally. Many organizations struggle with understanding which compliance requirements they need to meet and how to operationalize complex controls that pertain to technology, people, and processes. 

Even more, some believe that compliance comes at the cost of security - money they could be using to reduce their attack surface, identify threats, or install next-generation security software gets taken to meet imposed requirements with less security value. 

A real-life example of this is meeting a control under NIST 800-171 to regularly review access control for all employees. If you have 1,000 employees, this is a time-consuming process! It can be easy to see how the same organization may feel they could benefit far more from spending $60,000 on an advanced XDR system. 

At Rhymetec, we believe that security and compliance are complementary, and both can be designed to enable business outcomes.

Security vs. Compliance: Definitions And Goals

Compliance is a pass-or-fail measurement of controls against a standard, while security is the management of risk through the implementation of controls and is measured through control maturity and effective risk mitigation.

Complying with an external standard doesn't necessarily make you secure, but without compliance checks, it's hard to assess if your security meets industry standards. It's also difficult to reassure prospects and customers that their assets are safe with your organization if you are not compliant. 

Additionally, compliance can form the basis for security and serve as the building block for a successful cybersecurity program. Compliance is very process-driven and focuses on the same set of policies, technologies, and procedures. Meeting requirements such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, the HIPAA Security Rule, and many others helps ensure you have the basics covered for a competent information security program. 

Let's imagine a hypothetical world without compliance requirements. Cybersecurity programs would likely be far more divergent from each other, with many companies doing nothing, a few doing something, and a very few that have sophisticated programs. 

Compliance establishes a common baseline, providing customers and employees with assurances that the organization takes steps to adequately protect their data. 

Compliance Drives Improved Security For Many Organizations

Compliance vastly improves your security posture if you weren't doing certain foundational measures previously. 

Measures like multifactor authentication (MFA) are required under nearly all compliance requirements and may seem like a basic security practice. However, organizations that were not already requiring MFA will substantially improve their security posture simply by enacting that one measure.

Our research on SMB cybersecurity shows that MFA is one of the most common sense and cost-effective security practices, yielding the greatest effectiveness for the lowest investment. Many SMBs are driven to invest in measures like MFA, specifically due to compliance requirements. 

Other such "baseline" measures include:

• Employees be effectively offboarded within 24 hours of departing their position
• Having a documented incident response policy and plan 
• Using a firewall to protect the network
• Employing the principle of least privilege to protect sensitive data 

Compliance helps ensure measures like these are in place and provides organizations motivation to routinely audit their security practices and make sure they are being adhered to. 

Security and Compliance Are Both Business Enablers

One of the most important criteria consumers and corporations use to choose who they do business with is the information security program of their potential vendor. This is especially true for tech firms that often hold highly sensitive data. 

Saying that you have an information security program is kind of like claiming that you are incredibly smart. Sure, it might be true - but you need to demonstrate it.

Both mandatory compliance requirements like HIPAA and voluntary frameworks like SOC 2 offer opportunities to proactively demonstrate your organization's commitment to keeping customer and employee data safe. Meeting compliance requirements gives you real-life documentation (that can be shared with your customers and prospects!) on your organization's information security practices. 

We regularly hear from our SOC 2 compliance customers that one of the major motivating factors in choosing Rhymetec was that large enterprise opportunities were completely stopping at legal and procurement without information security documentation to share: 

"The first priority was to remove that barrier in the deal flow. Now, whenever people see the certifications, they stop worrying about security. It stops that conversation, and we can move on to more valuable conversations."

– Chuck Goss, VP of Engineering, Kizen

Compliance offers you a chance to demonstrate that you invest to meet and exceed security requirements.

Bonus Tip: Creating a public trust and safety center on your website can be an excellent way to demonstrate to prospective customers that you have a serious information security program and that you can be trusted with their data. This can increase conversion rates and provide assurance up front that your organization takes security seriously. 

Security vs. Compliance: What About Frameworks?

Information security is both an art and a science. 

Security leaders should start with the basics. What does an organization legally need to do? From there, they should look at business outcomes. How does the security program need to enable the business? Finally, look at risk reduction. What actions do we need to take to reduce risk to an acceptable level at an optimal cost? 

One tool that can be extremely effective in this process is to use a cybersecurity framework as a roadmap. 

For example, the National Institute of Standards and Technology recently published the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Version 2.0, with the addition of the NIST governance function. This document serves as a gold standard with hundreds of controls across multiple axes that help organizations organize their security program around best practices. 

Additionally, NIST CSF controls form the basis for many legal compliance requirements. Meeting controls under NIST meets many controls under regulations such as the HIPAA Security Rule, NYDFS Cybersecurity Regulations, and others. 

At Rhymetec, we help our customers "crosswalk" controls to implement a minimal number of new policies, processes, procedures, and technologies in order to meet their compliance requirements while maximally reducing risk. 

In our webinar "Security vs. Compliance," Rhymetec CISO Metin Kortak discussed how we enable businesses to leverage compliance to meet their overall goals: 

 "If a client knows they want to build an infosec program but they don't really understand which frameworks they want to base that off of, usually we recommend selecting a compliance framework that's general and overlaps with other frameworks. For example, NIST 800-53 and SOC 2 are both great options. They have many security controls that overlap with other frameworks. This allows you to not only build a good infosec program but also sets you up to easily meet compliance with other frameworks in the future."

Security Expertise Helps Avoid Overly Onerous Control Implementation 

A good security program isn't about implementing every control in a framework. Instead, it involves a complex process where the organization: 

Understands Its Threat Model: Not all companies have the same set of threats. Our practitioners work directly with the client to identify the risks that are most likely to impact them. This forms the basis for building a winning security program that provides real business value and reduces the risk of major negative events such as ransomware and data breaches. 

Identifies Key Legal Requirements: Between state, federal, and international laws, there are dozens of potential legal requirements impacting organizations, with even more for certain industries such as healthcare. At Rhymetec, we perform a comprehensive review with each client to understand the legal requirements they need to meet. 

Considers Business Requirements: Finally, we work with the client to understand the business requirements of the organization. Are large sales opportunities being held up due to a lack of compliance? Does the organization have mission-critical systems that may need backup and recovery options available in minutes?

Answering questions across these three pillars and using a gold standard framework like NIST CSF enables us to build a security program that serves as a business enabler. 

This approach gives executives confidence they are meeting compliance requirements, gives employees confidence they are protected, and gives customers confidence that your organization is a vendor that can be trusted with their most sensitive data.

Security Elevates Compliance Beyond A "Check-The-Box" Approach

"Compliance is not the end goal when it comes to building an information security program," noted Rhymetec CISO Metin Kortak in our recent webinar on Security vs. Compliance. 

Many organizations want to comply with compliance frameworks because it's a necessity for their customers or industry. However, there are many security measures that need to be carried out to build a truly robust infosec program that goes beyond a "check-the-box" approach to compliance. 

Security is not a binary. 

The question isn't, "Is this secure or is it not?". It's about the specific threats you want to protect against, the level of investment you can make, and the assets you're most concerned with protecting. Risk modeling is a great first step to answer these questions. Your security program should stem from your risk modeling and business goals. 

"You need to be more proactive rather than reactive when building your information security goals. We don't want to be purely reactive and implement security controls just for a short-term necessity - we want to build long-term information security programs," said Metin.

