DEV Community: Neviar Rawlinson, MBA

Architecting a Unified Enterprise Risk Acceptance Model

Neviar Rawlinson, MBA — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 21:21:31 +0000

Most organizations don’t struggle with identifying risk.

They struggle with governing the acceptance of it.

In complex enterprises, risk acceptance often becomes:

Fragmented across departments
Inconsistent in approval thresholds
Lacking expiration discipline
Difficult to report at the executive level

So I designed a structured, scalable Enterprise Risk Acceptance Model built specifically for multi-entity environments.

The Core Problem

Risk acceptance frequently turns into:

Email approvals
Static spreadsheets
Informal exception memos
No residual risk clarity
No defined ownership
No expiration or revalidation cycle

This creates governance blind spots and inconsistent accountability.

Risk acceptance should not feel like “permission to break the rules.”

It should be a structured, documented decision aligned to risk appetite.

The Architecture

The model is built around a lifecycle-driven framework:

Inherent vs. Residual Risk Scoring
Tier-Based Approval Routing
Defined Expiration & Renewal Discipline
Risk Appetite Threshold Alignment
Executive Quarterly Reporting
Unified Evidence Harmonization
Multi-Entity Governance Scaling
Operationalization in platforms such as OneTrust

The objective was not more process.

The objective was clarity.

Risk Scoring Structure

The scoring model distinguishes between:

Inherent Risk

Likelihood × Impact before controls

Residual Risk

Adjusted risk after control effectiveness

Residual risk then determines tier classification:

Residual Score	Tier	Escalation Level
1–6	Tier 1	Operational
7–14	Tier 2	Business Leadership
15–25	Tier 3	Executive / Risk Committee

This ensures proportional governance without unnecessary escalation.

Multi-Entity Scalability

Large enterprises often operate across:

Multiple legal entities
Partial ownership structures
Varying regulatory exposure
Different technology footprints

Governance must scale accordingly.

The model includes a proportional oversight structure:

Centralized standards
Decentralized execution
Aggregated executive reporting

Small operational entities are not governed like regulated financial institutions.

Consistency does not require uniformity.

Expiration Discipline

No risk acceptance should be indefinite.

Every accepted risk includes:

Defined expiration date
Compensating control documentation
Renewal reassessment criteria
Automated escalation triggers

Governance maturity is reflected in expiration hygiene.

Executive Visibility

The framework includes a sample quarterly executive risk report featuring:

Active risk counts by tier
Renewal frequency metrics
Expiration hygiene
Emerging risk themes
Material Tier 3 exposure summaries

Executives need clarity — not control matrices.

Full Framework

The complete model (including scoring methodology, committee charter, architecture diagram, and reporting templates) is available here:

👉 https://github.com/neviarrawlinson/enterprise-risk-acceptance-model

Final Thought

As organizations grow in complexity, fragmented governance becomes a hidden risk multiplier.

The strongest cyber risk programs are not the most restrictive.

They are the most coherent.

Automating Compliance Checks in CI/CD Pipelines with Rego

Neviar Rawlinson, MBA — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 03:35:03 +0000

In a modern DevOps environment, compliance can't be a last-minute audit concern. It needs to be embedded in every deployment pipeline.

That’s where Policy as Code (PaC) and tools like Open Policy Agent (OPA) and its language Rego come in.

Why Automate Compliance in CI/CD?

Manual compliance reviews don’t scale. They’re slow, error-prone, and often ignored when deadlines approach.

Automating compliance in your CI/CD pipeline enables:

Early detection of violations
Faster, safer deployments
Fewer audit issues
Alignment with DevSecOps

What Is Rego and OPA?

OPA is a general-purpose policy engine. It runs policies written in Rego, a declarative language purpose-built for defining and evaluating rules.

Use cases include:

Kubernetes admission control
API and microservice authorization
Terraform plan validation
CI/CD compliance gates

A Real Example

Let’s say your policy is:

All S3 buckets must be encrypted at rest.

In Rego, that becomes:

package s3.policy

deny[msg] {
  input.resource_type == "s3_bucket"
  not input.encrypted
  msg = "S3 bucket must be encrypted at rest."
}

You feed this into OPA with your Terraform or infrastructure input. It returns violations before you deploy.

