Gap Analysis

What is a gap analysis? 

A gap analysis in compliance is an assessment of the difference between an organization’s current state of compliance and its desired level or standard. It is a process used to identify potential areas for improvement by comparing actual performance with expected performance. The goal of a gap analysis in compliance is to bridge any existing gaps between the two states, bringing the organization into alignment with applicable laws, regulations, standards, and policies. A gap analysis typically involves identifying non-compliant processes or activities; assessing their risk levels; determining potential corrective actions that can be taken to address them; and implementing those corrective measures. Once completed, organizations can then measure their progress toward achieving full compliance over time.

The importance of a gap analysis 

Analyzing security gaps is an essential part of any organization’s security strategy. It helps identify the areas which are vulnerable to attack or misuse and provides insight into how best to protect them. By analyzing the various aspects of a system, it can be determined where weaknesses exist and what measures need to be taken in order to mitigate potential risks. Additionally, analyzing security gaps allows organizations to prioritize their efforts when it comes to implementing new technologies or policies that will better secure their infrastructure. Ultimately, this helps ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively toward protecting against threats.

What is an ISO 27001 Gap Analysis

ISO 27001 gap analysis is a process of identifying the gaps between an organization’s current Information Security Management System (ISMS) and the requirements of the ISO/IEC 27001 standard. It is used to identify any areas that need improvement in order for an organization to achieve compliance with the standard. The gap analysis looks at all aspects of security such as policies, procedures, technology, people, and processes. Once identified, a plan can be created to close those gaps.

How to conduct an ISO 27001 gap analysis 

1. Identify the scope of your ISO 27001 gap analysis. This should include all areas of your organization that you want to cover in the analysis, such as processes, systems, people, and physical locations. 

2. Create a list of requirements specified by ISO 27001 standards that need to be met in order for an organization to achieve compliance with the standard. 

3. Document existing controls within your organization against each requirement listed in Step 2 above (e.g., policies, procedures, technical measures). 

4. Compare existing controls against each requirement from Step 2 and determine any gaps or deficits between them (i.e., what is missing or not being done correctly). 

5. Prioritize identified gaps based on their potential impact on security if they are left unaddressed (e.g., criticality level).  

6. Develop an action plan to address the highest priority gaps first and track progress towards completion over time until all have been addressed satisfactorily according to ISO 27001 standards. 

What is a SOC 2 Gap analysis?

A SOC 2 gap analysis is an assessment of a company’s current security posture and its alignment with the requirements defined in the AICPA’s Trust Services Criteria (TSC). The purpose of this gap analysis is to identify any areas where a company may be out of compliance with the TSC, and then create an action plan for addressing those gaps. It can also help organizations prioritize their security efforts by assessing their current security measures against industry best practices. By understanding what needs to be done to align with standards like SOC 2, companies can quickly take steps towards meeting these important security goals.

The five Trust Services Criteria: 

1. Security: The system is protected against unauthorized access (both physical and logical). 

2. Availability: The system is available for operation and use as committed or agreed. 

3. Processing Integrity: System processing is complete, accurate, timely, and authorized. 

4. Confidentiality: Information designated as confidential is protected as committed or agreed. 

5. Privacy: Personal information is collected, used, retained, disclosed and disposed of in conformity with the commitments in the entity’s privacy notice and with criteria set forth in generally accepted privacy principles issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and/or Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA).

How to conduct a SOC 2 gap analysis? 

1. Assess your current SOC 2 compliance: The first step in conducting a SOC 2 gap analysis is to assess your current compliance with the Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 standards. This involves reviewing your existing policies, procedures, and controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy of customer data. 

2. Identify gaps between your existing policies and procedures and SOC 2 requirements: Once you have determined your current level of compliance with the SOC 2 standards, it’s time to identify any gaps between what you are currently doing and what is required by the standard. Make sure that all areas covered by the standard are addressed during this assessment process.

3. Prioritize gaps: Once you have identified potential gaps that must be addressed before an audit can take place, prioritize them based on their importance for achieving compliance with SOC 2 standards

4. Develop an action plan: Develop a plan to close the gaps that you have identified in order to meet the requirements of SOC 2. This should include tasks, timelines, resources and responsibilities for each step of the process.

5. Implement changes: Put your action plan into place by making any necessary changes to policies and procedures as well as implementing new controls or processes if needed. Monitor progress throughout this step in order to ensure that everything is being done correctly and on time.

6. Finalize documentation: Once all changes have been implemented and monitored, finalize documentation related to the SOC 2 audit such as reports, policies, procedures and other materials required by auditors or regulators preparing for or conducting an audit of your organization’s systems and services according to SOC 2 standards