In Conclusion: The Symbiotic Relationship Between Security and Compliance 

Compliance is a great vehicle for setting goals, while security is one of the many pillars propping up and maintaining an organization's compliance. Security underpins the factors that help you stay compliant. 

As an example, a compliance standard may have vague language requiring patching for all critical vulnerabilities within X number of days. Meeting that requirement is important from a compliance perspective. Where security comes in is to figure out how you should operationalize this process. How will you know about these vulnerabilities in the first place? Who will be responsible for designing a plan to patch them?

These are extremely important questions to answer that go beyond controls in many compliance frameworks. At the same time, building long-term strong security processes makes it easier to remain compliant over time. 

At Rhymetec, we firmly believe that meeting key requirements is only the first step in establishing a strong security program. 

About Rhymetec

Our experts have been disrupting the cybersecurity, compliance, and data privacy space since 2015. We make security simple and accessible so you can put more time and energy into other critical areas of your business. What makes us unique is that we act as an extension of your team. We consult on developing stronger information security and compliance programs within your environment and provide the services to meet these standards. Most organizations offer one or the other. 

From compliance readiness (SOC 2, ISO/IEC 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, and more) to Penetration Testing and ISO Internal Audits/ISO Compliance, we offer a wide range of consulting, security, vendor management, phishing testing services, and managed compliance services that can be tailored to your business environment. 

We leverage cutting-edge technologies, including compliance automation software, to fast-track you to compliance. If you're ready to learn about how Rhymetec can help you, contact us today to meet with our team.

About the Author: Justin Rende, CEO 

Justin Rende has been providing comprehensive and customizable technology solutions around the globe since 2001. In 2015 he founded Rhymetec with the mission to reduce the complexities of cloud security and make cutting-edge cybersecurity services available to SaaS-based startups. Under Justin's leadership, Rhymetec has redesigned infosec and data privacy compliance programs for the modern SaaS-based company and established itself as a leader in cloud security services.

Interested in reading more? Check out additional content on our blog.

A SOC 2 readiness assessment is an important first step if your organization is thinking about obtaining SOC 2 compliance. Think of the readiness assessment as a health check for your security practices - it's meant to help you get everything you need completed before the formal audit. 

In this FAQ, we'll tackle some of the most common questions we hear about SOC 2 readiness assessments - why you might need one, what it costs, how long it takes, who should be involved, and more. This will give you a clear picture of what to expect and help you understand what your organization needs before undergoing an external audit.

What Is A SOC 2 Readiness Assessment?

A SOC 2 readiness assessment is a pre-audit process that helps organizations prepare for their official SOC 2 audit. It identifies gaps in your current security controls and SOC 2 policies and procedures compared to where you need to be. 

The first step is to select an external consultant. Your consultant will conduct a thorough review of your existing security controls (security measures, documentation, operational procedures, and more) to identify areas where you may not be meeting SOC 2 standards. 

The assessment entails several key benefits, allowing you to: 

• Have a third-party opinion of your SOC 2 audit preparedness
• Pinpoint gaps and weaknesses in your existing controls
• Obtain ideas on how to strengthen your processes and procedures

Testing your current controls and finding areas where remediation is needed is important to do in preparation for your audit. 

How Much Does A SOC 2 Readiness Assessment Cost?

The cost of a SOC 2 readiness assessment can vary. The following factors impact cost: Organization size, the complexity of your IT infrastructure, the consultant you work with, the Trust Services Criteria you selected, the use of project management or GRC tools, and other factors that vary from consultant to consultant.

Readiness assessment estimates start at around $7,000 - $15,000. For a small startup with a straightforward infrastructure, costs typically start at the lower end. For larger organizations or for those with complex systems, costs can increase significantly, potentially reaching tens of thousands of dollars. 

Some firms offer fixed-price packages that bundle the SOC 2 readiness assessment into the overall cost of obtaining SOC 2 compliance. Others charge based on the time and resources required to complete the assessment. Obtaining detailed quotes from multiple providers can help you understand the potential costs for your organization. 

How Long Does A SOC 2 Readiness Assessment Take?

The timeframe to complete a SOC 2 readiness assessment varies. For large organizations or for those with more complex IT environments, it can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks. For smaller organizations with less complex environments, it can take as little time as several days to a week.

During this period, key activities include evaluating your existing security controls, identifying any deficiencies, and creating a plan to address those gaps. Another factor that impacts the time frame is how quickly your organization can make changes and remediate gaps.

Who Should Be Involved From Your Team?

A SOC 2 readiness assessment requires involvement from several key members of your team. These typically include:

1. IT and Security Personnel, as they have the best understanding of your technical infrastructure and current security measures.

2. Compliance Officers (If Applicable): Whomever at your organization is responsible for ensuring adherence to regulatory and industry standards should be involved.

3. Operations Managers: Personnel who oversee the processes and controls related to daily business activities can help make sure daily operations adapt to and are impacted as little as possible by any new security measures.

4. HR Personnel can provide information on employee onboarding, training, and access controls.

5. Executive Leadership: Executives are responsible for allocating resources and ensuring changes to the organization's security posture are communicated down the line. (Note: An emphasis on the role of executive leadership and governance in cybersecurity is increasingly being seen across other cybersecurity standards, including under the recently added NIST governance function). 

Involving all of these specialized roles allows you to speed things up and facilitates an effective assessment. Using compliance automation software can also help fast-track the process by providing a centralized location where all involved parties can access and track pertinent information. 

Does Your Organization Need a SOC 2 Readiness Assessment?

Whether your organization needs a SOC 2 readiness assessment depends on your circumstances and goals. It's particularly useful if you're new to SOC 2 or if you have not previously undergone a SOC 2 audit. It serves to make the entire SOC 2 process easier, as assessments are highly tailored to your organization's unique needs. 

Not every company should follow everything under the SOC 2 standard. Choosing the right Trust Services Criteria is an important step in your journey. A readiness assessment allows you to identify the security controls and practices that you actually need to implement. 

Can You Fail A SOC 2 Readiness Assessment?

No, you cannot technically "fail" a SOC 2 readiness assessment. The assessment is a preparatory step that identifies gaps and recommends improvements before your formal audit. It serves as a diagnostic tool to help you understand which areas need to be addressed to meet SOC 2 requirements. 

What Happens If Gaps Are Found During The Assessment?

If gaps are found it means your organization has some work to do before pursuing the official audit. That's the purpose of the readiness assessment: to highlight and correct issues in advance. 

The controls you may need to remediate depend on which Trust Services Criteria you selected. For example, if you selected the Security Trust Services Criteria and are not currently conducting measures like regular phishing training for employees, you may need to implement stronger controls to protect against unauthorized access and disclosure of data.

Who Performs A SOC 2 Readiness Assessment?

The assessment is typically performed by experienced third-party firms that specialize in compliance and security audits. This includes:

1. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) with IT specializations have the expertise needed to understand both the technical and compliance aspects of SOC 2.

2. IT Consulting Firms that focus on cybersecurity and compliance, and are experienced in assessing and improving IT controls.

3. Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) offer a range of security services and can conduct readiness assessments as part of their broader security offerings.