Add to CI/CD (GitHub Actions Example)

Here’s how to automate the check:

name: OPA Compliance Check

on:
  push:
    branches:
      - main

jobs:
  opa-check:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - name: Checkout
        uses: actions/checkout@v2

      - name: Install OPA
        run: |
          curl -L -o opa https://openpolicyagent.org/downloads/latest/opa_linux_amd64
          chmod +x opa
          sudo mv opa /usr/local/bin/

      - name: Run OPA Policy
        run: |
          opa eval --input input.json --data policy.rego "data.s3.policy.deny"

Swap input.json with your actual config input.

Scaling Compliance Coverage

To scale this across environments:

Organize policies by domain (IAM, S3, network, etc.)
Test policy logic as part of PR checks
Visualize violations in dashboards
Involve security and GRC in early stages

GRC Teams Can Still Participate

Even without coding, GRC professionals can:

Define governance rules to enforce
Validate technical policies cover critical risks
Review violation trends
Partner with engineers in policy design

Rego and OPA make it possible to embed compliance into your pipelines, not after the fact, but during development.

By shifting compliance left, your teams reduce risk and build trust across the SDLC.

You don’t need to be a developer to drive compliance forward.

But you do need to understand how policy is being enforced.

Have you used Rego in your CI/CD pipeline? Share your use case or lessons below!

Intro to Policy-as-Code & Why It Matters for GRC Teams

Neviar Rawlinson, MBA — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 03:15:18 +0000

Most GRC professionals are comfortable with policies written in Word docs, stored in SharePoint, and reviewed once a year. But that’s not how modern tech teams operate.

In fast-moving environments, manual reviews and static documents do not scale. That is where Policy as Code enters the picture, and it is something GRC teams need to start understanding quickly.

What Is Policy as Code

Policy as Code (PaC) is the practice of writing and enforcing policies using code, often in a declarative language, so that systems can evaluate and apply rules automatically.

Instead of someone manually reviewing access requests or checking if a configuration is compliant, you can write a rule that the system checks every time a change is made.

Example:

A traditional policy might say:

“All AWS S3 buckets must be encrypted at rest.”

With Policy as Code, that rule becomes a script evaluated by your infrastructure toolchain, like:

deny[msg] {
  input.resource_type == "s3_bucket"
  not input.encrypted
  msg = "S3 bucket must be encrypted at rest."
}

Why Policy as Code Matters for GRC

GRC teams do not need to become developers, but we do need to understand how policies are enforced at scale in modern environments.

Here is why it matters:

Continuous Compliance

With PaC, compliance checks are built into the deployment pipeline. This reduces audit gaps and prevents last-minute surprises.

Speed and Accuracy

Manual reviews are slow. Code-based policies run instantly and consistently across environments.

Version Control

Policies live in Git. Every policy change has a timestamp, author, and history. Perfect for audits and compliance tracking.

Security Embedded

Rather than relying on a separate checklist, security and compliance are built into the infrastructure from the start.

Tools GRC Professionals Should Know

Here are a few tools that support Policy as Code, often used in engineering and DevOps teams:

Tool	What It Does
Open Policy Agent (OPA)	A widely used policy engine that integrates with Kubernetes, Terraform, and more
Terraform Sentinel	HashiCorp’s tool to enforce policy checks in Infrastructure as Code workflows
AWS Config Rules	Allows writing custom checks for AWS environment compliance
Kubernetes Admission Controllers	Validates or rejects Kubernetes resource deployments based on logic you define

How GRC Can Get Involved Without Writing Code

You do not have to become a coder to be part of a Policy as Code initiative. Here are a few impactful ways GRC teams can participate:

Help translate existing policies into logic

Engineering teams need your help turning real-world policies into enforcement logic.

Review policy coverage

Check whether critical risks are covered by code. Identify what still requires manual review.

Collaborate early

Partner with DevOps and Security teams to build governance into the system from the beginning.

Ask for visibility

Request documentation or dashboards that show what policies are active, tested, and enforced.

Policy as Code is not just for engineers. It is a critical shift in how organizations build compliance and security into their systems from the ground up.

If you are in GRC and still working from static documents alone, this is your sign to adapt. Understanding how policies are automated, versioned, and enforced in modern environments will increase your credibility, influence, and value to your team.

You do not have to write the code.

But you should understand how it works.

