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GRC -- The big Picture!

  • caseybond2
  • Sep 10
  • 3 min read

Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) is a framework and set of practices that help establish a comprehensive and integrated approach to governing and managing an organization. The goal of GRC is to ensure no problems occur when achieving business objectives. Every company should put GRC at the forefront of cybersecurity implementations. "A resilient GRC model sustains organizations navigating intricate GRC challenges by fostering flexibility, coordination, and agility. Embracing a resiliency approach enables organizations to adeptly respond to evolving regulations and emerging risk while upholding efficiency." (Robert Putrus, 2024) There are two types of GRC: traditional GRC and GRC engineering, the newly emerging model.


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Traditional GRC

Traditional GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) often centers around established rules and reactive procedures. Many organizations still rely on manually updated tools, with GRC responsibilities siloed among a few individuals rather than embedded across the enterprise. This fragmented approach can leave companies vulnerable, as GRC becomes a secondary concern rather than a strategic priority.

According to the Coalfire Compliance Report (2023), 60% of GRC users still manage compliance manually using spreadsheets—a clear sign that many organizations are lagging in modernization. While traditional GRC has its place, it’s critical to evolve. Companies should integrate Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), adopt robust GRC software platforms, and explore emerging technologies to build a more proactive, scalable, and resilient framework.

By doing so, GRC becomes not just a checkbox exercise, but a strategic enabler that aligns with business objectives and strengthens security posture—now and into the future.


GRC Engineer

GRC engineering represents the next evolution in governance, risk, and compliance practices. By integrating traditional GRC frameworks with modern, scalable automation techniques, organizations can build resilient, compliant cloud environments from the ground up. This approach embeds GRC principles directly into the infrastructure lifecycle—ensuring that before any server is deployed, application-level policies are already in place to meet regulatory and risk management standards. Its strength lies in its adaptability and automation, making it a powerful solution for the dynamic and complex nature of cloud ecosystems. "It's more than just "GRC + writing code." It's a fundamental shift in how GRC is done, one that fully embraces an engineering mindset (broadly speaking), systems thinking, and design thinking, and a customer-centric focus around how best to deliver GRC outcomes." (Fandi, et al., 2025)

Companies that utilize GRC engineering can ensure they remain continuously compliant. In this era, compliance and regulatory requirements are highly complex. "GRC engineering involves using software development, automation, and cloud technologies to streamline GRC processes. Instead of relying on periodic manual checks, it utilizes continuous monitoring, automated remediation, and integrated data systems to ensure real-time compliance. (A.J. Yawn, 2025)

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Common Tools

In the world of GRC, whether you are deploying it via AWS and incorporating a GRC engineering mindset or following the more traditional GRC route, implementing GRC tools is a must. "The stakes only get higher as cyber threats evolve and regulations intensify in a world that is becoming more diverse even as it stays more connected" (MetricStream Team, 2024). Below is a list of highly recommended GRC tools. I have linked the site in the references for a deep dive into each tool! Check it out.

  • MetricStream

  • AuditBoard

  • ServiceNow

  • Archer

  • LogicGate


Looking Ahead: The Future of GRC

Whether you're in a global enterprise or a small local business—be it food service, construction, tech, or law—Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) is no longer optional. It's essential. As industries evolve and digital ecosystems grow more complex, embedding GRC into your operations isn't just about meeting regulations—it's about building trust, resilience, and long-term success. By adopting modern GRC tools and cultivating a culture of compliance, organizations can proactively safeguard their systems, data, and people. The more we teach, embrace, and automate GRC principles, the stronger and safer our businesses—and our communities—will become.


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