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User access reviews safeguard against threats by ensuring only correct personnel access essential systems, preventing data leaks and compliance issues. They maintain security by adjusting or removing access for employees who change roles or leave, documented for regulatory compliance.

Security Software Overview: Why Access Review Matters

Ever wonder how former employees or unneeded permissions can turn into a serious threat? That’s where user access reviews come in. By regularly checking who has access to key systems, you lower the chances of malicious insiders, accidental data leaks, and compliance gaps. According to our data, 73% of business leaders believed in 2023 that consistent cyber regulations reduced risk. Yet outdated privileges can cause significant delays—in some cases, taking an extra 108 days to discover and stop breaches.

A Key Cornerstone of Modern Security

User access reviews confirm that only the right people can reach your organization’s data and tools. They ensure that when employees change roles or leave, their access adjusts or disappears. This practice not only protects sensitive information but also meets regulatory demands that require proof of proactive security oversight.

Real-World Consequences of Gaps in Review

Failing to manage access can lead to financial, reputational, and compliance damage. According to ISACA guidelines, lingering accounts from ex-employees can be misused. Even active employees may accidentally view confidential information if left with excessive privileges. Regular reviews reduce these risks by validating each user’s need to access specific resources.

A Structured Path to Better Oversight

Automation and scheduling make access reviews simpler to manage. For example, Microsoft Entra ID Governance capabilities let teams customize review processes and approvals. By proactively removing unneeded access, you lower the chances of insider threats and keep pace with fast-evolving organizational demands.

Mapping Out Critical Access Rights for Reliable Safeguards

Pinpointing Key Systems and Data

Identify and categorize your core applications, databases, and data repositories—especially those linked to finance or product development.

Adhering to [NIST SP 800-53 Rev.5] ensures your controls align with data creation, storage, and sharing processes. Understanding where sensitive information resides is fundamental for effective protection.

Furthermore, aligning this process with the [Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) Section 4] compliance and IT General Controls (ITGC) requirements guarantees that financial data integrity and security controls are robust and auditable.

Data from [NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5] supports categorization as a crucial initial step in safeguarding vital information, while SOX and ITGC frameworks enforce stringent controls over financial reporting and IT systems.

Defining User Groups and Privilege Tiers

Next, segment user groups and define privileges. Many companies split people into two broad categories:

• Business users handling finance and product development.
• IT users responsible for development, testing, and deployment.

By avoiding privilege overlap and enforcing stricter controls where needed, you maintain secure boundaries. As noted in effective user access reviews, matching privileges to roles stops people from wandering into areas they shouldn’t access.

Documenting and Reviewing Existing Access Rights

Create a baseline by documenting each user’s current permissions across applications and repositories. Scheduled reviews catch dormant accounts or misplaced privileges. Whether your organization uses DevSecOps or traditional development, staying current on who holds what access is central to guarding sensitive data.

Strengthening Your Security Software Environment

Having a clear map of key systems, roles, and privileges lowers the risk of unauthorized entry. Combine well-defined user groups, clearly tiered permissions, and routine reviews to establish strong defenses. Regular audits show stakeholders that you’re serious about controlling access and safeguarding critical information.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting User Access Review

Compare Approved User Lists with Actual Access Logs

Start with a list of who should have access, and compare it to real-time usage logs. Look for any mismatches, like unexpected accounts or outdated privileges. Also watch for unusual activity, such as account spikes or long periods of inactivity.

Confirm Job Roles Against Access Permissions

Check each user’s current role to spot “role creep,” which happens when someone collects privileges they no longer need, and “orphaned accounts,” which may still be active after the user has left. Aligning access rights with actual responsibilities helps prevent insider threats.

Perform User Deprovisioning and Updates

Disable or adjust any accounts that no longer serve a purpose. This “user deprovisioning” step involves removing unused accounts and outdated privileges, then documenting every change. Doing this early cuts unnecessary exposure from inactive accounts or overreaching credentials.

Document Everything for Compliance Checks

Keep track of all findings—who you reviewed, what changed, and why. These records satisfy audit requirements and make future compliance checks smoother. Many regulations demand ongoing reviews and proof of consistent oversight, so complete logs are a big advantage.

Leverage Integrated Security Software for Consistent Reviews

Connect identity management solutions to your security software for a unified view of permissions. This reduces manual data entry and saves time. A recent analysis from a leading Cyber GRC solution found that AI-driven compliance tools can shorten breach detection and containment times by as much as 108 days, significantly boosting security.

 

Ensuring Accuracy Through Continuous Control Monitoring

Establishing Real-Time Insights

Periodic checks aren’t enough for fast-moving organizations. Continuous monitoring ensures you always know who has access and flags unusual behavior right away. According to DarkReading’s coverage of real-time security monitoring, this approach helps detect insider threats before they escalate.

