Mayer Et al-ISO Compliant IT GRC Model v2.0
Mayer Et al-ISO Compliant IT GRC Model v2.0
1 Introduction
Today, it is clearly acknowledged that Information Technology (IT) is no more only a
technical issue. Indeed, IT organization has evolved from technology providers to
service providers and, according to Peterson [1], “Whereas the domain of IT Man-
agement focuses on the efficient and effective supply of IT services and products, and
the management of IT operations, IT Governance faces the dual demand of (1) con-
tributing to present business operations and performance, and (2) transforming and
positioning IT for meeting future business challenges”. Thus, the complexity and
importance of IT in companies involve a necessary governance layer. Such a govern-
ance layer generally encompasses risk management and compliance as steering tools.
This evolution has implied the adoption of a new paradigm in IT, coming from the
business world, usually referred to as “GRC”. GRC is an umbrella acronym covering
the three disciplines of governance, risk management and compliance.
The main challenge of GRC is to have an approach as integrated as possible to
governance, risk management and compliance. The aim is to improve effectiveness
and efficiency of the three disciplines, mainly compared to the traditional silo ap-
adfa, p. 1, 2011.
© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011
proach generally performed within organizations. Basically, according to Racz et al.,
GRC can be defined as “an integrated, holistic approach to organization-wide govern-
ance, risk and compliance ensuring that an organization acts ethically correct and in
accordance with its risk appetite, internal policies and external regulations through the
alignment of strategy, processes, technology and people, thereby improving efficiency
and effectiveness” [2].
It is usually acknowledged that GRC in general (i.e. corporate GRC), and more
specifically IT GRC, has currently received very few attention from the scientific
community [3]. However, some reference models for IT GRC have recently emerged
[3, 4] and propose relevant processes towards an integrated approach of governance,
risk management and compliance for IT. These integrated frameworks rely on various
sources, such as formal standards, de facto standards, or scientific models, but it is
difficult to select and adopt adequate underlying models, and even more difficult to
justify their selection is sound [3].
However, at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) level, the
three individual domains of GRC have been considered as mature enough to be stand-
ardized at an international level (see Section 3). International standards have been
developed for IT governance [5], risk management [6], and very recently for compli-
ance [7]. Nevertheless, to the best of our knowledge, there is no published standard
(or standard in progress) dealing with an integrated approach for IT GRC.
Our aim is to define an integrated IT GRC model with the widest range of adop-
tion. Our main assumption is that such a model should be based on ISO standards,
representing by nature an international consensus. The objective of the paper is thus
to specifically focus on defining an ISO compliant IT GRC integrated model. To do
so, we analyse in this paper the ISO standards related to the GRC field and propose a
structured way of integration.
Section 2 describes the related work by surveying existing IT GRC models and ap-
proaches. Section 3 is an overview of the standards for IT governance, (IT) risk man-
agement and (IT) compliance at the ISO level. Section 4 is about the construction of
an ISO compliant IT GRC model, comprising the analysis of the existing ISO stand-
ards and their integration in an integrated model. Finally, Section 5 draws conclusions
about the results and proposes some future work.
2 Related work
As stated in the introduction, our scope is focused on IT GRC that can be considered
as a subset of corporate GRC [3]. Considering the lack of scientific references about
IT GRC, we will also consider in this section some integrated approaches for corpo-
rate GRC, where IT GRC is contained.
Racz et al. have proposed a frame of reference for integrated GRC composed of
three subjects (Governance, Risk Management and Compliance), four components
(strategy, processes, technology and people), and rules associated to the subjects (re-
spectively internal policies, risk appetite and external regulations) [2]. From this
frame of reference, they have then defined a process model for integrated IT GRC
management [3]. This process model is based on a mix between an ISO standard
(ISO/IEC 38500 [5]), an industrial standard (Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) —
Integrated Framework [8] developed by COSO), and research results.
Based on the IT GRC process model of Racz et al., Vicente and da Silva have pro-
posed a business process viewpoint of IT GRC. Their research result is based on a
merger between a conceptual model for GRC they defined [9] and the IT GRC pro-
cess model of Racz et al. [3]. They have designed their business viewpoint for inte-
grated IT GRC by modelling with ArchiMate [10], an enterprise architecture model-
ling language, the merger model and completing it with the business objects used
between the business processes.
The Open Compliance and Ethics Group (OCEG), an industry-led non-profit or-
ganization, has published in 2012 the last release of the “GRC capability model (Red
Book)” [11]. It is based on the so-called “Principled Performance” concept – a point
of view and approach to business that helps organizations reliably achieve objectives
while addressing uncertainty (both risk and reward) and acting with integrity (honour-
ing both mandatory commitments and voluntary promises) – enabled by the GRC
function in an organization. The scope of the GRC capability model is corporate
GRC, and OCEG claims no compliance of their document to ISO standards or other
references. COBIT 5 [12] is another governance framework owned by the Infor-
mation Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), a non-profit organization.