These options all provide an external expert perspective, enabling you to identify gaps and act on expert recommendations to effectively meet SOC 2 requirements. 

What Are The Most Frequently Found Gaps In SOC 2 Readiness Assessments?

At Rhymetec, we have worked with hundreds of companies on their SOC 2 readiness. Some of the most common gaps we see companies have include the following:

1. Access Controls: We often see gaps related to inadequate controls over user access to systems and data. This includes weak password policies, lack of multi-factor authentication, and improper user permissions.

2. Security Monitoring: Many organizations lack up-to-par monitoring based on SOC 2 guidelines if this is an area they haven't previously paid much attention to. Under SOC 2 requirements, systems and networks should be monitored for suspicious activities or unauthorized access.

3. Data Protection: There is often room for improvement in areas like data encryption. Our security experts have helped many organizations improve their data backup and recovery procedures in preparation for their audit.

4. Vendor Management: A lot of organizations don't realize how much oversight of their third-party vendors and service providers is required under SOC 2. We help organizations identify any gaps in due diligence, contract management, and vendor review & risk assessments.

5. Incident Response: Organizations often need to create a documented incident response policy and accompanying procedures. At Rhymetec, we craft detailed incident response plans tailored to our clients’ individual industries and needs.

Addressing these common gaps is not only critical for achieving SOC 2 compliance, but also for better protecting your organization's (and end users') data and systems.

Interested in reading more on SOC 2? Check out additional content on our blog: 

• SOC 2 Compliance Checklist
• SOC 2 Type 1 vs Type 2: Which Do You Need?
• Rhymetec's Complete SOC 2 Compliance Guide

About Rhymetec

Rhymetec was founded in 2015 as a Penetration Testing company. We offer a range of penetration testing services to include:

• Mobile Application Penetration Testing
• Web Application Penetration Testing
• External Network Penetration Testing
• API Penetration Testing

After seeing a gap for broader security support in the market, Rhymetec grew to offer managed compliance services for frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, HITRUST, NIST and more. Since then, we have served hundreds of SaaS businesses globally in all their cybersecurity, compliance, and data privacy needs. We're industry leaders in cloud security, and our custom services align with the specific needs of your business. If you want to learn more about how our team can help your business with your security needs, contact our team for more information. 

ISO 42001 sets the stage for responsibly managing AI systems within organizations. Taken together, ISO 42001 controls and policies represent the first international AI management system standard. With the proliferation of AI across many industries showing no signs of slowing down, guidance is sorely needed to address potential security, societal, environmental, and other risks posed by the use of AI. 

Security concerns around AI are top of mind for many organizations at the moment. Recently, companies like Samsung have gone as far as banning the internal use of generative AI tools after a data leak with ChatGPT. Meanwhile, consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about how companies utilizing AI systems handle their data.

ISO 42001 aims to provide clarity around how organizations can responsibly use AI. Adherence to ISO 42001 controls sends a strong signal that an organization takes the security component of AI seriously. It is the most comprehensive attempt to date to provide clear requirements for implementing and continually managing the use of artificial intelligence. In this article, we go over what it is, who it applies to, and what businesses need to do to implement it. 

Who Does ISO 42001 Apply To? 

ISO 42001 is a voluntary standard. There are no legal obligations to adhere to it. However, it becomes a must-have for many organizations once their prospects and clients start asking for evidence and reassurance that their data is being safely handled by systems using AI. 

Given the wave of media hype around AI, and the rapid improvement of the technology itself, many organizations have started to ask serious questions about the potential risks. 

The standard applies to any organization developing or providing products or services that utilize AI systems. Based on official guidelines, ISO/IEC 42001 is for: 

"Organizations of any size involved in developing, providing, or using AI-based products or services. It is applicable across all industries and relevant for public sector agencies as well as companies or non-profits." 

The implementation of ISO 42001 controls, as well as the responsibilities within the management of AI systems, can vary depending on the individual organization. 

What Do Businesses Need To Do To Implement ISO 42001 Controls?

The standard is quite robust but can be summarized into three main action items that organizations must complete in order to implement it. There is a clear focus on risk assessment, the role of governance, and compliance as a continuous process rather than a "check the box" item for businesses. The focus on these trends is reflected across the standard's three main components: 

1. Create An AI Management System

A key component of ISO/IEC 42001 is the concept of an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS). An AI management system is a documented system an organization uses to establish and enforce policies that manage assets using AI. 

The AI management system also establishes objectives related to the use of AI and creates processes to achieve them. The goal is to have a set strategy for responsibly managing AI that is applied across the organization and aligns with overall business goals. 

At a high level, the AI Management System should:

• Align with organizational objectives.
• Define and manage both risks and opportunities associated with AI. 
• Oversee the implementation of controls to address AI security risks. 
• Manage third-party vendors and partners involved in the development and/or ongoing use of AI systems. 

In conjunction with the creation and documentation of an AI Management System, organizations must also conduct an impact analysis (determining the broader potential security and societal impact of AI systems, as well as the impact on business goals), establish clear policies on the use of AI, and implement controls to ensure data is responsibly handled in AI systems. 

Lastly, the standard emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and improvement of the AI management system.  

2. Conduct An Impact Analysis 

There is a clear focus on the importance of assessing the societal impacts of AI systems. One of the core controls requires organizations to assess and document the potential impacts of their AI systems in the following areas:

• Environment sustainability (including the impacts on natural resources and greenhouse gas emissions);
• Economic (including access to financial services, employment opportunities, taxes, trade and commerce);
• Government (including legislative processes, misinformation for political gain, national security and criminal justice systems);
• Health and safety (including access to healthcare, medical diagnosis and treatment, and potential physical and psychological harms);
• Norms, traditions, culture and values (including misinformation that leads to biases or harms to individuals or groups of individuals, or both, and societies). 

ISO 42001 controls require an AI risk assessment, along with an AI system impact assessment, to be conducted and continuously evaluated. This means that organizations must not only continuously monitor the impact of AI as risks change but must also evaluate the efficacy of their systems intended to mitigate that risk. 

3. Implement and Continuously Improve ISO 42001 Controls 

There are many areas where controls can be adjusted according to the organization's industry and needs.

Here is a summary of the standard's additional controls and overall implementation guidance: 

Establish Roles & Responsibilities, and Document AI Policies: Organizations must establish and document clear policies around AI that are aligned with overall objectives and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement. Leadership must communicate the importance of AI management across the organization and share resources with employees. The roles and responsibilities related to the AI management system should be made clear, as well as how the AI management system requirements fit into business processes and goals. AI design choices, including machine learning methods, must also be documented. 

Address Risks and Opportunities: Identifying potential risks and establishing a plan to address them is a critical step. This involves conducting an AI risk assessment and then selecting appropriate risk treatment options, implementing controls, and producing a statement of the applicability of controls. Objectives related to the use of AI, as well as a plan to achieve them, must be established and continuously reassessed. 

Provide Organization-Wide Resources and Support: Create and distribute resources necessary for the AI management system and its ongoing improvement. Ensure that employees involved in AI-related activities receive appropriate training and education and that employees are aware of their roles within the AI policies. 

Evaluate Performance: This involves ongoing monitoring, analysis, and evaluation of the performance of the AI management system. This can take the form of internal audits, intended to ensure conformity to AI management system requirements across the organization. Reviews of the AI management system must be conducted at planned intervals throughout the year. 

