Get FedRAMP without a sponsor! 

Ensure Compliance with a FedRAMP-Authorized Solution For CMMC SSP Solution

We’re Fedramp High Ready!

Blog
/
Article

Do I Need an Advisor + Paramify?

Do you need an advisory firm if you use Paramify? Learn how we can work with your advisor to help you meet goals like CMMC, FedRAMP, FISMA the most efficient way possible.

|
53
min read

In This Article

FedRAMP 20x Process

If you’re seeking a GRC designation like CMMC certification or FedRAMP authorization you may be considering hiring a GRC advisory firm to help you meet your goals. We’ve had many companies ask us “Does Paramify replace an advisor?”

And (drumroll please) the answer is . . .  It depends on your circumstances. We reduce the inefficiencies and cost of compliance, but an advisor may still be helpful depending how much extra support your organization needs. 

We partner with many advisors and recommend them to many of our customers. Here we’ll explain why and when your organization may want to hire an advisor so you can reach your compliance goals as efficiently as possible.

What is a GRC Advisor?

There are 2 types of GRC advisors:

  1. Those who help with readiness assessment and documentation.

    Example:  Coalfire, Mirai Security
  1. Those who help with implementation to help set up your environment and configure it to meet requirements. 

    Examples: Coalfire, Mirai Security, StackArmor, Steel Patriot Partners

How is Paramify Different from an Advisor?
‍

Paramify is complementary to the work GRC advisors provide and used by top GRC advisory firms

‍

Paramify automates security planning and compliance documentation. Our solution is the most efficient documentation method available. It can be used by advisors for their clients or by an in-house team, depending on the circumstances.

‍

recommendation for Paramify from a GRC user

‍

With or without an advisor you risk spending 85% more on your documentation than you would by automating your documentation with Paramify. 

Many top advisors work with Paramify to help their customers reduce cost, build excellent security posture, and create accurate documentation fast. 

An advisor can work with you through the entire lifecycle of your compliance goals or you can also choose to have them do specific tasks. 

The differences between using Paramify for documentation and security planning and using a GRC advisor to complete compliance
→ Connect with one of our recommended advisors

‍

Choosing Paramify vs a GRC Advisor

Paramify alone may be right for you if . . .

If you have a strong security program and an in-house GRC team: you may be ready to take on compliance yourself. 

When you use Paramify as an awesome Iron-Man suit you’ll spend less, move faster and get documentation that’s more accurate and easier to maintain.

→ Request a free Paramify demo

2 Big Signs You Should Hire a GRC Advisor 

1- Your security program is very immature.

It’s probably time to call an advisor if you don’t have any security compliance expertise and want to pursue security certifications or authorization like CMMC, StateRAMP, FedRAMP, etc.  

An advisor can offer support through the whole process – start to end. When you’re getting started, that can be helpful and reduce the risk of expensive mistakes. 

Getting your security program wrong just isn’t worth the extra costs and risk. An advisor can make sure you remediate requirements correctly, get the details of documentation right, and help you prepare for a successful audit. 

If this is your first foray into compliance – we advise you to get an advisor.  

2- You don’t have dedicated GRC personnel 

Sometimes organizations don’t have a dedicated GRC guru. In these cases the head of security or head of technology may oversee security implementation but need someone to handle the compliance piece of the puzzle. 

An advisor can help keep things on track.

Still not sure? 

You can always start with an inexpensive gap assessment that can be used by an in-house team or by an advisor to manage solution implementation. 

Our team would be happy to suggest whether an advisor would be a fit for your organization in your assessment. 

→Schedule your gap assessment 

When to Bring in a GRC Advisor 

The ideal time to hire an advisor is after you get your gap assessment report. 

Paramify’s quick, inexpensive intake session can help you learn your gaps in just 30-60 minutes. When we see the scope of your project we can consider your time frame and recommend whether or not an advisor will be a more feasible option for you or if your internal team is enough. 

Your gap assessment will also guide potential advisors to implement your security more efficiently. 

Consider working with one of our partners if you know an advisor is the right path for your organization. You’ll get the long-term benefits of automated documentation and the support of an advisor this way. 

Long-term Benefits of Compliance with Paramify

Whether you use Paramify with an advisor or in-house you’ll get the same long-term benefits: 

→ Request a free video demo of Paramify

Next Steps

Getting compliant and tackling compliance documentation is no small feat. Now that you understand the difference between Paramify and an advisor you can confidently make the best decision for your organization.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out anytime. 

Schedule your free personal demo now or request a demo video below: 

Learn More:

Read: Why templates are outdated and put your security at risk

Watch: How Risk Solutions make compliance documentation simple

Listen: Check out the Paramify podcast for GRC industry insights

‍

Dec 2024
Related posts

Paramify blog

Interviews, tips, guides, industry best practices, and news.