Simple Governance That Works

Neviar Rawlinson, MBA — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 23:19:15 +0000

Ever been on a team where no one knows who owns what?

Tasks keep bouncing around, decisions get delayed, and documentation is either outdated or missing completely. Sound familiar?

If so, what you're experiencing isn't just disorganization. It's a lack of governance.

The word "governance" might sound heavy, but it doesn't have to be. At its core, it's just a way to make sure the right people are doing the right things with the right information. And when it's done right, it actually makes work feel easier, not harder.

Why Teams Need Some Form of Governance

Every team, even high-functioning ones, eventually runs into the same problems:

Nobody’s sure who’s responsible for what
Decisions take too long or get made too quickly without input
Documentation is scattered or nonexistent
There’s no real plan when something goes wrong

At this point, adding a little structure can make a huge difference. That’s where lightweight governance comes in.

What Is Lightweight Governance?

Think of it as just enough structure to help your team work smarter and stay aligned. It’s not about enforcing rules. It’s about creating clarity.

Here’s what it looks like:

Simple processes that don’t slow you down
Everyone knows who owns what
Teams can repeat what works
You’re able to grow without things falling apart

It’s a practical way to work with intention, especially if your team is growing or managing technical projects.

A 5-Pillar Framework You Can Start Using Today

You don’t need a full compliance program to start seeing the benefits of governance. You just need a few habits that help create order.

Assign Clear Ownership Everything should have a name attached to it—tools, processes, documents, systems. If it’s “shared,” it will get lost. Ownership drives accountability and ensures follow-through.

Try this:
Make a list of tools and systems your team uses and assign an owner to each one. Use a shared page in Notion, Confluence, or even Google Sheets.

Keep Documentation Short and Useful No one wants to read a 20-page SOP. Focus on what someone new would need to understand: what is is, why it matters, who approves changes and where the latest version lives.

Try this:
Use a simple template for repeatable processes. A few bullet points can go a long way.

Set Up an Approval Process That Makes Sense Not everything needs a meeting. Small updates might just need a quick thumbs-up in Slack. Bigger changes might need a ticket or short write-up. The goal is to avoid confusion when it’s time to launch or make decisions.

Try this:
Build a flow like this:

Minor change? Get approval from the owner
Medium change? Loop in the team lead
High-impact change? Run it by your governance or management team
Ask “What Could Go Wrong?”
That one question can help you spot risks early, before they become fires. Even if you’re not doing formal risk assessments, start jotting down what might go wrong and how you'd respond.

Try this:
Use a risk board in Trello or a simple spreadsheet with these columns: Risk, Owner, Impact, and Mitigation Plan.

Check in on What’s Working (and What’s Not) Governance doesn’t have to be static. Revisit processes regularly. Ask what feels clunky, what’s outdated, and what people are ignoring. This helps you keep things lean and useful.

Try this:
Hold a 15-minute monthly review where you pick one area to clean up or update. Keep it casual and focused on improvements, not blame.

A Real Life Example from My Work

At one point, my team was juggling over a dozen tools with no clear documentation or approvals. Changes were happening without visibility, and onboarding new teammates felt like a scavenger hunt.

I started small:

Created a “Who owns what” tracker
Set up Jira for change requests with basic approvals
Built a dashboard to track our requests and documentation

Within a month, our team was communicating better, making faster decisions, and spending less time chasing details.

Overall, governance isn’t about control but instead it’s about clarity. And clarity saves time, builds trust, and helps your team scale without chaos.

You don’t need a big program or expensive tools to get started. Just choose one thing to improve this week. It could be assigning ownership, documenting one process, or starting a simple approval flow.

Let me know how it goes. I’d love to hear what worked for you or what felt messy. We’re all figuring it out as we grow.

Building GRC Programs in the Real World

Neviar Rawlinson, MBA — Mon, 26 May 2025 23:38:50 +0000

Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) isn't just about policies or checklists. At its best, GRC is the invisible structure that supports every decision, process, and system within an organization. Yet many teams struggle to turn GRC principles into real, working systems, especially when starting from scratch.

This guide shares foundational practices for building a practical, scalable GRC program grounded in business reality.

Start With Risk, Not Frameworks
Jumping straight into ISO 27001, NIST CSF, or any other framework too early can overwhelm the organization. Start by identifying actual risks. Conduct stakeholder interviews, review core processes, and pinpoint decisions being made without structure.

