What documentation do we need to have in place before an audit?

FAQ Background – G6 IT

The specific documentation depends on the framework, but most audits require a System Security Plan (SSP) describing how each required control is implemented, a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) addressing any known gaps, written security policies and procedures, evidence of employee security training and logs demonstrating that your controls are active and monitored. Documentation…

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How does a risk assessment affect our cyber insurance?

FAQ Background – G6 IT

Insurers are increasingly requiring documented risk assessments and evidence of security controls before issuing or renewing policies. A thorough risk assessment can help you meet those requirements, potentially reduce your premiums and ensure your coverage actually applies when you need it. Without one, you may be paying for a policy that excludes the very incidents…

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Are IT risk assessment services only for large companies?

FAQ Background – G6 IT

Not at all. Small and mid-sized businesses are frequently targeted by cyberattacks precisely because they tend to have fewer defenses in place. And when it comes to compliance, the requirements don’t scale down just because your organization is smaller. A defense subcontractor with 30 employees faces the same 110 CMMC controls as a contractor with…

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What happens after the risk assessment is complete?

FAQ Background – G6 IT

You receive a detailed findings report with a prioritized remediation roadmap, a compliance scorecard showing where you stand against your target framework and clear documentation of gaps that need to be addressed. From there, we can help you build documentation such as a System Security Plan (SSP) and a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M).…

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We already have an internal IT person. Can’t they handle this?

FAQ Background – G6 IT

Your internal IT team plays a critical role in day-to-day operations, which is exactly why they often don’t have the bandwidth or specialized expertise to handle a full-scale risk assessment and audit preparation effort. Compliance work requires deep knowledge of specific frameworks, documentation standards and assessor expectations. Our advisors work alongside your team, filling the…

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How long does it take to become audit-ready?

FAQ Background – G6 IT

It depends on your starting point and the complexity of your technology environment. Organizations that have already implemented some controls may need three to six months of focused work. Those starting from scratch, especially for CMMC Level 2, should plan for six to twelve months. The earlier you begin, the more time you have to…

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What is the difference between a risk assessment and an audit?

FAQ Background – G6 IT

A risk assessment is something you initiate proactively. It evaluates your current security posture against a framework, identifies gaps and produces a remediation plan. In contrast, an audit is typically conducted by an external assessor to verify that you meet a specific standard, such as a CMMC Level 2 certification assessment performed by a C3PAO.…

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How do I know which compliance framework applies to my business?

FAQ Background – G6 IT

The framework you need depends on your industry, the type of data you handle and who you do business with. Defense contractors and subcontractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) need to comply with NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC. Healthcare organizations fall under HIPAA. Companies that process credit card transactions must meet PCI DSS requirements. Many…

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