This framework for the governance and management of Enterprise IT helps enterpris-
es to create optimal value from IT by maintaining a balance between realizing bene-
fits and optimizing risk levels and resource use. This framework is consistent with the
ISO/IEC 38500:2015 [5] standard and can be considered as a pragmatic way to im-
plement its concepts and principles within the organizations.
Gericke et al. have developed and evaluated a situational method that supports the
implementation of an integrated GRC solution [13]. However, they are more con-
cerned by rollout aspects than by organizational and recurring processes of GRC.
Asnar & Massacci have developed another method, entitled “SI*-GRC” [14], com-
prising a modelling framework, an analysis process, analytical techniques, and a sup-
porting software tool. This method is dedicated to information security and the out-
come is the analysis and design of suited security controls.
Finally, some high-level frameworks have been established for GRC. We can men-
tion the RSA GRC Reference Architecture [15] providing a visual representation of
GRC within an organization, its guiding principles and its final objectives. Frigo &
Anderson have proposed a “Strategic Governance, Risk, and Compliance Frame-
work” composed of three layers [16]. Paulus has proposed a “GRC Reference Archi-
tecture” [17] consisting in four steps to follow (requirements modelling, status inves-
tigation, situation improvement, and crisis and incident management). Last but not
least, Krey et al. developed an “IT GRC Health Care Framework” [18], taking care of
health specific characteristics.
As a conclusion, a set of references and/or models have been established for GRC
(and sometimes for IT GRC), but none of them propose an integrated and ISO com-
pliant approach. The sources used for the construction of these models are generally
mixing formal standards (i.e. standards established by formal standards organizations
such as ISO, IEC or ITU), de facto standards arising from industrial consortia, and
research results.
3 Overview of the ISO standards for IT governance, (IT) risk
management and (IT) compliance
In this section, an overview of the ISO standards for IT governance, IT risk manage-
ment and IT compliance (respectively ISO/IEC 38500:2015 [5], ISO 31000:2009 [6],
and ISO 19600:2014 [7]) is performed. It is worth to note that ISO/IEC 38500:2015 is
published by both ISO and IEC. IT being considered as an overlapping standardiza-
tion domain between the respective scopes of ISO and IEC, they created in 1987 a
Joint Technical Committee (JTC), known as ISO/IEC JTC1, to develop standards in
the IT domain. In the next sections, each standard is presented first from an overall
perspective, then from a structure perspective, and finally from a process perspective.
3.1 IT Governance
The reference document for IT governance at the ISO level is the ISO/IEC
38500:2015 standard [5] entitled “Information Technology — Governance of IT —
for the organization”. This International Standard is the flagship standard of the
ISO/IEC 38500 series. The objective of ISO/IEC 38500:2015 is to provide guiding
principles for governing bodies on the effective, efficient, and acceptable use of IT
within their organizations. It also provides guidance to those advising, informing, or
assisting governing bodies. The governance of IT is considered here as a subset of
organizational governance (or corporate governance). ISO/IEC 38500:2015 is appli-
cable to all types of organizations (i.e. public and private companies, government
entities, not-for-profit organizations), whatever their size and regardless of the extent
of their use of IT.
ISO/IEC TR 38502:2014 [19] provides guidance on the nature and mechanisms of
governance and management together with the relationships between them, in the
context of IT within an organization. The purpose of this Technical Report is to pro-
vide information on a framework and model that can be used to establish the bounda-
ries and relationships between governance and management of an organization’s cur-
rent and future use of IT.
Source of Authority
Regulatory Stakeholders
Obligations Expectations
The Governing
Body
Business Business
Evaluate
Pressures needs
Direct Monitor
Proposals & Plans
Strategy & Policies
Conformance
Performance
Managers
Structure: ISO 31000:2009 is structured in three main parts. The first one provides a
set of eleven principles an organization should comply with for risk management to
be effective. The second part is a high-level framework which main objective is to
assist the organization to integrate risk management into its overall management sys-
tem. This framework lies on a continual improvement cycle and suggest having such
an approach for risk management. Finally, the last core part of the standard is the
process to follow, embedded in the different phases of the general framework, and
that is of main interest in this paper.
3.3 IT Compliance
There is no dedicated IT compliance standard at the ISO level. Thus, the reference
document for IT compliance is the ISO 19600:2014 standard [7] entitled “Compliance
management systems — Guidelines”. This standard provides guidance for establish-
ing, developing, implementing, evaluating, maintaining and improving an effective
and responsive compliance management system within an organization. Compliance
is to be considered here as an outcome of an organization meeting its obligations, and
is made sustainable by embedding it in the culture of the organization and in the be-
haviour and attitude of people working for it. The standard is based on the principles
of good governance, proportionality, transparency and sustainability. The guidelines
provided are applicable to all types of organizations.