Once real risks are known, frameworks can be introduced to organize and support the controls you need. Let risk drive the structure, not the other way around.

Don’t Write Policies in Isolation
Policies written without operational context rarely gain traction. Instead, co-create them with the people who will use them. Focus on clarity, relevance, and usability, not just compliance.

Test new policies with small teams first. Gather feedback. Provide training. Then move toward broader rollout once the process has been validated.

Build for Audit Readiness From Day One
Waiting for an audit to start collecting evidence is a common but costly mistake. Instead, integrate audit readiness into regular routines. Use shared systems such as Confluence or SharePoint to document policies, responsibilities, change logs, and risk mitigation actions.

This approach not only simplifies audits but also reinforces accountability and structure year-round.

Align Change Management With Business Velocity
A strong GRC program must evolve with how the business operates. This means integrating governance checks into change processes. Whether you're using Jira, ServiceNow, or another ticketing platform, make sure changes are reviewed with risk in mind.

Design change workflows with risk scoring, required approvals, emergency paths, rollback strategies, and checkpoints. This ensures changes are not only fast but also compliant and controlled.

Treat Documentation Like Infrastructure
Documentation should be structured, maintained, and accessible like any core system. This means assigning ownership, managing versions, and ensuring it's written for actual users.

Include summaries for leadership, how-to guides for staff, and control evidence for auditors. Well-maintained documentation supports training, continuity, and trust.

Set a Roadmap and Communicate It
GRC does not have to be perfect to be effective. Establish a realistic roadmap that includes short-term wins, medium-term goals, and long-term outcomes. Share it with stakeholders at all levels.

By communicating progress, you build visibility and credibility. It also helps prioritize what gets built next, keeping efforts aligned with organizational needs.

Summary
Effective GRC programs are rooted in real risks, not just theoretical frameworks. Policies must be practical. Documentation should be treated as a living product. And change processes need to be fast, structured, and secure.

When done right, GRC enables growth, reduces risk, and creates operational clarity across the organization.

Explore More
If you're building a GRC program, consider researching

Risk register design and control mapping templates

Jira-based workflows for change and compliance tracking

Internal audit readiness checklists

Governance dashboards and reporting tools

Change Management Tracker

Neviar Rawlinson, MBA — Sun, 04 May 2025 05:05:14 +0000

Change Management Tracker – A Lightweight Tool for GRC and IT Teams

In fast-moving environments, having a structured way to track and document change is critical — not just for operations, but for governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) teams as well.

I created this Change Management Tracker to serve as a simple but powerful resource for anyone implementing structured change control in line with frameworks like ITIL, COBIT, ISO 27001, or NIST.

Why This Tool Exists

Change management is often either overlooked or overcomplicated. Many teams either:

Don’t document changes at all (risking audit issues or operational disruptions)
Or rely on expensive platforms with steep learning curves

This tracker aims to sit comfortably in the middle — free, flexible, and framework-aligned.

What's Included

The GitHub repo includes:

Change Request Form (Excel) – For submitting and evaluating changes
Change Log – To track approvals, status, and implementation
Risk Assessment Matrix – Helps quantify and prioritize changes
Process Overview Docs – Explains roles, steps, and CAB involvement

Explore the full repository on GitHub

Who It's For

IT teams that need lightweight change documentation
GRC professionals working toward audit readiness
Ops or InfoSec teams managing risk through structured workflows

Framework Alignment

This tool supports:

ITIL v4 – Change Enablement Practice
COBIT – BAI06 Manage Changes
ISO 27001 – A.12.1.2 Change Management
NIST 800-53 – CM-3 Configuration Change Control

Final Notes

This is version 1 — the focus is simplicity and adoption. In future iterations, I’d like to build:

A web-based version (Streamlit or Flask)
Role-based controls for team collaboration
Change advisory board (CAB) scheduling support

If you use this in your organization, I’d love to hear about it,

or feel free to contribute ideas via GitHub or the comments below.

GitHub: change-management-tracker

Automating Compliance Reporting in GRC

Neviar Rawlinson, MBA — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 21:36:49 +0000

Automating Compliance Reporting in GRC

If you're working in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), chances are you've spent more time than you'd like compiling reports, pulling audit data, and building dashboards. It’s repetitive, high stakes, and often the last thing anyone has time for.