Early Detection of Excessive Access

Permissions often build up over time, leading to stale or duplicated privileges. Real-time tracking tools—like Microsoft Entra ID’s recurring review capabilities—automatically invite managers to confirm or revoke accounts. This cycle cuts the risk of attackers exploiting outdated credentials.

Reinforcing Compliance and Transparency

Strong regulations require clear records of who can access sensitive data. Continuous monitoring builds a detailed log of every permission change, helping organizations meet internal policy goals and pass external audits. With a readily available trail of evidence, it’s easier to prove you’re following secure practices.

Automated Alerts for Greater Risk Reduction

Well-tuned notifications warn security teams the moment suspicious activity happens. ISACA’s guidance on effective user access reviews highlights how quick responses shore up the review process. This automation also lightens manual workloads, giving your team time to focus on complex threats instead of routine checks.

 

Automating Access Review with Cypago’s GRC Platform

Seamless Integration and Data Collection

Cypago’s platform operates in on-premise, cloud, and hybrid environments to streamline user access reviews. It pulls data from multiple security systems into a single source of truth, eliminating cumbersome spreadsheets. This consolidated view speeds up risk discovery and ensures more accurate tracking of who can access critical resources.

Guided Workflows and Automation Tools

Built-in automation handles approval routing and no-code workflows, letting security pros set rules for granting or revoking privileges. This boosts accountability while cutting down on manual steps. As 73% of business leaders note that tight cyber regulations shrink risk, and 62% of security teams depend on cross-system mapping, Cypago’s User Access Reviews module serves as a one-stop solution for compliance tasks.

Continuous Control Monitoring and Reporting

Using Continuous Control Monitoring, Cypago keeps an eye on changes in real time and notifies teams of anything suspicious. This approach can reduce the average time to spot and contain breaches by up to 108 days. Comprehensive reports tailor to various regulations, giving organizations a 24/7 lens on possible threats. Since 65% of cybersecurity practitioners favor new tech to reduce complexity, Cypago’s platform aligns well with modern compliance needs.

Real-World Impact

Security leaders like Yonatan Kroll report a 30–35% drop in workload by eliminating spreadsheets and extra tickets. Yair Petrover notes smoother compliance efforts thanks to the platform’s unified processes. Learn more at Why Cypago to see how this Cyber GRC Automation Platform drives real value. Paired with cyber-grc-automation, Cypago gives security teams a connected, automated way to stay on top of user privileges, reduce routine labor, and minimize overall risk.

For enterprises managing sensitive Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), ensuring compliance with NIST 800-171 is a critical yet daunting task. With its detailed security requirements, navigating compliance is not only time-consuming but also resource-intensive.

In May 2024, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released Special Publication 800-171 Revision 3 (SP 800-171 Rev. 3), introducing significant updates to its guidelines. Understanding these updates, alongside the core challenges of compliance, is key to overcoming barriers and achieving success.

Key Changes in NIST 800-171 Revision 3

NIST’s latest revisions bring important enhancements and clarifications, which impact how organizations approach compliance:

• Alignment with NIST SP 800-53 Revision 5
  The updated guidelines now align more closely with NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, promoting consistency across security controls and improving integration for organizations already familiar with this framework.
• Introduction of Organization-Defined Parameters (ODPs)
  ODPs add flexibility, allowing organizations to tailor specific security requirements to their operational needs, making compliance more practical and effective.
• Addition of New Security Requirement Families
  Three new requirement families—Planning (PL), System and Services Acquisition (SA), and Supply Chain Risk Management (SR)—address emerging risks, such as supply chain vulnerabilities, and emphasize proactive planning.
• Enhanced Tailoring Criteria and Control Recategorization
  Tailoring criteria help organizations focus on applicable requirements, while control recategorization reduces redundancy and enhances clarity.
• Detailed Clarifications and Consolidations
  Additional explanations streamline implementation and consolidate controls into multi-part requirements, simplifying the compliance process.

Top Challenges in Achieving NIST 800-171 Compliance

Even with these updates, enterprises face significant challenges in their compliance journey:

Complexity of Guidelines

NIST 800-171’s detailed and technical requirements must be tailored to your unique IT environment. Translating these mandates into actionable steps without specialized tools or expertise can quickly overwhelm teams.

Resource Intensity

Compliance requires significant investment in time, budget, and manpower. Tasks like gap analyses, control implementation, and audits strain resources, particularly in organizations where compliance is just one of many priorities.

Continuous Monitoring

Compliance isn’t a one-time project. Organizations must continuously monitor and update controls to address evolving threats and ensure long-term effectiveness.

Vendor Management

Organizations using third-party providers like cloud services or software vendors must ensure these partners also meet compliance standards, adding another layer of complexity.

How Automation Simplifies Compliance

Traditional approaches to NIST 800-171 compliance—manual processes, spreadsheets, and siloed teams—are no longer sufficient in today’s fast-paced and interconnected threat landscape. Automation tools can transform how enterprises manage compliance, especially with the added complexity of Revision 3.

