Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) often get a bad rap in the cybersecurity world. While technical skills like penetration testing, scanning vulnerabilities, and red or blue team activities often steal the spotlight, GRC remains a crucial—yet underappreciated—pillar of any mature cybersecurity program.
This week, I’m throwing some well-deserved love toward GRC and sharing what you need to know to be successful in this space.
A Quick Shoutout
Before diving in, a special thanks to Coastal Information Security Group for sponsoring this content. Also, a nod to fellow cybersecurity content creator Hacker Spoiled—an excellent resource for bug bounty and penetration testing enthusiasts. Check out his channel for top-tier insights.
And don’t forget to stick around until the end for my One Cool Thing segment, where I share something that I think is genuinely cool and worth your attention.
What Is GRC in Cybersecurity?
GRC stands for Governance, Risk, and Compliance—a critical component of any robust information security program. While technical teams often take centre stage with exciting activities like “popping shells” and “passing the hash,” GRC plays an equally important role in securing an organisation.
Small businesses might not always have a formal GRC framework, but medium to large enterprises—especially Fortune 500 companies—rely on GRC to ensure their security programs meet both internal and external requirements.
Understanding GRC is vital, whether you’re aiming for a role in that field or just want a broader view of how cybersecurity functions holistically.
Breaking Down GRC: Governance, Risk, and Compliance
Governance: The Rules of the Game
Governance is all about how an organisation sets rules and expectations for behaviour and operations. It establishes what’s acceptable within the company’s culture and guides the way things are done.
For example:
- Can anyone in the company install software on their device?
- Are employees allowed to visit any website during their lunch break?
- Is it okay to plug an Xbox into the company network for a LAN party?
These questions are answered through governance policies, such as Acceptable Use Policies. Governance isn’t a tool or a technical skill—it’s an organisational element embedded in company culture.
Without leadership buy-in and strong governance, enforcing cybersecurity policies becomes incredibly difficult.
Compliance: Following the Rules
Compliance ensures that an organisation adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. Failing to comply can result in legal consequences, financial penalties, or loss of critical business operations.
Some common compliance frameworks include:
- PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard): Required for businesses that handle credit card transactions. Non-compliance could mean losing the ability to process card payments.
- HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): A must for healthcare organisations to safeguard patient data.
Compliance often requires organisations to implement minimum security measures, undergo regular audits, and create action plans to address any identified gaps.
Risk: Understanding and Managing Threats
Here’s the hard truth: You can never be 100% secure. No matter how robust your defences are, vulnerabilities will always exist—whether through human error, unpatched systems, or physical security breaches.
The risk management component of GRC involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating these vulnerabilities. Risks can be evaluated in two ways:
- Qualitative Risk Assessment: Assigns subjective levels (low, medium, high) to potential threats.
- Quantitative Risk Assessment: Uses measurable data to determine the likelihood and impact of specific risks (e.g., reducing risk from 34% to 17%).
A solid framework for managing risk is the NIST Special Publication 800-39, which addresses risk management at both the organisational and system levels.
Why GRC Is Crucial for Cybersecurity Strategy
You can’t defend everything equally. This is where GRC comes in—it helps organisations decide where to focus their cybersecurity resources and budget.
GRC guides:
- Governance: Sets the rules and expectations.
- Risk: Helps prioritise security efforts based on potential threats.
- Compliance: Ensures legal and industry-standard obligations are met.
Without GRC, organisations risk wasting money on unnecessary tools that don’t effectively improve security posture.
Small Businesses and GRC: A Common Challenge
Small businesses often overlook GRC, assuming they’re compliant without conducting proper checks. Many operate with a naïve understanding of their risk tolerance, exposing them to unnecessary vulnerabilities.
Even for small businesses, starting with basic compliance standards, simple governance policies, and regular risk assessments can provide significant protection.
The Bottom Line: GRC Deserves More Respect
GRC might not be as flashy as hacking demos or penetration testing tools, but it’s foundational for a solid cybersecurity strategy.
Understanding governance helps define acceptable behaviour, risk assessments ensure efforts are focused where they’re most needed, and compliance keeps you aligned with laws and regulations.
One Cool Thing: A Must-Watch Netflix Documentary
Before wrapping up, I wanted to share something cool—a documentary I recently watched on Netflix. The show dives into how social media companies design their platforms to maximise engagement.
It features interviews with former executives and engineers from major platforms like Google, Pinterest, Twitter, and Uber. The show highlights how user interface design can manipulate attention spans and influence behaviour.
After watching it, I even disabled unnecessary notifications on my phone—highly recommend giving it a watch!
Final Thoughts
Got questions about GRC? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to engage with you and dive deeper into this often-overlooked but essential aspect of cybersecurity.
Until next time, stay secure.