Continual Improvement and Corrective Action: This last piece highlights the increasing importance being placed on continuous compliance rather than a "check the box" mentality. This is a shift we are seeing across the board for other requirements and standards, such as in the latest version of NIST CSF with the addition of the NIST Governance function. 

In the context of ISO 42001, this means that organizations must continually improve their AI management system and take corrective action to make changes as needed.

In Conclusion: What ISO 42001 and The AI Management System Mean For Businesses

Organizations that adhere to ISO 42001 gain several key benefits. First and foremost, they gain the benefit of responsible use of AI and the peace of mind knowing they can provide evidence of that to any partners, prospects, or other business stakeholders. 

As is often the case with other voluntary standards (such as SOC 2), organizations often find that their deals cycle becomes shorter, as prospects' questions around security are proactively answered and they no longer need to fill out lengthy security questionnaires. 

Secondly, organizations gain the benefit of reputation management. Given the focus on mitigating environmental, societal, and economic damage, adherence to ISO 42001 controls serves as a signal that organizations care about their role in these issues and have taken steps to invest in the responsible use of AI. This can have the effect of improving their reputation as reliable, responsible, and trustworthy. 

Lastly, there is an enormous benefit in terms of AI governance. ISO 42001 controls map onto laws and regulations around the use of artificial intelligence, allowing organizations to align the use of AI with laws relevant to their industry and location. As one of the first frameworks to directly address AI, ISO 42001 will serve as a baseline for future standards and laws. 

Organizations can take a proactive approach by complying with ISO 42001. This saves time and money down the line when other frameworks and laws catch up. 

About Rhymetec  

Our mission is to make cutting-edge cybersecurity available to SaaS companies and startups. We’ve worked with hundreds of companies to provide practical security solutions tailored to their needs, enabling them to be secure and compliant while balancing security with budget. We enable our clients to outsource the complexity of security and focus on what really matters – their business.

If your organization is interested in exploring compliance with AI standards, we now offer ISO/IEC 42001 certification readiness and maintenance services and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

About The Author: Metin Kortak, CISO

Metin Kortak is the Chief Information Security Officer at Rhymetec. Metin began his career working in IT security and gained extensive knowledge of compliance and data privacy frameworks such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI, FedRAMP, NIST 800-53, GDPR, CCPA, HITRUST and HIPAA. He joined Rhymetec to build data privacy and compliance as a service offering.

Under Metin’s leadership, these offerings have grown to more than 200 customers, positioning the company as a leading SaaS security service provider in the industry.

Interested in reading more? Check out additional content on our blog:

• Maximize Your Use of Compliance Automation Platforms
• 7 Factors To Consider Before Implementing AI in Your SaaS Company
• Phishing Training For Employees: 5 Steps To Success

How are resource-savvy businesses fast-tracking and maintaining cybersecurity compliance in 2024? 

Many companies are now using an innovative and complete solution that combines automation with hands-on, expert security services. Compliance automation platforms provide an invaluable tool that works in sync with manual tasks to achieve compliance in the fastest timeframe possible, helping you effectively prepare for your audit.

Our team of security experts at Rhymetec is extremely experienced with this process. We have helped hundreds of companies build strong infosec programs and meet compliance requirements while reaping the full benefits of an automation tool. For more information on how we can help with all of your security and compliance automation needs, contact our team today: 

The Benefits of Compliance Automation

Compliance automation is an innovative tool companies use to establish and scale their information security (infosec) programs. The platform serves as a single source of truth for everything related to compliance, allowing companies to have sharp visibility into these areas and pinpoint exactly what they need to do. 

Many companies elect to use an automation tool because they are astutely thinking ahead about their audits and what they can do to make the process easier. After all, what makes life easier for your auditor will ultimately make your life easier as well. 

No auditor likes receiving headache-inducing 50-page Excel spreadsheets that they have to figure out how to navigate for every new engagement. Instead, auditors appreciate having a single place where companies can easily collect all relevant documentation laid out in a clear format. Compliance automation platforms provide exactly this. 

They streamline the process in many areas, accomplishing the following tasks: 

Policy Templates:

Compliance automation platforms provide robust templates for extensive document creation and documentation of security policies. 

Integrations Provided By Compliance Automation:

A key advantage of using an automation platform is the level of integrations it provides. Platforms provide integrations in the following areas (and more) in order to streamline compliance: 

• Background check providers to notify clients if background checks are missing for any employees.
• Vulnerability monitoring solutions to create test failures based on vulnerabilities and source code tools for identification of testing failures. 
• Relevant client systems to identify systems without MFA.
• Mobile Device Management and antivirus solutions to identify gaps in compliance.

Human Resource (HR) Security Solutions:

Automation platforms can automate security awareness training for organizations. This is an important advantage, as many frameworks require security awareness training. Employee access reviews can also be conducted by identifying users who shouldn't be active in systems based on their employment status. This is made possible by collecting user access information through integrations with other systems. 

Frameworks like SOC 2 require periodic performance reviews for employees. These platforms provide a centralized place for evidence collection of performance reviews.

Asset Inventory:

The automatic creation of an asset inventory using available integrations is a key benefit, speeding things up substantially for when it comes time to manually fill in the gaps. 

Identification Through Compliance Automation:

Compliance automation platforms automatically identify control items in the following areas: 

• Resources that require performance monitoring controls. 
• Resources that require encryption in transit.
• Resources with gaps for storage bucket security controls. 
• Databases that are not backed up.
• Gaps in controls and control remediation.

Risk Management:

Compliance automation platforms store existing risk assessments conducted by the customer or security professional. Additionally, they provides 3rd party supplier management by storing existing risk assessments for all vendors, and their security reports. 

Security Questionnaire Fulfillment:

Lastly, they offer automated security questionnaire fulfillment, removing a large amount of the burden of filling out long questionnaires.

The automation and integrations provided by compliance automation platforms speed up an array of complex processes that would otherwise take substantially longer. However, a security and compliance professional is still needed to ensure your team is doing the manual tasks of meeting your desired compliance goals; drafting policies, setting up company-specific security awareness training, conducting risk assessments, and much more.

Pinpointing The Controls You Need and That Align With Auditor Expectations 

Don't have a security or compliance professional in-house? Or unsure where to start?

This is where an outsourced team of security professionals can come in to carry out a wide range of manual components necessary to get businesses across the finish line for compliance. Rhymetec's team provides the customization needed to make security and compliance efforts specific to your unique infrastructure every step of the way. 

For example, one of the best parts of SOC 2 is the level of flexibility it provides for the controls, allowing companies the ability to tailor it to fit their needs. A compliance automation platform used in tandem with the customized services from an expert security team enables companies to speed things up while also ensuring they implement only the controls that make sense for their business and will align with what the auditor will expect to see. 

The specialization provided by a security team allows businesses to avoid overly onerous control implementation that may not be necessary in their compliance journey.

The Manual Components of Compliance: Humans Still In The Loop

Compliance requirements and voluntary standards mandate an array of hands-on security support that only a team of qualified professionals with years of experience across different subdisciplines in cybersecurity can perform. To achieve and maintain compliance, organizations need a team of experts in GRC, penetration testing & vulnerability management, cloud security, network security, incident response, and more. 

