Information Security & GRC
Governance and compliance that drives security — not just passes audits.
Compliance is not security. But done well, a compliance program builds the governance infrastructure — policies, controls, risk management, vendor oversight — that makes security sustainable. Done poorly, it produces shelf-ware: policies nobody follows, risk registers nobody updates, and audit artifacts that exist only for the auditor.
Deep Layer builds GRC programs that work year-round, not just during audit season. Policies written to describe your actual environment. Risk registers with governance processes that keep them current. Compliance readiness that maps directly to the controls you already operate. Third-party risk management that catches the vendors that matter.
Challenges We Address
The problems that bring clients to us.
Audit Readiness Gaps
Controls exist in practice but evidence collection is ad hoc. Audit prep is a scramble. Gaps are discovered during fieldwork, not before.
Generic Policies
Policy library was built from templates. It does not describe your actual environment, controls, or organizational structure. Employees cannot follow policies that do not reflect reality.
Stale Risk Registers
Risk register was created during the last assessment and has not been updated since. No governance process to keep it current. Risk decisions are made without data.
Third-Party Blind Spots
SOC 2 reports are filed but not reviewed. Vendors are onboarded without security assessment. No contractual security requirements. No offboarding process.
Multi-Framework Complexity
Multiple frameworks apply (SOC 2 + HIPAA + PCI) but controls are not rationalized across them. Duplicate evidence collection. Conflicting requirements not reconciled.
Ideal Clients
Who this is built for.
Service Offerings
What we deliver.
Security Program Assessment
AssessmentFoundational diagnostic — a program-level maturity assessment against a recognized framework (NIST CSF, ISO 27001, CIS Controls, or custom hybrid) producing a scored baseline and actionable roadmap.
Security Policy & Standards Library
Program DevelopmentComplete policy library authored in your organization's voice — structured architecture of parent policies and supporting standards, mapped to compliance frameworks.
Compliance Program Build
Program DevelopmentEnd-to-end readiness for SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, HIPAA, or CMMC — policies, control matrix, evidence collection processes, and operational model for continuous compliance.
Enterprise Risk Management
Program DevelopmentFormal ERM program — risk management framework, populated operational risk register, risk appetite and tolerance statements, and board/executive reporting.
Third-Party Risk Management
Program DevelopmentStructured TPRM program — vendor inventory and tiering, assessment questionnaires, contractual security requirements, and ongoing monitoring across the vendor lifecycle.
Incident Response Readiness
Program DevelopmentIR plan, scenario-specific playbooks, communication frameworks, and a facilitated tabletop exercise — building the preparedness infrastructure for when incidents occur.
Data Security & Classification
Program DevelopmentData classification framework with handling requirements, critical data flow mapping, DLP strategy, and retention alignment.
Security Awareness & Training
Program DevelopmentProgram design — role-based training curriculum, phishing simulation framework, policy acknowledgement process, and behavior-change metrics.
BCP/DR Security Alignment
AssessmentSecurity-focused BCP/DR evaluation — ransomware resilience, backup immutability, recovery access controls, and continuity plan security alignment.
Vendor Security Assessment Execution
AssessmentIndependent security assessment of a specific vendor or supplier — structured questionnaire, documentation review, independent technical validation, and risk-rated findings with contractual protection recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions.
How long does it take to get SOC 2 Type II ready?
The compliance program build takes 5-10 weeks. After that, you enter a 3-12 month observation period where controls must operate consistently before the Type II audit. Total timeline from zero to audit-ready is typically 6-12 months.
Can you support multiple frameworks at once?
Yes. Control rationalization across frameworks (e.g., SOC 2 + HIPAA + ISO 27001) is a core capability. Overlapping controls are mapped once and evidenced once, reducing duplication.
Do you perform the audits themselves?
No. Deep Layer builds audit readiness — the controls, documentation, evidence processes, and organizational preparedness. The actual audit must be performed by an independent CPA firm (for SOC 2) or accredited certification body (for ISO 27001).
Related Practice Areas
Security problems cross boundaries.
Ready to discuss information security & grc?
30-minute discovery call. We will discuss your environment, your challenges, and whether there is a fit — no sales pitch.