Here’s how platforms like Cypago simplify the process:

• Streamline Gap Analyses: Quickly and accurately identify gaps with automated assessments, reducing the time needed to evaluate your current state.
• Reduce Resource Strain: Automate repetitive and time-consuming compliance tasks, enabling your team to focus on strategic priorities.
• Enable Continuous Monitoring: Automatically track updates, generate reports, and monitor controls to ensure ongoing compliance and audit readiness.
• Simplify Vendor Oversight: Use centralized workflows to manage and monitor third-party compliance, ensuring all partners adhere to NIST 800-171 standards.

Implications of Revision 3 for Compliance Efforts

NIST 800-171 Revision 3 underscores the importance of proactive and adaptable compliance strategies. The introduction of Organization-Defined Parameters (ODPs) and new requirement families demands a thorough review of existing controls. Enterprises must assess how these updates impact their processes and make adjustments to remain compliant.

Take the First Step Toward Effortless Compliance

Navigating NIST 800-171 compliance doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. With the right strategies and automation tools, your organization can efficiently achieve and maintain compliance while strengthening its overall security posture.

At Cypago, we specialize in simplifying Cyber GRC processes for enterprises like yours. Our Compliance Automation platform is designed to handle the complexities of NIST 800-171, including the latest updates in Revision 3.

The journey to FedRAMP compliance is challenging, but its rewards can be transformative. A prime example is Palantir, whose recent FedRAMP High authorization not only demonstrated its commitment to security but also led to a surge in market value. This milestone underscores how achieving FedRAMP compliance can act as a strategic catalyst for growth, trust, and profitability.

The Palantir FedRAMP Effect

Achieving FedRAMP High authorization was a pivotal moment for Palantir. By meeting the government’s stringent data security and control requirements, Palantir positioned itself as a trusted partner for federal agencies. The results were clear: the announcement significantly boosted investor confidence, driving a remarkable 65% increase in the company’s stock price over the past month alone. This contributed to an overall year-to-date growth of more than 300%, underscoring the financial impact of strategic compliance initiatives.

FedRAMP is more than just a certification—it’s a gateway to new business opportunities. For Palantir, it unlocked access to high-value federal contracts while reinforcing its reputation for reliability and security.

Why FedRAMP Is a Game-Changer

For companies providing services to government agencies, FedRAMP compliance is more than just a requirement—it’s a gateway to immense opportunities. Achieving certification signals that your organization meets the stringent security and operational standards demanded by federal agencies. This unlocks access to a vast market of potential federal customers, enabling companies to bid on lucrative government contracts and establish long-term partnerships in the public sector.
While the path to certification is complex—requiring rigorous audits, continuous monitoring, and detailed reporting—the potential ROI is undeniable. Many organizations hesitate due to the time and resources involved, but success stories like Palantir demonstrate how achieving FedRAMP compliance can significantly expand your customer base and drive revenue growth.

How Cypago Simplifies FedRAMP Compliance

While FedRAMP can feel overwhelming, Cypago offers a solution that turns complexity into opportunity. Here’s how we help organizations like yours streamline the process:

• Seamless Data Sovereignty: Deploy directly on Amazon GovCloud to meet FedRAMP’s strict data requirements while keeping complete control of your environment.
• Automated Continuous Monitoring: Simplify ongoing compliance with real-time tracking of FedRAMP-specific controls, ensuring gaps are identified and addressed instantly.
• Effortless Report Generation: Produce audit-ready reports such as SSPs and vulnerability assessments in minutes, fully aligned with FedRAMP’s templates.
• Integrated Vulnerability Management: Proactively manage risks with live data from tools like Qualys and Tenable, ensuring your environment remains secure.
• Ready-for-Audit Documentation: Automate evidence collection and keep your compliance artifacts accurate and up-to-date.

FedRAMP Compliance: Your Gateway to Growth

The Palantir FedRAMP success story illustrates how achieving this certification can drive trust, unlock new markets, and significantly enhance market valuation. For organizations considering FedRAMP, the question isn’t whether it’s worth the investment—it’s how to simplify the journey.

With Cypago, you gain the tools and expertise to navigate FedRAMP requirements efficiently and confidently, turning compliance into a strategic advantage.

Curious how your organization can achieve and maintain FedRAMP compliance with ease?
Read more about how Cypago can help.

Starting your journey toward a strong governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) framework can feel overwhelming, especially during your first audit. However, incorporating GRC Continuous Control Monitoring (GRC CCM) from the beginning can be a game-changer. Not only does it streamline the audit process, but it also ensures ongoing compliance and security by automating the monitoring of key controls.

Here’s how you can effectively integrate GRC CCM into your security and compliance plan right from your first audit.