But what if reporting didn’t have to feel so manual?

With the right strategy, compliance reporting can be automated. This gives teams time back, improves data accuracy, and supports smarter decision-making.

In this article, I’ll walk through why compliance reporting is a perfect candidate for automation, where to start, and what tools and pitfalls to watch for.

Why Automate Compliance Reporting?

Manual compliance processes often lead to:

Human error in tracking controls, audit logs, and incidents
Time-consuming documentation reviews and spreadsheet management
Difficulty scaling as regulatory demands grow or teams expand
Delayed insights, especially during audits or assessments

By automating parts of the process, GRC teams can:

Pull real-time data for dashboards and leadership updates
Monitor control effectiveness continuously
Reduce the prep work needed for audits or certifications
Detect policy violations or anomalies faster

What Should You Automate?

Not everything should be automated, but here are high-impact areas to start:

1. Control Monitoring

Use scripts or tools to verify if key controls are in place and active, such as password rotation policies, MFA enforcement, or system logs being stored properly.

2. Evidence Collection

Automatically capture screenshots, logs, or reports as evidence for audit readiness, especially for recurring checks.

3. Incident Tracking and Categorization

Automate incident classification, routing, and reporting so risk patterns are easier to analyze over time.

4. Policy Compliance Dashboards

Set up visual dashboards that track metrics like SLA compliance, risk heatmaps, and policy adoption trends in real time.

Tools That Can Help

Depending on your environment and budget, here are a few platforms that support GRC automation:

ServiceNow GRC – Great for large organizations with workflow and integration needs
AuditBoard or LogicGate – Focused on compliance management with automation features
Power BI / Tableau – For visualizing compliance KPIs and trends
Custom scripts + Confluence/Jira – Budget-friendly DIY for tracking policy updates, tickets, and risk items

The tool doesn’t matter if the process isn’t defined. Get clear on your workflows before adding automation.

Challenges to Watch For

Automation isn’t a silver bullet. Here are some common issues to avoid:

Incomplete data: Automation only works if your source systems are clean and consistent
Overreliance: Human review is still essential
Poor onboarding: If your team doesn’t know how the automation works, it won’t be used or maintained properly

Start small. Prove value. Then scale.

Automation isn’t about removing the human element from compliance. It’s about freeing up your time so you can focus on high-value work like risk analysis, control design, and strategic improvements.

If you're in a GRC or INFOSEC role and feel buried in reports, automation might be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

Start with one process, get it running, and build from there.

🙋‍♀️ Thanks for reading!

Have you tried automating any part of your GRC work?

Drop a comment. I’d love to hear what worked, what didn’t, and what tools you’re using.

Why GRC Should Matter to Every Developer, Not Just Compliance Teams

Neviar Rawlinson, MBA — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 22:15:38 +0000

Why GRC Should Matter to Every Developer, Not Just Compliance Teams

When most people hear "GRC" — governance, risk management, and compliance — they think of legal teams, auditors, or cybersecurity experts. Rarely do they think of developers.

But the truth is, GRC affects everyone who builds, ships, and maintains technology.

Whether you realize it or not, the choices you make in your code, architecture, or workflows impact your organization's ability to stay secure, compliant, and trusted.

What is GRC Anyway?

GRC stands for:

Governance: Making sure decisions align with company goals and policies.
Risk Management: Identifying and reducing potential threats to systems, data, and users.
Compliance: Following the laws, regulations, and industry standards that apply to your work.

At its core, GRC is about protecting the business and its customers while enabling growth.

And guess who sits at the heart of building that growth? Developers and tech teams.

Why Developers Should Care

Here’s why GRC should be part of every developer’s mindset:

Security starts in the code: Secure coding practices directly affect risk management.
Documentation matters: Process documentation makes audits and compliance checks smoother — and helps your team scale faster.
Tech debt can become risk debt: Skipping best practices today can create serious governance and compliance issues tomorrow.
Customers expect trust: Data breaches and compliance failures destroy trust. Good GRC practices protect it.

How Developers Can Contribute to GRC

You don't need to become a compliance officer overnight.

Simple steps make a big difference:

Follow secure coding guidelines (like OWASP Top 10).
Document your APIs, services, and system behaviors clearly.
Keep dependencies up-to-date and monitor for vulnerabilities.
Understand the compliance requirements that apply to your industry (HIPAA, GDPR, SOC 2, etc.).
Speak up if you see a potential risk or issue — risk management is everyone's job.