Compliance automation platforms provide a great way to manage the process and continually identify areas that need attention, speeding up the time it takes to get started and complete manual tasks. Meanwhile, the customization provided by working with Rhymetec's team ensures alignment between the controls and auditors' checklists. It enables clients to show evidence of completion of controls that cannot be automated, including penetration testing, internal audits, and tabletop exercises.

The Initial Phase: Getting Set Up

In the initial phase of the engagement, Rhymetec's security team gets the client set up in the compliance automation platform by manually accomplishing the following tasks: 

• Initial Set Up In The Platform: Rhymetec manually adds the client's information to the compliance automation platform. Additionally, employees, users, and all other relevant information depending on the individual client's needs are added to the platform. 
• Integration of Relevant Systems: Next, the team integrates relevant systems with the automation platform and configures settings to get items including security awareness training and onboarding setup. 
• Project Planning: Rhymetec's team meets with the client to determine the infrastructure details and create a system description. The security team works closely with the client at this phase to gain a deep understanding of their individual needs and to identify the exact controls they need to adhere to under the chosen framework(s). 

Compliance isn't one-size-fits-all.

Organizations can have vastly different needs depending on factors like their industry, geography, company size, the third parties they work with, the types of data they handle, and more. Without an experienced security and compliance team to examine these factors, there's a risk of not doing enough or even doing too much. 

Filling In The Gaps

Using the information provided by the platform as a baseline, Rhymetec's team goes from there to fill in the gaps based on each client's individual needs. This stage involves: 

• Gap Assessment: Rhymetec manually reviews all controls and identifies gaps in compliance for the client.
• Evidence Gathering: The security team works with the client and other stakeholders to collect and store evidence required by auditors, using the compliance automation platform as a convenient place to upload all documentation. 
• Policy Management: Using templates provided by the compliance automation platform as a baseline, Rhymetec fully customizes and edits information security policies based on individual client needs. 
• Performance monitoring controls: Based on the resources identified by the compliance automation platform, Rhymetec implements controls on infrastructure systems such as databases, servers, and buckets. This helps the client gain visibility into their infrastructure. 
• Asset inventory: Using the asset inventory created by the automation platform, Rhymetec manually reviews the inventory and ensures all production systems are included in it.

These action items work hand-in-hand with the compliance automation platform in the following ways: 

Completion of Manual Security Tasks

Thanks to the features of the compliance automation platform, many items are able to be easily identified as needed for the client on an ongoing basis. This substantially cuts down time, enabling the security team to fill in the manual pieces as soon as they are identified.

However, not every task has elements that can be automated. The fully manual tasks needed to meet controls under many cybersecurity regulations and frameworks include the following:

The above action items needed for compliance, such as penetration testing and tabletop exercises, cannot be automated. Items such as incident response plans also must be manually completed in order to be tailored to each individual company, their risk profile, and their industry.

The compliance automation platform comes back into play in the next phase, streamlining the completion of all additional security controls. 

Fulfillment Of Additional Critical Security Controls: Manual Solutions Working With Compliance Automation  

Rhymetec creates and implements the additional cybersecurity controls required by the compliance framework selected by the client. The compliance automation platform, meanwhile, plays a key role in this step for each control through system integrations and identification of areas for improvement. 

Here's how the two solutions work in sync to streamline the implementation of critical security controls needed across many different frameworks, laws, and regulations: 

The platform serves as a foundation for the tasks performed by Rhymetec's security team, enabling them to jump right in and start the hands-on work.

As an example, almost every cybersecurity standard nowadays requires organizations to implement multi-factor authentication, as it is one of the best measures companies can take to protect themselves. The compliance automation platform is able to identify systems in a client's infrastructure without MFA. The security team takes it from there to enable MFA policies on all critical systems. 

Final Audit Preparation, Conducting The Audit, & After The Audit 

In preparation for the audit, Rhymetec ensures all necessary documentation is organized and accessible. For frameworks like ISO 27001, Rhymetec will conduct an internal audit to identify and address any non-conformities in preparation for the external audit. During the official audit, Rhymetec works closely with auditors to ensure all evidence is collected and provided. 

For standards like SOC 2 that clients will be audited on annually, and to maintain a continuous strong posture of security, Rhymetec completes the following items on an ongoing basis: Annual vendor risk assessments, regularly updating risk assessments to reflect new risks, regularly reviewing firewall rules for customers to ensure they stay compliant with policies, and running continuous assessments like PCI compliance scans for PCI-compliant customers.

Don't forget, for some stakeholders compliance isn't always enough. Security questionnaires are a secondary tool that prospects use to evaluate your security against their own standards. Utilizing compliance automation can help you streamline this process. Using Rhymetec's team of experts can help you get into the weeds around more robust or complex questionnaires and even represent your business on security-related discussions. 

In Conclusion: How Compliance Automation and Manual Security Services Provide A Full Portfolio Solution For The Modern Business

Compliance is not a sprint right before an audit. 

It requires an ongoing solution that streamlines the process by automating the pieces that can be automated and leveraging a team of experts to fill in the gaps and carry out the manual tasks. Through a combination of automation and manual security services, organizations can maintain a posture of continuous compliance, ensuring that requirements are always being met and evidence of these standards can be accessed easily. 

When used together, a compliance automation platform and the level of customization provided by an experienced security team fast-tracks compliance while avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. Every company has its own controls that need to be implemented, as well as a unique risk profile. For effective compliance maintenance, modern businesses need an automation platform plus a team of security experts to carry out and maintain these requirements.

With Rhymetec, the manual components are accomplished by a security team with more than a century of cumulative experience across a diverse array of cybersecurity disciplines. Rhymetec leverages this experience to tailor compliance to fit organizations' individual needs and to maximize the efficiency of control implementation. Meanwhile, the compliance automation platform speeds things up every step of the way, provides a single source of truth for the client, and serves as an auditor-favored platform with all documentation presented in a clear format. 

About Rhymetec 

Our mission is to make cutting-edge cybersecurity available to SaaS companies and startups. We’ve worked with hundreds of companies to provide practical security solutions tailored to their needs, enabling them to be secure and compliant while also balancing security with budget.

We enable our clients to outsource the complexity of security and focus on what really matters – their business. If you are interested in our services, or if you simply have questions about security, you can contact our team for more information.

Interested in reading more? Check out our other blogs:

• Managed Compliance: An Updated Approach For The Cyber Regulatory World
• Security Policies For Small Businesses: 5 Tips For Effective Communication
• Cybersecurity for Startups: A Rhymetec Guide for 2024

There were many major releases in 2024. The hit new TV series FX Shogun, Dune Part 2, Taylor Swift's Eras Tour on Disney+, and most importantly, the new NIST Cybersecurity Framework Version 2.0 with the addition of the NIST Governance Function. 

Thrilled yet? Well, you should be. The National Institute of Standards and Technology regularly releases technical guidance documents and frameworks for both the public and private sectors to use as best practices guides. 

The original NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) serves as the basis for tens of thousands of cybersecurity programs around the world and directly inspires many other compliance frameworks and requirements. 

By meeting NIST, organizations automatically cover many controls in other requirements that overlap with NIST. It's widely considered the gold standard of robust cybersecurity across many industries. 