1. Understand the Value of CCM in Cyber GRC

Before exploring GRC CCM, it’s essential to grasp why it matters. Traditional compliance efforts are often point-in-time assessments, leaving your organization vulnerable between audits. GRC CCM shifts this model by automating control testing and providing real-time visibility into your compliance posture, making sure you meet regulatory requirements continuously.

With GRC CCM in place, you’ll avoid the mad scramble before each audit, reduce manual effort, and respond quickly to emerging threats or gaps in compliance.

2. Assess Your Current Control Framework

Your first step is to assess the controls you already have in place. Identify the most critical controls based on your GRC needs—such as access controls, data integrity, and incident management—and determine how frequently they should be monitored. If you’re following a framework like SOC 2 or ISO 27001, these will already have controls that can be integrated into CCM.

3. Leverage Automation Early

A key benefit of CCM is automation, so begin by identifying manual processes that can be automated. Tools that provide real-time data and continuous reporting allow for more efficient monitoring and easier preparation for audits. From access management to policy enforcement, automation can reduce human error and free up resources.

For your first audit, you may already be using spreadsheets, email, and/or manual tracking systems, but incorporating automated GRC CCM from the start can minimize the chance of missing critical compliance tasks and avoid repetitive work.

4. Choose the Right Cyber GRC and CCM Platform

Selecting the right technology is crucial for success. Look for a platform that integrates with your existing tools and processes, and provides seamless reporting and dashboards. Your platform should also be scalable, allowing you to add controls and expand monitoring as your organization grows and faces new regulations.

When choosing a GRC CCM platform, consider the following:

• Ease of integration: Does it integrate with your current security systems and tools?
• Customization: Can it be tailored to your specific industry or regulatory needs?
• Real-time monitoring: Does it offer continuous insights into your security and compliance posture?

A centralized GRC CCM platform ensures all controls are monitored in one place and makes it easier to demonstrate compliance when auditors come knocking.

5. Start Small, Then Scale

For your first audit, it might be tempting to try and monitor every control at once. However, this can lead to unnecessary complexity. Start with a small set of critical controls that are high-risk or frequently tested, and build from there.

You can gradually add additional controls over time, increasing CCM coverage as your organization’s security and compliance needs evolve.

6. Involve Key Stakeholders

Incorporating CCM into your compliance plan isn’t just an IT project. Involve cross-functional stakeholders from risk management, legal, and operations to ensure you’re addressing all aspects of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC). Engaging your auditors early in the process can also provide insights into the most critical controls to monitor.

7. Set Up Alerts and Dashboards

Effective GRC CCM isn’t just about monitoring controls—it’s about knowing when something is wrong. Set up real-time alerts for control failures or anomalies so that your team can respond swiftly. Dashboards should be customizable, providing a clear view of your compliance status and highlighting areas that need attention.

These alerts and dashboards ensure that you stay proactive rather than reactive, resolving issues before they turn into audit findings.

8. Maintain Documentation

From your first audit onwards, ensure that all CCM activities are documented. Keeping thorough records of your control monitoring efforts, risk assessments, and incident responses is critical for demonstrating compliance. Proper documentation will make the auditing process smoother and faster, as you can easily show auditors how controls are being monitored and maintained continuously.

Build a Future-Proof Cyber GRC Plan with CCM

Starting your first audit can be a daunting task, but incorporating CCM from the outset will set your organization on a path toward ongoing security and compliance. By automating control monitoring, leveraging the right technology, and scaling gradually, you can ensure a streamlined, efficient process that grows with your business.

GRC CCM isn’t just about passing audits—it’s about maintaining a resilient security posture and staying ahead of evolving threats and regulations. Take action now to integrate GRC CCM into your plan, and you’ll reap the benefits of continuous oversight, reduced manual effort, and fewer audit headaches for years to come.

Find out how Cypago helps enterprises with their Cyber GRC CCM.

The European Union’s AI Act is poised to be one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence (AI) globally. Its primary aim is to ensure that AI systems deployed within the EU meet stringent safety, transparency, and accountability standards. With AI becoming more integral to business operations, understanding the EU AI Act and its requirements is critical for organizations looking to maintain compliance.

What is the EU AI Act?

The EU AI Act categorizes AI systems based on the risks they pose to individuals and society, dividing them into four categories:

1. Unacceptable Risk: These are AI systems considered a severe threat to fundamental rights and safety, such as AI used for social scoring by governments. These systems are outright banned.

2. High Risk: This category includes AI used in critical infrastructure, education, employment, law enforcement, and other sensitive areas. These systems are subject to strict requirements, including risk management, data governance, transparency, and oversight. Companies deploying high-risk AI must implement robust controls to ensure the system’s ethical use, including comprehensive documentation and regular auditing.

3. Limited Risk: AI systems under this category, such as chatbots, require transparency measures. Users must be informed that they are interacting with AI.