Final Thoughts

GRC is not just a checkbox for the legal team.

It’s a shared responsibility — and one that smart developers embrace.

When you understand governance, risk, and compliance, you become a more valuable teammate, a better builder, and a stronger protector of your organization’s future.

Tech doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Neither does trust.

Let’s build better, safer, more resilient systems — together.

🙏 Thanks for reading!

Have you ever worked on a project where compliance or governance caught you by surprise?

Drop a comment — would love to hear your experiences or questions!

Excelling as a Program or Product Manager in the Tech Space

Neviar Rawlinson, MBA — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 20:16:41 +0000

In the fast-paced realm of technology, the roles of program and product managers play a pivotal role in orchestrating successful projects and driving innovation. These positions require a unique blend of leadership, strategic thinking, technical expertise, and business acumen. If you're aspiring to embark on a career in tech as a program or product manager, understanding the nuances of these roles and the essential qualifications and skills needed is crucial. Let's delve into what it takes to excel in these dynamic positions.

Understanding the Roles:

Program Manager:
Program managers oversee multiple related projects within an organization. They are responsible for ensuring that these projects align with the company's strategic objectives and are executed efficiently. Program managers often act as the bridge between various teams, stakeholders, and executives, coordinating resources, managing risks, and tracking progress across the program.

Product Manager:
Product managers are the driving force behind the development and success of a product or service. They define the product vision, gather and prioritize requirements, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver solutions that meet customer needs. Product managers are responsible for the entire product lifecycle, from concept to launch and beyond, making strategic decisions to optimize the product's value and impact.

Qualifications and Certifications:

Educational Background:
While there is no strict educational requirement, most program and product managers hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, engineering, business administration, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees such as an MBA can also be advantageous, providing a deeper understanding of business strategy and management principles.

Professional Experience:
Prior experience in project management, product management, or related roles is highly desirable for aspiring program and product managers. Experience working in the tech industry, particularly in software development or technology-driven projects, can provide valuable insights into the complexities of managing technical initiatives.

Certifications:
While not mandatory, obtaining certifications can demonstrate your commitment to excellence and enhance your credentials as a program or product manager. Some relevant certifications include:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification for program managers.
Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) or Agile Certified Product Manager (ACPM) for product managers.
Lean Six Sigma certifications for professionals interested in process improvement and optimization.
Technical Skills:

Understanding of Technology:
Program and product managers in the tech industry must have a solid understanding of technology trends, platforms, and development methodologies. While they may not need to code or architect systems themselves, they should be able to speak the language of engineers and make informed decisions about technical solutions.

Data Analysis and Interpretation:
Proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques is essential for program and product managers to derive insights from metrics, user feedback, and market trends. They should be able to analyze data to inform product strategy, prioritize features, and measure the success of initiatives.

Communication and Collaboration:
Strong communication and interpersonal skills are paramount for program and product managers to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and executives. They must be able to articulate vision, convey requirements, and negotiate priorities while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Embarking on a career as a program or product manager in the tech industry offers exciting opportunities to drive innovation, shape cutting-edge products, and make a tangible impact on the world. By acquiring the right qualifications, certifications, and technical skills, aspiring professionals can position themselves for success in these dynamic and rewarding roles.

Navigating the Path to Cybersecurity GRC: A 6-Month Plan for Success

Neviar Rawlinson, MBA — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 20:39:08 +0000

Breaking into the cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) field requires strategic planning, dedication, and a well-rounded skill set. This article outlines a detailed 6-month plan to guide aspiring professionals on their journey toward a rewarding career in Cybersecurity GRC.

The plan includes steps to study for and pass the CompTIA Security+ (Sec+), gain proficiency in a GRC tool, and work towards achieving the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification.

Month 1-2: Lay the Foundation

Week 1-2: Research and Goal Setting

Research the Cybersecurity GRC field, understand job roles, and define your career goals. Examples include:
- Risk Analyst
- IT Compliance Analyst
- GRC Analyst
- Identity Access Management Analyst
- Controls Assessor
- Disaster Recovery Lead
- Third Party Risk Analyst
- PCI-DSS Assessor
- IT Auditor

Week 3-4: Begin Sec+ Preparation

Acquire study materials for CompTIA Security+.
Create a study schedule to cover the exam objectives systematically.

