Risk Solutions: A Step-by-Step Guide

Steps to Better Cyber Security with Risk Solutions:

Take these steps to deploy Risk Solutions:

Identify information types
Pick a control framework
Map “elements” to controls
Collaborate
Listen
Distribute
Iterate and improve

Read on for specifics on each step.

What are Risk Solutions?

Watch to learn how risk solutions work:

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Step 1- Identify information types

The first step in building a risk solution framework is to identify the types of data your systems touch. A framework like NIST 800-60 can be helpful in this regard.

It's also important to categorize data into different types such as user info, usage data, financial data, communication data, and customer feedback.

Don't forget to include third-party sources like marketing automation tools and social media.

Step 2- Pick a control framework

Once you've identified the types of data your systems touch, it's time to pick a control framework.

Using an existing framework like NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, or PCI-DSS as a baseline can save time and effort. These frameworks are already well-established and have been used by many organizations.

However, if you disagree and prefer to define your own controls, that's totally fine too … maybe.

Step 3- Map “elements” to Controls

Once you've picked a control framework, the next step is to map "elements" to controls.

"Elements" refer to the people, places, and components that make up your security program.

Determine which elements implement your selected controls. It's important to note that elements often map to many controls, and your Cloud Service Provider (CSP) may manage them.

Step 4- Collaborate

Once you've identified the elements and controls, it's time to collaborate and build your Risk Solutions.

Understand how different elements implement control requirements and document it.

This step requires working with security control owners such as DevOps and HR. A spreadsheet like Google Sheets can be effectively used even at sophisticated organizations to start.

Step 5- Listen

After building your Risk Solutions, it's important to listen and monitor their implementation with their owners. It's not likely that you'll get it exactly right the first time, so it's important to iterate and improve your solutions.

An ideal Risk Solution should map to many control requirements and have a simple adoption mechanism. The fewer solutions, the better.

Step 6- Distribute

Once your Risk Solutions are in place, it's important to distribute them across all compliance activities.

Team members, auditors, customers, and other stakeholders will be interested in the Risk Solution documentation as it provides solutions for audits, sales enablement, and implementing security best practices.

Step 7- Iterate and Improve

Iteration and improvement are key to a successful Risk Solution framework.

At first, your solutions may not be perfect, but over time and with practice, you'll be able to develop a comprehensive, flexible, and maintainable InfoSec strategy.

How do I know Risk Solutions work?

I've personally used this strategy for over 15 years in my career in InfoSec, and I've yet to find an organization that hasn't benefited from implementing it.

The best technology alone can't beat a comprehensive and flexible InfoSec strategy.

Learn how Risk Solutions have successfully helped leading enterprises like Palo Alto Networks as well as smaller to medium-sized businesses like PopeTech and MyEducator achieve incredible results.

Improve Your Security Strategy Today

If you're ready to experience transformative results with the Risk Solutions methodology, just like Palo Alto Networks and so many others did, contact us today for your Free Demo.

You'll learn:

How to generate more accurate compliance documentation at a fraction of the cost using Risk Solutions
The benefits of a security first approach
How fast and easy it is to get an OSCAL-based digital package

Want to see in action first? Request a video demo below:

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Kenny Scott

Kenny is an accomplished leader with a two decade tenure in Information Security and IT Audit. He's widely acknowledged in the industry and has a profound dedication to it. In addition to his technical expertise, Kenny's portfolio includes substantial experience in business strategy, investment, and programming. On the personal side, Kenny is a devoted husband to Angie Scott and a proud father of five. A music enthusiast, he relishes playing the guitar and enjoys surfing when a beach is within reach.

Oct 2023

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.