4. Minimal Risk: Systems that pose little to no risk, such as AI used for entertainment, are not subject to significant regulations under the Act.

What Companies Need to Do

For companies operating within the EU or offering AI-based products and services, the EU AI Act brings several compliance challenges. The Act mandates that organizations must:

• Conduct Risk Assessments: Companies need to evaluate the risk their AI systems pose to society. High-risk AI systems must undergo rigorous assessment before deployment.
• Ensure Transparency: For AI systems interacting with humans or processing sensitive data, transparency is critical. Organizations must provide clear documentation explaining how the AI system works and its impact on decision-making processes.
• Implement Data Governance: Proper data management and protection are essential, especially when AI systems handle personal data. Companies must comply with existing data protection laws like the GDPR.
• Monitor and Audit AI Systems: Continuous monitoring of AI systems is required to ensure they operate within acceptable risk levels. Regular auditing is necessary to verify compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.
• Adapt Governance Frameworks: Companies must integrate AI governance into their existing risk management and compliance structures to remain agile as AI regulations evolve.

Why Compliance Matters

Failure to comply with the EU AI Act could result in severe penalties, including fines of up to 6% of a company’s annual global turnover. Additionally, the Act’s focus on transparency and ethical AI aims to build public trust, meaning that compliance not only avoids legal risks but can also enhance brand reputation.

How Cypago Simplifies EU AI Act Compliance

As companies grapple with the complexities of AI governance, solutions that offer automation, continuous monitoring, and risk management become indispensable. Cypago’s Cyber GRC Automation (CGA) platform is designed to support businesses in achieving and maintaining compliance with the EU AI Act and other emerging AI regulations.

Cypago’s platform integrates the latest AI governance frameworks, including the NIST AI Risk Management Framework (RMF) and ISO 420001, which align closely with the requirements of the EU AI Act. By leveraging these frameworks, Cypago helps organizations streamline their compliance efforts by automating risk assessments, compliance gap detection, and ongoing monitoring of AI systems.

Key Features of Cypago for EU AI Act Compliance

• Automated Compliance Monitoring: Cypago provides real-time visibility into AI tools and models, ensuring that businesses can continuously monitor compliance without manual intervention.
• Risk Management: With built-in AI governance and risk management capabilities, the platform helps identify and mitigate potential risks before they escalate into regulatory violations.
• AI Security Governance: Cypago’s heightened security features protect AI systems from evolving cyber threats and data breaches, which are critical for maintaining compliance with the EU AI Act’s data governance requirements.
• Comprehensive Auditing Tools: The platform offers detailed audit trails and documentation, ensuring that companies can easily demonstrate compliance to regulatory authorities.

By adopting Cypago, companies can confidently navigate the evolving AI regulatory landscape, including the stringent demands of the EU AI Act, while ensuring the safe and compliant use of AI technologies.

Looking Ahead

The EU AI Act represents a significant shift in how businesses must approach the deployment of AI systems. With the regulation set to impact a wide range of industries, companies need to act now to align their AI governance strategies with the Act’s requirements. Cypago’s automated solutions provide the tools necessary to achieve compliance with the EU AI Act, enabling businesses to leverage the power of AI while safeguarding against regulatory risks.

In 2024, a single vulnerability in your supply chain can serve as an open door for cyberattacks. As third-party risks continue to escalate, cyber supply chain risk management has become a critical component of Cyber Governance, Risk, and Compliance (Cyber GRC).

Recent studies reveal that 61% of data breaches in 2023 originated from third-party vendors, underscoring the escalating risks posed by external suppliers. As organizations continue to expand their digital ecosystems, the need for effective cyber supply chain risk management is more important than ever.

This blog will explore the growing importance of cyber supply chain risk management within Cyber GRC frameworks and provide actionable insights on addressing these risks effectively.

The Expanding Attack Surface

As businesses increasingly rely on third-party vendors, cloud services, and SaaS platforms, they simultaneously expand their attack surface. Every additional external connection represents a potential vulnerability that could be exploited by attackers.

Take the infamous SolarWinds breach as an example: attackers infiltrated the software supply chain, compromising thousands of businesses and government agencies. This incident is a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of unmonitored third-party risks.

Organizations that depend on external vendors expose themselves to vulnerabilities beyond their control, making cyber supply chain risk management a critical component of modern cybersecurity.

Challenges in Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management

Complexity and Interconnectivity

Today’s supply chains are more complex than ever before, involving hundreds (if not thousands) of third-party vendors, each providing critical services. This level of interdependence complicates risk management, as organizations must now secure not only their own operations but also those of their suppliers.

Lack of Visibility

A major challenge in managing cyber supply chain risks is the lack of direct visibility into the security practices of vendors and suppliers. Without transparent security measures, organizations are left vulnerable to attacks that originate from within their extended network.