Week 5-8: Intensive Sec+ Study

Dive into Sec+ materials, understanding foundational concepts of cybersecurity.
Utilize resources like online courses, practice exams, and books to reinforce your knowledge.

Study Resources:

CompTIA Security+ Study Guide
Professor Messer

Exam Compass

Professor Messer Practice Exams

Udemy (Jason Dion) Practice Exams

@cyberkraft539 Cybertrak (PBQ)

CompTIA Sec+ Exam Objectives

Month 3-4: GRC Tool Proficiency

Week 9-10: Research GRC Tools

Explore popular GRC tools such as Azure, OneTrust, Archer, and ServiceNow.
Identify the tool aligned with your career goals and interests.

Week 11-12: Enroll in GRC Tool Training

Choose a reputable training program or certification course for the selected GRC tool.
Work through tutorials, hands-on labs, and gain practical experience.

Study Resources:
Azure: Microsoft Learn - Azure Fundamentals
OneTrust: OneTrust University
ServiceNow: ServiceNow Training and Certification

Week 13-16: Hands-On Application

Apply your knowledge by working on practical projects using the GRC tool.
Seek mentorship or join online communities to share experiences and learn from others.

Month 5-6: CRISC Certification Pursuit

Week 17-18: Research CRISC Certification

Understand the importance of CRISC in the Cybersecurity GRC field.
Explore resources provided by ISACA for CRISC preparation.

Week 19-20: Develop a Study Plan

Create a study plan for CRISC, aligning it with your existing Sec+ knowledge and GRC tool proficiency.
Utilize official ISACA materials and practice exams.

Study Resources:
ISACA CRISC Exam Resources

Week 21-24: CRISC Exam Preparation

Dive into focused CRISC study, covering risk management, control monitoring, and information systems control.
Utilize online forums and study groups for insights and clarification.

Additional Tips for Success:

Networking:

Attend cybersecurity conferences, webinars, and local meetups.
Connect with professionals in the Cybersecurity GRC field on LinkedIn.

Internship or Entry-Level Position:

Look for internships or entry-level positions in GRC or cybersecurity.
Gain practical experience to complement your theoretical knowledge.

Continuous Learning:

Stay updated on industry trends and changes.
Consider pursuing advanced certifications or additional training as you progress in your career.

Embarking on a journey into Cybersecurity GRC requires dedication and a well-structured plan. By systematically building a foundation with the Sec+ certification, gaining practical skills with a GRC tool, and achieving the CRISC certification, you'll position yourself for success in this dynamic and crucial field. Stay focused, adapt to changes, and continuously seek opportunities for growth. Your path to a rewarding career in Cybersecurity GRC begins now!

Navigating the Path to Cybersecurity GRC: A 6-Month Plan for Success

Neviar Rawlinson, MBA — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 20:39:08 +0000

Month 1-2: Lay the Foundation

Week 1-2: Research and Goal Setting

Research the Cybersecurity GRC field, understand job roles, and define your career goals. Examples include:
- Risk Analyst
- IT Compliance Analyst
- GRC Analyst
- Identity Access Management Analyst
- Controls Assessor
- Disaster Recovery Lead
- Third Party Risk Analyst
- PCI-DSS Assessor
- IT Auditor
Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Examples include:
- Goal: Set up a study schedule for Sec+ preparation.
- Details: Allocate 10 hours per week for studying, broken down into specific time slots.

Week 3-4: Begin Sec+ Preparation

Acquire study materials for CompTIA Security+.
Create a study schedule to cover the exam objectives systematically.

Week 5-8: Intensive Sec+ Study

Dive into Sec+ materials, understanding foundational concepts of cybersecurity.
Utilize resources like online courses, practice exams, and books to reinforce your knowledge.

Study Resources:

CompTIA Security+ Study Guide
Professor Messer

Exam Compass

Professor Messer Practice Exams

Udemy (Jason Dion) Practice Exams

@cyberkraft539 Cybertrak (PBQ)

CompTIA Sec+ Exam Objectives

Month 3-4: GRC Tool Proficiency

Week 9-10: Research GRC Tools

Explore popular GRC tools such as Azure, OneTrust, Archer, and ServiceNow.
Identify the tool aligned with your career goals and interests.