2026 FedRAMP Readiness Checklist

This guide provides a 7-question readiness checklist to help your engineering team evaluate their technical architecture, tooling, and operational maturity before you pursue FedRAMP authorization. By addressing critical requirements like FIPS encryption, vulnerability management, and infrastructure automation early, you can drastically reduce compliance costs and accelerate your timeline to revenue.
Read post

FedRAMP RFC-0024 Requires Machine-Readable SSPs: Convert to OSCAL the Easy Way

FedRAMP RFC-0024 introduces a strict mandate for all Cloud Service Providers to transition to machine-readable OSCAL authorization packages by September 2026 to maintain certification. Paramify automates this complex challenge, enabling organizations to generate validated, FedRAMP Rev 5 compliant data in hours rather than months.
Read post

FedRAMP Security Inbox: What You Need to Know

Effective January 5, 2026, all FedRAMP authorized providers must maintain a dedicated Security Inbox to receive and address urgent government vulnerability directives without technical barriers like CAPTCHAs. Organizations must configure specific auto-replies and allowlisting to ensure compliance with strict response timeframes — ranging from 12 hours to 3 days — or face penalties including removal from the FedRAMP Marketplace.
Read post
View all posts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can compliance advisors or consultants work in Paramify with us, and does it help with managed-service models?

Absolutely. Paramify is used by many advisory partners, RPOs, and MSPs to guide, generate, and manage documentation, perform gap assessments, facilitate policy/procedure drafting, and oversee remediation activities. Advisors can fill out templates, manage controls, and generate client-ready documents.

‍

We have privacy or compliance concerns, can we restrict what external reviewers can access?

Yes, you can assign role-based access controls in Paramify. Advisors or auditors can be given access only to certain programs, assessment and their related evidence.

Sensitive information can be withheld or redacted as needed, and only authorized reviewers see specific items.

‍

Can auditors or advisory partners get direct access to our Paramify environment, or do we have to export everything for them?

Yes, Paramify allows external assessors/auditors and advisors to be invited as users, with controlled permission levels. They can review specific evidence, policies, SSPs, POA&Ms, or assessment modules without accessing broader company data. 

Documentation — such as Appendix A, SSPs, procedures, and POAMs — can also be exported in multiple standard formats (Word, Excel, OSCAL, EMASS, PDF) as needed.

Can I get matched with an Advisor based on my specific needs?

Yes. You can use the Get Matched feature on our website. We will review your specific compliance goals and connect you with the partner best suited for your industry and timeline.

How do Advisors use Paramify during a FedRAMP engagement?

Advisors use Paramify to conduct Gap Assessments, map controls, Automate SSPs, and manage POA&Ms.

Instead of spending months writing Word documents, the Advisor inputs the system architecture and control implementations into Paramify, which then generates the required NIST-formatted documentation.

Does Paramify compete with its Advisors?

No. Paramify is a software company. We do not offer independent audit or long-term consulting services. Our goal is to empower Advisors with better tools so they can serve more clients effectively.

‍

What are the different partner tiers?

We feature Premier Partners prominently on our site. These are firms that have demonstrated a high level of proficiency with the Paramify platform and have successfully helped many clients through the authorization process using our tools.

How do I become an official Paramify Advisor Partner?

We look for firms with a proven track record in federal compliance. If you are interested in joining our network and leveraging our automation products, you can reach out via our contact page or schedule a demo to see how our tools fit into your workflow.

What is the benefit of using an Advisor who uses Paramify vs. one who doesn't?

Advisors using Paramify can accelerate your implementation and typically deliver documentation in a fraction of the time it takes without Paramify. This means:

  • Faster Implementation: An accelerated implementation roadmap keeps timelines predictable.
  • Lower Costs: Reduced manual consultant hours.
  • Higher Accuracy: Automation eliminates the "copy-paste" errors common in traditional SSPs.‍
  • Easier Maintenance: Your Advisor can help you manage POA&Ms and continuous monitoring within the platform.
Does working with an Advisor on this list guarantee FedRAMP or CMMC authorization?

No firm can "guarantee" authorization, as the final decision rests with the government authorizing body (e.g., the FedRAMP PMO or the DoD).

However, working with a Paramify Advisor significantly reduces the risk of documentation errors and ensures your package is built on a technically sound, automated foundation.

‍

How do I choose the right Advisor for my organization?

Our Advisor page allows you to filter partners by their specific expertise, such as FedRAMP, CMMC, FISMA, or GovRAMP.

Why does Paramify partner with Advisors?

Paramify is an “Iron Man suit” for GRC experts. We provide automation technology to generate and manage compliance documentation (like SSPs snd POA&Ms) while Advisors provide the expert human oversight and implementation expertise.

Together, we offer a "best-of-both-worlds" solution: expert consulting powered by industry-leading automation and risk management planning.

What is the Paramify Advisor Partner Network?

The Paramify Advisor Partner Network is a curated group of cybersecurity and compliance firms — including CMMC Registered Practitioner Organizations (RPOs) and accredited 3PAOs — that use Paramify’s platform to deliver faster, more accurate compliance outcomes for their clients.

I already have an advisor or very capable GRC team. Why do I need Paramify?

Use Paramify's Risk Solution platform to automate ATO packages, improving cost efficiency, speed, and accuracy. This frees your team to focus on more valuable efforts like security posture enhancement and compliance improvements.