Regulatory Pressure

Regulations like GDPR, CMMC, and PCI DSS are increasingly emphasizing the need for robust third-party risk management. Failure to comply can result in significant fines and reputational damage. Frameworks like CMMC 2.0 are placing a strong emphasis on supplier cybersecurity as a critical element of compliance, making third-party risk management no longer optional but necessary.

Integrating Supply Chain Security into Cyber GRC

Risk Assessment and Vendor Evaluation

One of the most effective ways to secure your supply chain is to conduct comprehensive risk assessments on third-party vendors. Using Cyber GRC platforms like Cypago, organizations can evaluate the security postures of their suppliers and integrate them into regular security audits.

Continuous Monitoring

Real-time monitoring of third-party risks is essential in today’s fast-evolving threat landscape. Continuous monitoring tools, such as Cypago’s Continuous Controls Monitoring (CCM), provide organizations with the ability to track vulnerabilities and compliance across their entire supply chain—allowing for a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to security.

Automated Compliance

Ensuring that vendors meet regulatory standards can be a time-consuming process. However, with Cyber GRC tools, much of this burden can be automated. Cypago’s automated compliance features can significantly reduce the manual labor associated with monitoring supplier risks, ensuring that organizations stay compliant while streamlining operations.

Best Practices for Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management

• Vendor Risk Management Framework: Implement a framework that categorizes vendors based on their access to sensitive data, enabling you to prioritize resources and attention on the most critical risks.
• Contractual Obligations: Ensure contracts with third-party vendors include specific cybersecurity obligations, SLAs, and audit provisions. This ensures accountability and sets clear expectations for security practices.
• Incident Response Planning: Collaborate with vendors to develop robust incident response plans that align with your organization’s own. This ensures swift, coordinated action in the event of a breach.

Conclusion

Supply chain vulnerabilities pose a significant risk to modern organizations, but Cyber GRC platforms like Cypago offer the tools necessary to mitigate these risks effectively. By incorporating comprehensive risk assessments, continuous monitoring, and automated compliance, businesses can significantly enhance their supply chain cybersecurity.

Ready to safeguard your supply chain? Explore how Cypago can help you strengthen your third-party risk management by scheduling a demo today.

It’s 2024 and passwords are still here. Not for too long, if you ask me.

1 year ago, I wrote a LinkedIn blog post about the transition to passwordless, cracking passwords and best practices for hashing passwords.

No matter how familiar you are with password cracking, hashing and encryption techniques – one thing should be obvious to any Appsec, Product Security or Software Engineer: storing passwords in clear text is a big no no.

Apparently, this wasn’t the case in Meta.

Meta has a quite notorious history when it comes to GDPR compliance breaches. Over the years, Meta has faced significant fines under the GDPR law primarily imposed by the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), as Meta’s European headquarters are in Ireland. This included 5 different occasions amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.

This week Meta did it again and was fined $101.5M by the DPC, due to storing user passwords of hundreds of millions of users in clear text on its servers, back in an incident in 2019.
The DPC found that user passwords were exposed in clear text to thousands of Meta employees, security measures haven’t been taken and the company failed to report the breach promptly.

While GDPR does not specifically provide guidelines for password hashing and encryption, it strongly emphasizes the need for secure processing practices and data protection in Article 5(1)(f), Article 32 and Recital 83.

Here are the takeaways and guidelines from the Facebook data breach in 2024 which every organization should establish:

• Security is a team effort. This case emphasizes the importance of implementing a multilayered proactive approach to application security involving different teams reporting to CISOs: Appsec, Product Security, Security Engineering and Architecture, Red Teams, GRC as well as Engineering and R&D teams.
• Hashing and salting is 101. Passwords should always be hashed using modern hashing algorithms such as bcrypt, Argon2 or PBKDF2. A unique salt should be appended or prepended to each password to avoid collision and rainbow table attacks.
• Implement secure logging in your application. Use secure logging libraries, safe logging techniques like parameterized logging and pattern-based log masking filtering or obfuscation, sanitize user input prior to logging, enforce logs encryption and monitor logs for secrets. These practices can significantly mitigate the exposure and leakage of plain text passwords into logs.
• Cybersecurity governance is vital. Organizations should design and implement healthy cybersecurity governance and in particular clear policies, processes and procedures for prompt incident response and transparent breach reporting.
• CCM can significantly reduce the MTTD (Mean Time To Detect) of security and GDPR breaches. Continuous control monitoring (CCM) of key data privacy and security controls can significantly aid in automatically detecting application security and GDPR gaps and help to mitigate risks and take proper remediation and response steps.

Storing passwords in clear text is a glaring oversight that can have severe legal and financial consequences. Organizations must prioritize proactive security measures such as password hashing, secure logging, and continuous control monitoring to minimize risks.

By fostering a strong cybersecurity governance framework, companies can better detect, respond and report on breaches, protecting both their users and their bottom line from the repercussions of poor data handling practices.