Week 11-12: Enroll in GRC Tool Training

Choose a reputable training program or certification course for the selected GRC tool.
Work through tutorials, hands-on labs, and gain practical experience.

Study Resources:
Azure: Microsoft Learn - Azure Fundamentals
OneTrust: OneTrust University
ServiceNow: ServiceNow Training and Certification

Week 13-16: Hands-On Application

Apply your knowledge by working on practical projects using the GRC tool.
Seek mentorship or join online communities to share experiences and learn from others.

Month 5-6: CRISC Certification Pursuit

Week 17-18: Research CRISC Certification

Understand the importance of CRISC in the Cybersecurity GRC field.
Explore resources provided by ISACA for CRISC preparation.

Week 19-20: Develop a Study Plan

Create a study plan for CRISC, aligning it with your existing Sec+ knowledge and GRC tool proficiency.
Utilize official ISACA materials and practice exams.

Study Resources:
ISACA CRISC Exam Resources

Week 21-24: CRISC Exam Preparation

Dive into focused CRISC study, covering risk management, control monitoring, and information systems control.
Utilize online forums and study groups for insights and clarification.

Additional Tips for Success:

Networking:

Attend cybersecurity conferences, webinars, and local meetups.
Connect with professionals in the Cybersecurity GRC field on LinkedIn.

Internship or Entry-Level Position:

Look for internships or entry-level positions in GRC or cybersecurity.
Gain practical experience to complement your theoretical knowledge.

Continuous Learning:

Stay updated on industry trends and changes.
Consider pursuing advanced certifications or additional training as you progress in your career.

Unveiling the Power of Cybersecurity: Completing the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate

Neviar Rawlinson, MBA — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 21:12:46 +0000

I completed my Google Career Certificate through@HiringOurHeroes #CareerForward! If you are looking to learn industry-validated skills and to connect with ready-to-hire employers seeking military-connected talent, I highly recommend: https://bit.ly/2ZLsBle.

The Learning Journey
The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is a comprehensive program designed to equip individuals with the essential skills required to thrive in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. From understanding the foundations of security to mastering the intricacies of protecting systems and networks, every module in this program is a step towards cybersecurity proficiency.

Key Takeaways:

Foundational Knowledge:
The program delves into the core principles of cybersecurity, ensuring a solid understanding of concepts like encryption, authentication, and security protocols.
Real-world Applications:
Unlike theoretical programs, the certificate is hands-on, immersing learners in real-world scenarios. Simulations and practical exercises sharpen the ability to respond effectively to security challenges.
Incident Handling and Response:
With a focus on incident handling and response, the program prepares learners for the high-stakes situations that cybersecurity professionals often face. From identifying threats to implementing swift responses, these skills are invaluable.
Networking Security:
The intricacies of network security become second nature. Learners gain expertise in securing networks, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing robust defenses.
Access to Google’s Expertise:
One of the unique aspects of this program is the insight it provides into Google’s cybersecurity practices. Learning from industry leaders adds a layer of relevance and applicability to the skills acquired.

Empowering the Future
Looking forward, the knowledge I’ve gained from this certificate with aid in my future endeavors by:

Career Advancement:
The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is a recognized credential in the industry. Employers value the practical skills acquired, making it a powerful asset for career advancement.
Versatility Across Industries:
Cybersecurity is not limited to a single industry. Whether it’s finance, healthcare, or technology, the skills gained are universally applicable. This versatility opens doors to diverse career opportunities.
Contribution to a Safer Digital World:
With the knowledge gained, I am now better equipped to contribute to the creation of a safer digital environment. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and I am ready to play my part.
Continuous Learning Pathway:
Cybersecurity is a dynamic field, and this certificate is a stepping stone. It has instilled in me the value of continuous learning. Staying updated with emerging threats and technologies is crucial, and this mindset will guide my future educational pursuits.

A Call to Aspiring Cybersecurity Enthusiasts
To those considering a venture into the world of cybersecurity, I extend a hearty recommendation for the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. It’s not just a course; it’s a transformative experience that propels you into the heart of the cybersecurity landscape.

As I proudly display my certificate, I stand ready to face the challenges and opportunities that the cybersecurity realm presents. The journey doesn’t end here; it’s a perpetual quest for knowledge and security.