This article will explore NIST CSF V2.0, what's changed, and what's likely to change going forward.

If you have more specific questions on what these changes may mean for your organization, please feel free to contact our team for support:

What Is The NIST Cybersecurity Framework?

NIST CSF was originally intended as a cybersecurity framework for critical infrastructure companies. 

Some key facts about NIST CSF V1.0: 

• The original NIST CSF was released in 2014
• NIST CSF was developed in collaboration with industry and government stakeholders
• Provided a high-level framework for cybersecurity risk management
• Consisted of five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover
• Each core function is broken down into subcategories and controls
• NIST CSF is voluntary, but it is widely used by organizations of all sizes
• NIST CSF was updated on a regular basis to reflect changes in the cybersecurity landscape 

In addition, many regulations (particularly those in the United States) directly drew on controls originally formulated in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. 

NIST CSF is split into five modules reflecting elements of the cybersecurity lifecycle, including: 

Identify:

• Get visibility into the network environment, including asset categorization.
• Create continuous monitoring for new assets being brought back online or added to the network. 

Protect:

• Implement robust security protocols across the organization to include IDS/IPS, firewalls, EDR systems, and anti-virus
• Create and maintain a regular patching program to reduce exploitable vulnerabilities. 
• Utilize strong authentication (such as multi-factor authentication) to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Detect:

• Use security monitoring tools to get visibility into suspicious activity such as unauthorized access attempts. 
• Set up a notifications and alerts system to inform your security team in a timely manner of potential incidents and threats. 

Respond:

• Have a well-documented incident response plan that describes the procedures for responding to security incidents.
• Be able to contain security incidents to minimize their impact and mitigate further damage. 

Recover:

• Ensure a comprehensive backup and recovery program is in place to protect critical assets and restore data in the event of a security incident or natural disaster.
• Test back up and recovery programs regularly and update as needed. 

NIST CSF V2.0: What's In It? 

NIST CSF version two carries on many of the fundamental themes found in the original NIST CSF. However, a new element has been added: NIST Governance. 

Source: NIST Drafts Major Update To Its Widely Used Cybersecurity Framework.

Note the clear emphasis of the guidance under this new function: 

Governance

• Executives take on an active role in organizational risk management and collaborate on how potential cybersecurity gaps across the organization may impact broader objectives.  
• Regularly hold dialogue among executives about risk management strategies, roles, and policies. 
• Establish security goals tailored to the industry and organization at the executive level.
• Document and communicate security policies and expectations down the line to managers and individuals. 
• Encourage collaboration at the executive level and across the organization about risk management strategies, including cybersecurity supply chain risk.
• Ensure cybersecurity risk management is explicitly rolled into overall Enterprise Risk Management (ERM).

In short, the updated CSF is intended to help executives communicate better about cybersecurity, with the goal of ensuring robust security through every level of the organization:  

"The CSF helps organizations translate their terminology for cybersecurity and cybersecurity risk management into general risk management language that executives will understand."

The features of the new version also help enforce that the CSF applies to small organizations as well as large ones, and can be easily tailored to fit their needs. 

A New Addition: NIST Governance and What It Means For Businesses Going Forward

It's important to remember, that compared to many functions of a business, cybersecurity in its current state is still extremely young.

Cybersecurity began as a sub-discipline of Information Technology.

In the 2010s, business leaders, particularly in industries with a heavy reliance on information technology, increasingly came to see cybersecurity as a standalone field - one that needed adequate resources and provisioning to succeed. 

The NIST Governance section is an effort to add concreteness to cybersecurity as a board-level conversation in its own right and not just an offshoot of information technology. NIST states:

"The CSF's governance component emphasizes that cybersecurity is a major source of enterprise risk that senior leaders should consider alongside others such as finance and reputation." 

It's worth pausing for a moment and reflecting on what a significant statement this is.

NIST is advising companies to consider cybersecurity as significant of a risk as running out of money or having their reputation destroyed (note that bad cyber practices can cause both of these things). 

The new NIST governance function includes six key aspects:

• Organizational Context (GV.OC)
• Risk Management Strategy (GV.RM)
• Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities (GV.RR)
• Policy (GV.PO)
• Oversight (GV.OV)
• Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management (GV.SC)

The introduction of Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) under governance is another critical addition.

Software supply chain attacks have become increasingly common in recent years, such as the 2020 SolarWinds breach and the 2023 MOVEit vulnerability, famously exploited by the CL0P ransomware group. 

Rhymetec's Take: The business impact of investing in cybersecurity is exceptionally high. The threat landscape has continued to increase in risk, and organizations are increasingly expecting third-party suppliers to not only meet compliance but also demonstrate security that goes past it. NIST CSF's Governance change is an excellent addition that reflects the growing importance of security for modern businesses. 

The Expanded Scope: NIST Governance

NIST CSF V1.0 was focused specifically on critical infrastructure. While this did not stop organizations all over the world from using it as a basis, it did create a sense that it might be overkill for some businesses.

NIST CSF V2.0 has remedied this flaw and makes it clear that the CSF can be tailored to fit any business regardless of size or maturity.

Rhymetec's Take: In this case NIST is catching up to where many organizations already are. NIST has long and widely been used as the basis for cybersecurity programs, but it is a positive development for them to acknowledge and expand the use case. 

Additional Resources for Implementation and The NIST Governance Section

One of the most profound and significant changes has been the additional material NIST is publishing to help organizations build their security programs based on the cybersecurity framework.

NIST is publishing several appendix documents, including: 

Implementation Guidance for CSF V2.0 

The implementation guidance is an extremely valuable addition to the CSF.

Many organizations, particularly those that don't yet have dedicated cybersecurity staff, may struggle to understand what the cybersecurity framework is actually asking of them. The addition of remediation guidance provides an enormous amount of additional clarity. 

For example, let's take a control found in the new governance section: 

GV.SC-06: Planning and due diligence are performed to reduce risks before entering into formal supplier or other third-party relationships. 

For seasoned governance risk and compliance professionals, this may seem straightforward. 

But for an organization without GRC staff that is just beginning to think about third-party due diligence, how can this be implemented?

Fortunately, the Implementation Guidance provides real-life, concrete examples for businesses to better understand how to do a practical implementation of a security control. For GV.SC-06, NIST provides 4 implementation examples: 

• Ex1: Perform thorough due diligence on prospective suppliers that is consistent with procurement planning and commensurate with the level of risk, criticality, and complexity of each supplier relationship. 
• Ex2: Assess the suitability of the technology and cybersecurity capabilities and the risk management practices of prospective suppliers.
• Ex3: Conduct supplier risk assessments against business and applicable cybersecurity requirements, including lower-tier suppliers and the supply chain for critical suppliers.
• Ex4: Assess the authenticity, integrity, and security of critical products prior to acquisition and use. 

For many organizations, implementation examples will undoubtedly be key to help clarify the request being made of them by the guidance. Note how each example has slightly different wording: compliance isn't a one-size-fits-all project.

Many compliance requirements leave room for organizations to implement the security control in a way that will optimally benefit their organization. 

Working with a vCISO can help by leveraging decades of experience in tailoring security controls to your company's unique risk profile, maximizing your return on investment while also ensuring that your organization meets the technical and intended definition of the control. 