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is crucial for organizations working with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and affiliated entities. With the recent updates in 2024, understanding the CMMC 2.0 levels is more important than ever. These levels define the cybersecurity requirements that contractors must meet to ensure the protection of Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to expect during a CMMC audit, focusing on the CMMC 2.0 levels.

CMMC 2.0 Overview and Updates in 2024

In 2024, CMMC 2.0 has been streamlined to reduce the complexity and cost for small and medium-sized businesses while maintaining robust cybersecurity standards. The CMMC 2.0 framework now comprises three levels, as opposed to the original five, reflecting a more targeted approach to cybersecurity. This update focuses on the most critical practices necessary for safeguarding sensitive information and reducing the risk of cyber threats.

Understanding the CMMC 2.0 Levels

Level 1: Foundational Cyber Hygiene

Level 1 is the entry-level requirement, focusing on the basic safeguarding of Federal Contract Information (FCI). This level includes 17 practices derived from the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.204-21. These practices are designed to protect FCI and are considered fundamental cybersecurity measures that all DoD contractors must implement. A key update in 2024 is the allowance for self-assessment at this level, which helps reduce the burden on smaller organizations.

Level 2: Advanced Cyber Hygiene

Level 2 is a critical step up from Level 1, emphasizing the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This level incorporates 110 practices based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP 800-171, with additional requirements that align with more sophisticated cybersecurity needs. Unlike the earlier version, CMMC 2.0 requires third-party assessments for this level. The 2024 update clarifies that organizations must demonstrate a solid cybersecurity program that not only implements these practices but also shows evidence of effectiveness.

Level 3: Expert Cyber Hygiene

The most rigorous level in CMMC 2.0, Level 3, focuses on defending CUI against advanced persistent threats (APTs). It includes all the practices from Level 2, plus an additional set of requirements, bringing the total to 130 practices. These additional practices are aligned with a subset of NIST SP 800-172, which targets enhanced security measures to protect against sophisticated cyber threats. In 2024, the emphasis has been placed on organizations’ ability to anticipate, withstand, recover from, and adapt to evolving cyber threats. Third-party assessments are mandatory for this level, ensuring that only the most secure organizations are certified.

Preparing for a CMMC 2.0 Audit

Organizations preparing for a CMMC 2.0 audit in 2024 should focus on understanding the specific requirements at each level. Here are some steps to help you get ready:

1. Conduct a Self-Assessment: Before the audit, perform a thorough self-assessment to ensure all required practices at your desired level are implemented.
2. Document Your Cybersecurity Practices: Documentation is crucial. Ensure that all cybersecurity measures and practices are well-documented and can be demonstrated during the audit.
3. Engage with a Third-Party Assessor: For Levels 2 and 3, engage with a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) to conduct a pre-audit review. This will help identify any gaps and allow you to address them before the official audit.
4. Stay Informed About Updates: CMMC requirements can evolve, so staying informed about the latest updates is vital. The 2024 changes, for instance, have streamlined the levels and introduced new practices, making it essential to stay current.

The Importance of CMMC 2.0 Compliance

Compliance with CMMC 2.0 is not just about meeting regulatory requirements—it’s about safeguarding sensitive information that could impact national security. By achieving certification at the appropriate CMMC 2.0 level, your organization demonstrates its commitment to cybersecurity and positions itself as a trusted partner in the defense industrial base.

In summary, the updates to CMMC 2.0 in 2024 have refined the certification process, making it more accessible while still maintaining stringent cybersecurity standards. By understanding the CMMC 2.0 levels and preparing effectively for an audit, your organization can achieve compliance and continue to do business with the DoD confidently.

Key Takeaways

CMMC 2.0 Level 1: Basic Cyber Hygiene for safeguarding FCI, with self-assessment allowed.
CMMC 2.0 Level 2: Advanced Cyber Hygiene for protecting CUI, requiring third-party assessments.
CMMC 2.0 Level 3: Expert Cyber Hygiene against APTs, with the most rigorous cybersecurity requirements.

By focusing on these CMMC 2.0 levels, your organization can enhance its cybersecurity posture and secure its place in the defense contracting space.

For more information on how Cypago can help you achieve CMMC 2.0 compliance, check out our page on CMMC 2.0.

As a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Manager, you understand the immense challenge of safeguarding your organization’s security posture while ensuring compliance. Managing complex, distributed environments demands the right cyber GRC tools—tools that not only address your current needs but also scale with your enterprise. Whether you are an educated buyer or still reliant on spreadsheets, the following insights will help you move forward confidently.

1. Automation Across Complex Environments

Why It Matters:
In today’s interconnected world, enterprises operate across multi-cloud, hybrid, and on-premise environments. Managing security and compliance across these varied landscapes is labor-intensive and prone to errors, especially if relying on manual processes.

