GRC (Governance, Risk , and Compliance) is an essential cybersecurity framework that allows for effective cybersecurity management, not just through the lens of “technical solutions” (which are necessary but not sufficient), but with a risk-based approach. It consists of three key elements: governance to oversee security; risk management to identify, assess, and address risks; and compliance to comply with applicable regulations and standards. GRC helps organizations protect their intangible assets and ensure the resilience of their information systems against cyber threats.
Why have a GRC cell at an integrator?
Doing CRM with an integrator offers a double advantage for our clients: it is both a pragmatic and a technical approach.
At Nomios, we leverage our business expertise to assess the situation based on regulations (directives, standards, etc.) but also on the specific technical infrastructure of each organization. This allows us to identify gaps between security requirements and the current state of systems and processes. Once these gaps are identified, we can clearly and precisely explain and prioritize how to close them to strengthen the organization's cybersecurity.
We then define a risk treatment plan adapted to the needs of each client, including both organisational measures , such as governance and internal process management actions, and technical measures such as data protection solutions or data security tools.
By supporting our clients in the implementation of these organizational and technical measures, we ensure effective and sustainable cybersecurity risk management , strengthening security while optimizing operations.
Governance & Cybersecurity
One example of Nomios' cybersecurity governance approach is outsourcing the CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) function, enabling an organization to benefit from specialized expertise in cybersecurity risk management and the protection of sensitive assets. This ensures a structured approach to securing information systems while meeting cybersecurity compliance requirements.
The actions of an RSSI can be structured around three main activities:
- This includes implementing processes, procedures, reference documents, and best practices to ensure infrastructure security. A concrete example, which motivated us in 2024, was crisis management preparation, enabling the company to respond effectively in the event of a security incident (processes, policies, procedures, and exercises).
- The CISO conducts cybersecurity audits to verify the effectiveness of existing security measures. These audits can be technical, such as penetration testing (black box, gray box, or white box pentests), or governance-related, to ensure, for example, that the security policy complies with standards and regulatory requirements such as ISO27001 or NIS.
- The CISO also plays a crucial role in communication, both internally and externally. This can include raising employee awareness of cybersecurity through dedicated tools, or communicating with management to outline risks, incidents, and security strategies. They are also the preferred contact for authorities.
Design
Control
Communicate
Definition of risks
Cyber risk has become a major strategic issue for all organizations, and at Nomios, we have chosen to adopt a risk-based approach to effectively address the security challenges businesses face. GRC ( Governance, Risk and Compliance) risk management helps identify, assess and manage risks in a proactive and structured manner, ensuring business resilience against threats.
According to Anssi, “It is estimated that only a third of VSEs and SMEs are considered to be properly prepared. However, the consequences of a cyberattack are dramatic: the risk of business failure increases by around 50% in the six months following the announcement of the incident, according to a recent study by an insurer.”
In its role as auditor, the outsourced CISO plays a key role in challenging the company's internal processes, providing an external and therefore objective perspective. This external perspective is essential for an in-depth analysis of vulnerabilities and for recommending appropriate solutions. To structure this approach, Nomios relies on recognised methods such as EBIOS RM and ISO 27005, ensuring risk management in line with industry best practices and standards.
We secure what we know.
Another crucial step in the risk management process is conducting a BIA (Business Impact Analysis). Based on this, it is essential to have a detailed understanding of your information system and the different criticality levels of its components. This is what a BIA is for, and it is one of the first things a CISO does when taking up their position. The BIA is the process that allows you to work with the business lines to identify the different criticality levels of their applications and to determine whether the information system is aligned with the business lines' needs.
Why is compliance with cybersecurity standards essential?
Cybersecurity compliance involves complying with the various standards , regulations and frameworks that organizations are subject to, such as NIS2, DORA, TISAX, SOLVENCY 2 , REC , CRA , etc. The goal is to identify risks, address them proactively, and accept a residual risk level . Standards are designed to protect the organization and strengthen its overall level of cybersecurity. They are not just a legal constraint, but a way to adapt protection to the real risks the company faces and therefore increase the level of overall cybersecurity.
Control
By complying with these standards, the organisation effectively protects itself against cyber threats and reduces information security risks. Compliance is also a lever to reduce the cost of cyber insurance . Indeed, a well-compliant company demonstrates a solid commitment to cybersecurity, which can lead to reductions in insurance premiums. In addition, risk management and GRC (Governance, Risk and Compliance) provide tangible evidence of compliance, which is essential to ensure the organization's security and resilience against threats.
- The European NIS 2 directive, currently being transposed into national law, strengthens the cybersecurity of critical and highly critical infrastructures by defining two types of entities: important entities and essential entities. It imposes risk management measures, incident reporting, and cooperation between Member States. The penalties are intentionally highly dissuasive. Organizations that fail to comply with the directive can be subject to fines of up to €10 million or 2% of their annual global turnover.
- The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) aims to strengthen the digital operational resilience of EU financial institutions. It imposes strict requirements for digital risk management, business continuity, and incident management. Organizations must ensure the security of their information systems, particularly against cyber threats. Failure to comply with the regulation can result in financial penalties, including significant fines.
- Unlike the two previous regulations (NIS 2 and DORA), ISO 27001 is not mandatory but represents a competitive advantage for organizations that hold the certification. It defines the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an information security management system (ISMS). It allows organizations to effectively protect their sensitive information against cyber threats by identifying, assessing, and addressing risks. Failure to comply with the standard can result in loss of certification, affecting the reputation and trust of partners.
- The IEC 62443 standard defines security requirements for industrial automation and control systems (IACS). It aims to ensure the protection of critical infrastructure from cyber threats by providing guidelines for risk management, secure system design, and ongoing security maintenance. Failure to comply with this standard can expose organizations to increased vulnerabilities and risks, as well as impacts on their reputation and regulatory compliance.
NIS 2
DORA
ISO27001
IEC 62443
Get in touch with our security experts
Our team is available for a quick call or video meeting. Let's connect and discuss your security challenges, dive into vendor comparison reports, or talk about your upcoming IT-projects. We are here to help.
