Risk vs Compliance-Based Security

Focusing on compliance more than risks? Learn how risk-based security can improve your security and build better trust with customers.

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53
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In This Article

Compliance-based security has served its purpose — minimally at best. Security threats are evolving at a blistering pace. So, relying on meeting standards and ticking boxes isn't enough for true GRC pros. 

We’ve helped many orgs move to risk-based security strategies, so they can focus on great security rather than compliance. Learn the differences between these strategies to decide which type is best for your organization. 

Continuous Security Monitoring 

Compliance tells you to check boxes after a breach. But, risk-based security tells you to look ahead, to assess risks continuously, and to mitigate them before they become realized threats.

With risk-based security you’re not reacting to what happened but anticipating what could happen as part of the normal operating rhythm.

Focus on the Risks that Matter Most

The sheer volume of requirements can overwhelm an organization that’s focused on compliance-based security. 

The truth is, every requirement is not equally important. 

There are risks that can disrupt your business, damage your reputation, or cost you big time. Risk-based security helps you focus on preventing the biggest risks.

Scalable Security Strategy

Compliance frameworks can become cumbersome, outdated, and hard to maintain as your business grows. 

Risk-based security evolves with you. It scales, adapts, and ensures you embed security into business expansion plans, new tech adoption, and M&A strategy from day one.

→ Get a free demo of Paramify to see how you can spend less to build a scalable security strategy fast

Risk-Based Security Builds Customer Trust

Compliance might give you a shiny badge, but risk-based security builds actual trust with customers. 

Being risk-based signals that you’re actively managing their data and systems, not just checking the box that you meet quickly outdated regulatory standards.

Continuous Security

Security is not a one-time effort — it’s ongoing. 

With risk-based security, you’re continuously assessing, updating, and improving your defenses. It ensures you're ahead of evolving threats, not playing catch-up.

Risk-Based Security vs Compliance Based Security at a Glance

Risk-Based Security Compliance-Based Security
Continuous Monitoring Assesses risks continuously to mitigate threats before they occur. Checks boxes after a breach, reacting to incidents.
Focus Prioritizes critical risks that could disrupt business or reputation. Overwhelmed by all requirements, treating them equally.
Scalability Adapts and scales with business growth, new tech, and future mergers and aquisitions Cumbersome and outdated as businesses expand.
Customer Trust Builds trust by actively managing data and systems. Relies on badges, not actual security, for trust.
Effort Ongoing, with real-time updates and automated compliance via tools like Paramify. One-time effort, often playing catch-up with evolving threats.

→ Check out Paramify pricing to see if it’s right for you

Build a Risk-Based, Continuous Security Strategy the Easy Way

More and more organizations are becoming risk-based to improve their security and build customer trust. If your organization is ready to do the same, Paramify can help. 

You can build a risk-based security plan in just 45-60 minutes with Paramify’s Risk Solutions platform.

From there, it’s easy to continuously monitor your risks with a dashboard showing your real-time security status.  

The Paramify dashboard simplifies security and compliance

You can also focus on building better security instead of endlessly updating compliance documentation. As you implement solutions and update your Risk Solutions any required compliance documentation is generated automatically with Paramify. 

You make a change once and it updates everywhere it’s relevant. 

This way accurate documentation is always ready at the push of a button. 

Improve Your Security Strategy

Shifting from compliance-based to risk-based security is essential to stay ahead of evolving threats. When you prioritize continuous monitoring, focus on critical risks, and leverage scalable strategies, your organization can enhance security and build customer trust. 

Tools like Paramify’s Risk Solutions platform streamline this transition, enabling real-time risk management and automated compliance documentation, so your business can secure it’s future efficiently and effectively.

Feel free to reach out with any questions, read more to learn about whether or not Paramify would be a good fit for your organization’s security goals, or request a free demo to see how Paramify’s platform simplifies security and compliance and cuts costs. 

Sign up for your demo of Paramify: 

Learn More: 

What Does Paramify Do? 

What is FedRAMP

How Much Does an SSP Cost? 

Apr 2025
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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.