For instance, example 4 only has the organization assessing critical suppliers, whereas example 1 has the organization tiering their suppliers and level of due diligence. If an organization is just beginning their C-SCRM program, they may not have the sophistication or resources (or need!) to fully vet every single supplier based on a tiered approach.

While the company matures, only assessing mission-critical suppliers can be an excellent addition to a security program, and it is far better than doing nothing. 

Rhymetec's Take: Implementation guidance should substantially help bridge the gap, particularly with small or immature organizations to effectively implement NIST CSF 2.0's guidance. Note that simply claiming you are meeting a control will not pass an auditor's scrutiny. You need to have a documented process for meeting the control, appropriate technology, and evidence that your policy is acted upon. 

NIST CSF 2.0 Reference Tool

Another addition with NIST CSF 2.0 is a new reference tool that can be used to identify requirements and export data quickly.

Rather than reading a massive PDF, the new reference tool makes it simple to rapidly identify controls or subsets of controls within NIST and export that section or subset either in machine or human-readable format. 

Users are able to filter based on the control family and whether the control is focused on first or third parties and then export the data into JSON or Excel. The reference tool also includes the aforementioned implementation guidance, significantly simplifying the process of understanding and complying with controls. 

This makes it considerably more user friendly and allows easy exporting of data.

The reference tool could be helpful for many organizations, but particularly for large or complex organizations that may have many different individuals and functions responsible for implementing the second version of NIST CSF to include updates in alignment with the NIST Governance element. 

NIST CSF 2.0 Quick Start Guides

The last major addition to NIST CSF 2.0 we will cover is quick start guides, designed to help organizations get started on implementing controls from NIST Governance and other functions based on their unique circumstances and risk posture. 

Quick start guides are segmented into:

• Organizational Profiles: According to NIST, an organizational profile "...describes an organization's current and/or target cybersecurity posture in terms of cybersecurity outcomes from the Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) Core." 
• Community Profiles: These are designed to help specific industries and sectors implement the CSF based on their unique risk profile. According to NIST, "A Community Profile can be thought of as guidance for a specific community that is organized around the common taxonomy of the CSF." 
• Small Business Resources: The small business section of the quick start guide is focused on providing actionable, easy-to-implement steps that small businesses can use to begin implementing CSF V2.0 controls. 
• Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM): C-SCRM is a growing concern for organizations of all sizes that continues to be highlighted by major supply chain breaches. The C-SCRM quick start guide provides specific guidance on how you can use the CSF to establish your C-SCRM program.
• Enterprise Risk Management: The Enterprise Risk Management quick start guide helps organizations better understand the implementation of NIST CSF 2.0, particularly NIST Governance, in a complex and multifaceted enterprise context. 
• Tiers: NIST CSF 2.0 tiers "...can be applied to CSF Organizational Profiles to characterize the rigor of an organization's cybersecurity risk governance and management outcomes. This can help provide context on how an organization views cybersecurity risks and the processes in place to manage those risks." 

 Concluding Thoughts On NIST Governance and NIST CSF 2.0

NIST CSF 2.0 represents a huge step from the original NIST. 

There has clearly been a focus on making it easier to conceptualize, understand, and implement CSF controls in a way that will reduce organizational risk for businesses.

The NIST governance section is a critical addition that helps solidify the case that cybersecurity and cyber risk management are no longer a function of the IT department, but a function that requires whole-business buy-in from the board of directors down to individual department heads. 

Contact our team at Rhymetec for more information: 

About Rhymetec 

Our mission is to make cutting-edge cybersecurity available to SaaS companies and startups. We’ve worked with hundreds of companies to provide practical security solutions tailored to their needs, enabling them to be secure and compliant while also balancing security with budget. We offer a full suite of security services including mobile application penetration testing services, phishing testing services, PCI compliance scanning, and more.

Our team has extensive experience helping organizations implement a variety of security frameworks and compliance requirements, including NIST CSF, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, and many more. 

We enable our clients to outsource the complexity of security and focus on what really matters – their business. If you are interested in our services, or if you simply have questions about security, you can contact our team for more information.

About The Author: Metin Kortak, CISO

Metin Kortak is the Chief Information Security Officer at Rhymetec. Metin began his career working in IT security and gained extensive knowledge of compliance and data privacy frameworks such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI, FedRAMP, NIST 800-53, GDPR, CCPA, HITRUST and HIPAA. He joined Rhymetec to build data privacy and compliance as a service offering. Under Metin’s leadership, these offerings have grown to more than 200 customers, positioning the company as a leading SaaS security service provider in the industry.

Ask any security professional what the biggest risk to organizations is, and nine times out of ten you'll get the same answer - people. 

What security professionals know from experience is further confirmed by security research. Verizon's 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report puts the percentage of breaches that involved human error as high as 60%. Despite the best intentions, even the most diligent employees are susceptible to falling for social engineering tactics like phishing emails. 

The onus is on company leadership to not only establish clear security policies for their business but to effectively communicate these policies to employees. 

You could have the best, most meticulously documented security policies in the world, but they won't be able to help if they aren't communicated to the people who handle your assets daily. In 2025, small businesses also face added scrutiny from enterprise customers and regulators, making strong policies not just a security measure but a business requirement.

Rhymetec's Senior Cybersecurity Analyst, Kyle Jones, discussed how to effectively communicate security policies with employees in the latest episode of SaaS District:

Rhymetec, a Managed Security Services Provider focused on cybersecurity, compliance, and data privacy, enables SaaS organizations to have in-house security expertise at a fraction of the cost. Security professionals like Kyle have firsthand experience behind the scenes of the information security programs at hundreds of companies. 

Based on Kyle's experience, here are 5 tips he encourages businesses to use to communicate security policies with employees effectively:

1. The First Rule of Security Policies for Small Businesses: Know Your Audience

"The first thing I would suggest is know your audience. Know who you're communicating to,” suggested Kyle when asked how to communicate security policies in a startup environment of rapid growth. "If you're a CEO, a CTO, someone that's going to roll out policies - the first thing you want to focus on is knowing your audience. If you're a marketing agency, you don't want to draft heavily technical policies for your employees, because the communication is going to fail."

When tailoring and communicating policies to your organization, you want the policies to become ingrained as practice, not just documents that sit on a shelf (or in a file on your Google Drive that nobody looks at twice!). 

The first step to effectively accomplishing this is to know your audience and make sure you remember to tailor your language to everyone in your audience. 

If you work in tech, it may seem evident to you what the policy means when it says: 

"All corporate devices must utilize full-disk encryption using the AES-XTS data encryption algorithm in compliance with the NIST Advanced Encryption Standard". 

But this likely means nothing to your company's lawyer or accountant. Instead, simplify the language and foster clear communication. If the policy is going to apply to a non-technical audience it's far better to create a policy like:

"All corporate laptops and desktops must enable full-disk encryption in their device's settings." 

Creating effective policies and procedures requires remembering that many users may not be security or even IT knowledgeable. This is becoming even more important as many small businesses are adopting AI tools and cloud platforms in 2025. Policies must account for a non-technical audience using technologies that carry significant risk if misunderstood.

