Controls Gap Analysis - Identify Security Control Deficiencies

Controls Gap Analysis

Identify and Address Security Control Deficiencies

A controls gap analysis compares your current security controls against required standards, identifying deficiencies and providing a clear roadmap for remediation. This service is essential for achieving compliance, reducing risk, and building effective security programs.

What is a Controls Gap Analysis?

A systematic evaluation that:

Inventories existing security controls
Maps controls to framework requirements
Identifies missing or inadequate controls
Assesses control effectiveness
Prioritizes remediation efforts
Develops implementation roadmap

Common Use Cases

Pre-Compliance Assessment - Understand the effort required before pursuing certification.

Audit Preparation - Identify and fix issues before external audits.

Post-Audit Remediation - Address findings from failed or qualified audits.

Framework Migration - Transition from one framework to another (e.g., ISO to SOC 2).

Acquisition Integration - Assess and align acquired company security controls.

Security Program Maturity - Benchmark progress and identify improvement opportunities.

Frameworks We Analyze

SOC 2 (Trust Services Criteria)
ISO 27001/27002
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
NIST 800-53 / 800-171
CIS Critical Security Controls
PCI DSS
HIPAA Security Rule
CMMC
Custom internal frameworks

Our Methodology

1. Scope Definition

Identify applicable framework(s)
Define assessment boundaries
Establish success criteria
Plan assessment activities

2. Current State Assessment

Document existing controls
Review policies and procedures
Conduct technical testing
Interview key personnel
Collect evidence

3. Gap Identification

Map controls to requirements
Identify missing controls
Assess partial implementations
Evaluate control effectiveness
Document deficiencies

4. Risk Evaluation

Assess risk of each gap
Consider likelihood and impact
Prioritize by business criticality
Calculate residual risk

5. Remediation Planning

Develop detailed action plans
Assign ownership and timelines
Estimate effort and resources
Create implementation roadmap
Define success metrics

Deliverables

Gap Analysis Report

Executive summary
Detailed findings by control domain
Risk-rated gap inventory
Evidence of compliant controls
Observations and recommendations

Controls Matrix

Requirement-to-control mapping
Implementation status
Evidence references
Gap indicators
Priority ratings

Remediation Roadmap

Prioritized action plan
Timeline and milestones
Resource requirements
Quick wins vs. long-term initiatives
Cost estimates (if requested)

Executive Presentation

High-level findings
Business impact analysis
Investment recommendations
Timeline to compliance

Benefits

Clear Path Forward - Know exactly what needs to be done to achieve compliance.

Prioritized Efforts - Focus on the most critical gaps first.

Resource Planning - Understand staffing, budget, and time requirements.

Risk Reduction - Address security weaknesses systematically.

Audit Confidence - Enter audits knowing your readiness level.

Stakeholder Communication - Articulate security needs to leadership.

Common Gaps We Find

Documentation Deficiencies

Missing or outdated policies
Incomplete procedures
Insufficient evidence collection
Poor documentation practices

Technical Control Weaknesses

Inadequate access controls
Missing encryption
Incomplete logging/monitoring
Patch management gaps
Backup deficiencies

Process Gaps

Undefined change management
Weak incident response
Insufficient risk assessment
Inadequate vendor management
Incomplete business continuity

People & Awareness

Insufficient training
Unclear roles and responsibilities
Lack of security awareness
No separation of duties

After the Assessment

Remediation Support - We can help implement recommendations.

Ongoing Advisory - Provide guidance as you address gaps.

Follow-Up Assessment - Validate remediation efforts before audit.

Continuous Monitoring - Establish processes to maintain compliance.

Understand Your Gaps

Don't wait for an audit to discover control deficiencies. Identify and address gaps proactively with a comprehensive controls gap analysis.