What You Need:
Full integration and automation across your entire infrastructure. Look for solutions like Cypago that offer comprehensive coverage across cloud, SaaS, and on-premise tools, automating evidence collection and control testing. This not only saves time but also provides an accurate and complete view of your security posture.

2. Support for Complex Business Structures

Why It Matters:
As your enterprise grows, so does the complexity of managing multiple business units and product lines. Traditional tools often falter in these scenarios due to scalability issues, leading to delays and inaccuracies in reporting.

What You Need:
A GRC platform that scales with your business, supporting multi-entity views and functionality. Cypago’s ability to manage dozens of entities simultaneously ensures that your GRC processes remain efficient and accurate, regardless of your organizational structure.

3. Scalability for High Data Volumes

Why It Matters:
The sheer volume of data generated in modern enterprises can overwhelm traditional GRC tools, which often require significant manual effort to manage.

What You Need:
Scalability is key. Solutions like Cypago are designed to handle trillions of assets and events across thousands of cloud accounts. This ensures that as your data grows, your GRC program can scale without compromising performance or accuracy.

4. Advanced Automation Capabilities

Why It Matters:
Your organization’s tools, environments, and policies are unique. Legacy GRC tools with rigid, predefined automation may not meet your specific needs, leaving gaps in your security posture.

What You Need:
Flexibility in automation is crucial. Cypago’s customizable Automation Workflow allows you to build evidence collection and control testing logic tailored to your environment. This maximizes automation coverage, reducing manual work and minimizing errors.

5. Comprehensive Framework Support

Why It Matters:
Enterprises often need to comply with multiple frameworks, jurisdictions, and proprietary client audits, which traditional GRC tools may struggle to support.

What You Need:
A GRC solution that offers intelligent mapping and robust support for custom frameworks. Cypago excels in streamlining evidence collection, gap analysis, and continuous control monitoring across diverse compliance requirements, ensuring your enterprise stays ahead of regulatory demands.

6. Customization for Enterprise Needs

Why It Matters:
Off-the-shelf solutions may suit small businesses, but large enterprises require GRC tools that can be tailored to their specific needs to reduce manual work and prevent errors.

What You Need:
Look for a platform that offers unmatched flexibility and customization. Cypago’s comprehensive and precise solutions are designed to minimize manual effort, providing full control automation coverage with zero false positives, ensuring your GRC program is perfectly aligned with your enterprise’s needs.

Choose Cyber GRC Tools Tailored for Your Organization

As a CISO or GRC Manager, your role is critical in navigating your organization through the complexities of cybersecurity and compliance. Choosing the right tools and technologies is not just about meeting current demands but also about future-proofing your enterprise. Cypago’s scalable, customizable, and automation-driven solutions ensure that your Cyber GRC program can keep pace with your organization’s growth, no matter how complex your environment becomes. Whether you are an educated buyer ready to upgrade your Cyber GRC tools or still managing with spreadsheets, now is the time to consider the solutions that will elevate your GRC strategy.

Learn how to build a robust Cyber GRC program with our new eBook.

The Cyber Governance, Risk, and Compliance (Cyber GRC) software space has long been dominated by solutions that cater to business, legal, and financial aspects of risk management. Industry giants like Archer, MetricStream, and IBM OpenPages have been at the forefront, providing robust tools for these areas. However, one crucial aspect has often been left to manual processes—information security risk management.

For years, cybersecurity professionals, particularly Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), have had to rely on spreadsheets to manage the ever-growing landscape of cyber risks. While the need for a more streamlined solution was evident, the challenges were, until recently, considered manageable without specialized software. But times have changed, and so have the demands placed on CISOs.

Over the past year, the cybersecurity landscape has undergone a seismic shift. CISOs now face an overwhelming number of controls stemming from multiple frameworks, with data scattered across various cloud environments. Operational costs are climbing, and the stakes have never been higher—personal liability for security breaches is now a genuine concern.

At Cypago, we recognized these challenges early on. Two years ago, we identified the need for a comprehensive solution that could address the complexities of modern Cyber GRC. Our vision culminated in the launch of our Cyber GRC platform last August, a milestone that caught the attention of industry leaders and media outlets, including TechCrunch.

For the past 12 months, we’ve been engaging with Gartner, sharing our insights and experiences in this emerging field. As we gained traction in the market, it became increasingly clear that there was a real and growing demand for Cyber GRC solutions. And now, Gartner has officially recognized this need.

Last month, Gartner published research reports that effectively announced the emergence of a new software category: Cyber GRC. This recognition marks a significant moment for us at Cypago and for the industry as a whole. It validates our vision and underscores the importance of Cyber GRC in the current and future cybersecurity landscape.

Our mention in Gartner’s latest Hype and Innovation cycles is not just a milestone for Cypago; it’s a signal to the entire industry that Cyber GRC is here to stay. As we continue to innovate and lead in this space, we’re excited to help organizations navigate the complexities of cybersecurity with confidence and ease.