2. Make Sure Your Small Business Security Policies Are Drafted by a Subject Matter Expert 

Kyle emphasized the importance of working with a subject matter expert who understands the regulatory requirements in your industry as well as the voluntary security standards your customers may want you to have. 

Having a subject matter expert develop your policies, especially in the early stages, allows you to align your policies with industry standards and with what you want to achieve as your company grows. Businesses that bake security in from the get-go establish a solid foundation, saving money and headaches in the long term. 

Many organizations see security policies as "another GRC checklist item". This couldn't be further from the truth. Security policies are a core part of your business, and working towards adherence is critical. 

However, even before building buy-in, you need to make sure your security policies are rock solid.

Here are a few questions you should ask in reference to the organization or individual drafting your policies: 

• Are they basing their security policies on a risk assessment specific to your organization? 

Organizations have dramatically different risk profiles based on industry or sector. For example, a software as a service company has numerous risks related to cloud hosting, data segmentation, and cloud identity and access management. These risks are not shared by a typical accounting firm. Policies should be tailored to your specific organization and can't be written in a vacuum. 

• Does the person or organization have a strong working knowledge of how policies are implemented in practice?

Policies are only as useful as their implementation (and you will be audited based on both!). There should be a strong plan for operationalizing any policies that have been drafted on behalf of your business. This is where working with an outside expert like a Managed Security Services Provider, particularly for startups who may not have the resources to build out large in-house security teams, can come into play as a resource.

Ensuring The Companies of the Future Are Secure

To Kyle, one of the most important challenges of his work is making sure companies have solid security practices in place and that they are secure from the ground up:

"At Rhymetec, we're working with startups. A lot of them are early-stage startups…A lot of the companies that I work with and manage the security program for are the future. They have very powerful technologies and very innovative products". 

The companies he works with are forward-thinking and looking to grow quickly. Establishing solid security policies for small businesses is critical before they expand into new marketplaces or internationally, before they go public, or before they are acquired. 

Subject matter experts like the team at Rhymetec take the job of security entirely off their plate so they can focus on core tasks and grow their business.

3. Emphasize Security Policies Throughout the Year

There's nothing worse than policies that haven't been adopted. 

Identify opportunities throughout the year where you can emphasize security policies for your small business in a proactive and exciting way. 

"Something else I think that all organizations can do more of is emphasizing the importance of the policies. The policies are not an annual thing we review and send out to employees, and it's done. We want to find different ways to emphasize the policies," Kyle pointed out. 

Have a company all hands? 

This can be a great opportunity to discuss security policies, their implementation, and overall best practices. Include policy provisions in your security awareness and training courses, and aim to connect policies with outcomes. 

When employees ask questions about anything security or IT-related, that can be a great opportunity to reference the policies and see what they say. When Kyle talks to the companies he manages security programs for, he uses their questions as an opportunity to bring up the policies and emphasize their importance.

It can be difficult for employees to conceptualize why security policies are necessary as they can often seem divorced from outcomes. 

Walking the company (at a high level) through how a ransomware attack happens, or how threat actors launch business email compromise campaigns can be informative and help solidify the importance of adhering to policy language. The point is not to fearmonger, but to provide information that helps employees mentally link the policies to the reasons behind them.

People are more likely to adhere to something if they understand it. 

In other words, don't just tell people what to do - show them why it matters.

4. Have a Training Program Built Around the Policy Language 

Staff awareness training is an excellent opportunity to reinforce and build on your policies. 

You want to ensure that your training program directly reflects language from your policies. For example, if you have a policy around full disk encryption (to use an earlier example), reinforcing this and providing a how-to guide in your training provides an excellent opportunity for reinforcement. 

As another example, if you have a policy of reporting any suspicious emails as phishing for the security team to look at, reinforce this with training! Small businesses now often rely on a myriad of cloud collaboration tools, APIs, and AI assistants. Your training must be updated to reflect this reality and directly reference related policies, such as how to securely handle shared data or what information can be input into AI systems.

It's hard for employees to remember technical minutia and playbooks, so constantly reinforcing and iterating on your organization's security posture and policies is critical.

5. Update and Review Policies Regularly 

Risk to your organization changes. 

Both the regulatory and threat landscapes are in constant flux. Policies should not only be updated regularly but should be continuously reviewed and adjusted based on new information. 

For example, the advent of large language models such as OpenAI's GPT-4 and Google's Gemini should force organizations to reimagine their policies: 

• Are employees allowed to use these applications at work? 
• What types of data can be shared with them? 
• Do our policies reflect current regulatory language about algorithm decision-making? 

These are important questions to answer. At Rhymetec we recommend conducting regular policy reviews. Working with a vCISO can dramatically simplify this process as they will be in tune with regulatory and threat landscape changes that could impact your business. 

In summary, here are the 5 expert-approved tips discussed in this article to effectively communicate security policies to employees:

Security Policies for Small Businesses: The Bottom Line

Small businesses need security policies that work for them. They need policies that are tailored, based on real risks the business faces, and that meet a range of complex compliance requirements. 

When done right, reinforced, and iterated on, policies form the backbone of a security program and enable organizations to do business with confidence and precision. 

Hopefully, this article helped solidify how to draft and implement policies effectively. At Rhymetec, we believe that security and compliance are continuous processes that need to evolve and improve over time. We work directly with clients to build policies and security programs that meet regulatory requirements, scale with their growing organization, and enable business outcomes.

If you have more specific questions on crafting security policies for your business, please feel free to contact our team:

FAQs: Security Policies For Small Businesses

Why are security policies so important for small businesses?

Because most breaches stem from human error, strong policies protect against mistakes and provide much-needed guidance to employees. They also demonstrate accountability to customers, auditors, and regulators.

How often should small businesses update their security policies?

At least annually — but ideally every 6 months or whenever major changes occur in technology, staff, or regulations. In 2025, rapid changes in AI and data privacy laws mean reviews are needed more frequently.

Who should write or review a company’s security policies?

A subject matter expert with compliance and technical knowledge. Many SMBs rely on vCISO services or MSSPs like Rhymetec to ensure policies are tailored to industry risks and compliance frameworks.

How can small businesses make policies easier for employees to follow?

Keep language clear and non-technical, integrate policies into training, and connect them to real-world examples like phishing or ransomware incidents. Policies that are simple to understand are more likely to be followed.

Do security policies help with compliance certifications?

Yes. Well-documented policies form the backbone of compliance efforts for frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, and CMMC. They are often the first thing auditors request when evaluating a company’s security posture. As part of Rhymetec's Vanta Compliance Services, we can leverage cutting-edge compliance automation technologies like Vanta to accelerate this process for you. We enable our clients to maximize their use of compliance automation platforms like Vanta and Drata.

About Rhymetec 

Rhymetec was founded in 2015 as a Penetration Testing company. Since then, we have served hundreds of SaaS businesses globally in all their cybersecurity, compliance, and data privacy needs. We're industry leaders in cloud security, and our custom services align with the specific needs of your business.

About Kyle Jones: Information Security Manager at Rhymetec

Kyle Jones is a Senior Cybersecurity Analyst at Rhymetec. Kyle is an experienced cybersecurity and compliance professional who excels at aligning SaaS cloud architecture with industry standards and regulations. If you have any questions about security, you can get in touch with Kyle on LinkedIn or contact our team at Rhymetec.