Structure: The standard has adopted the so-called “high-level structure” developed
by ISO to align the different management system standards. It consists of a fixed
clause sequence, including common text and common terminology, which is complet-
ed with specific guidance on compliance management. The core of the standard is
thus structured in seven main clauses (from Clause 4 to 10) that can be represented
under the form of a flowchart described in more details in the next paragraph.
Identification of
external and internal
Establishing the context issues
Determining the scope
and establishing the Good governance
compliance principles
management system
Identification of
Risk assessment interested parties
Communication and consultation
ESTABLISH
Establishing
Monitoring and review
Risk identification
compliance policy
Regarding ISO 31000:2009, the risk management process is part of the implemen-
tation step of the risk management framework, which is “intended […] to assist the
organization to integrate risk management into its overall management system” [6]. In
line with the preceding quote, we claim that to perform a compliance-related risk
management process conforming with the ISO 31000:2009 process is fully aligned
with ISO 19600:2014 requirements:
By identifying external and internal issues, interested parties coming with
their requirements, and following good governance principles, we are able to
determine the scope and establish the compliance management system, then
to establish the compliance policy (see Fig. 2). By doing this set of activities,
we have especially established the context of the organization from a risk
management perspective, including the definition of the risk-related scope,
objectives and context.
The next step about identification of compliance obligations (including re-
quirements the organization has to comply with and requirements it chooses
to comply with) and evaluation of related compliance risks consists in a risk
assessment according to ISO 31000:2009.
Finally, planning to address compliance risks and to achieve objectives in-
cludes a risk treatment process as described in ISO 31000:2009.
The other sets of requirements of ISO 19600:2014 that are related respectively to
implementation of actions planned, performance evaluation, improvement of the
compliance management system, and lastly compliance management system support
activities (e.g., leadership commitment, roles and responsibilities, document manage-
ment, etc.) are not directly related to the risk management process, but will provide
the relevant and necessary inputs for the risk monitoring and review activity, as re-
quired by ISO 31000:2009. As a conclusion, when establishing a compliance man-
agement system, it is relevant to deal with risk-related activities through an ISO
31000:2009 process.
Table 1. Compliance and risk management activities related to the governing body
Active involvement in
the compliance man-
agement system
Define the risk appetite Review and approve Ensure that there is an
Risk Management
relating to the use of IT strategy based on risks adequate audit coverage
and specific control of IT related risk man-
requirements Approve key risk man- agement
agement practices such
as those relating to
security and business
continuity
Evaluate what is an
acceptable risk to the
organization
[5.1] The governing body and top management should demonstrate leadership and
commitment with respect to the compliance management system […]
[5.2.1] The governing body and top management, preferably in consultation with
employees, should establish a compliance policy that:
[…] and should be endorsed by the governing body
[5.3.1] The governing body and top management should assign the responsibility
and authority to the compliance function for […]
b) reporting on the performance of the compliance management system to the gov-
erning body and top management
[5.3.2] The active involvement of, and supervision by, governing body and top
management is an integral part of an effective compliance management system
[5.3.3] The governing body and top management should: […]
c) include compliance responsibilities in position statements of top managers
d) appoint or nominate a compliance function […]
[[Link]] The development of a compliance culture requires the active, visible,
consistent and sustained commitment of the governing body […]
[9.1.7] The governing body […] should ensure that they are effectively informed
on the performance of the organization’s compliance management system and of
its continuing adequacy […]
[10.1.2] Where appropriate, escalation should be to top management and the gov-
erning body, including relevant committees
In ISO 31000:2009, there is no separation of responsibilities between the manage-
ment and the governing body. The different activities to be performed are formulated
in a general manner, stating that “the organisation should […]”. However, ISO/IEC
TR 38502:2014, aiming at defining a framework and model about IT governance,
provides further information about the role and responsibilities of the governing body,
with regards, mainly, to risk management related to IT, but also some related to com-
pliance:
[3.3] The strategies and policies for the use of IT set by the governing body and
communicated to managers should provide the basis for the application of govern-
ance to the management systems of the organization. […] They may include:
─ Risk appetite relating to the use of IT and specific control requirements
[4.1.2] For example, the governing body should ensure that there is adequate audit
coverage of IT related risk management, control, and governance processes as
part of the audit approach
[4.2.2] The governing body should approve the organization’s business strategy
for IT taking into account the implications of the strategy for achieving business
objectives and any associated risks that might arise
[4.3.2] In respect of IT, the governing body typically retains involvement in such
things as:
─ Approval of key risk management practices such as those relating to security
and business continuity.
[4.2.2] The governing body should ensure that the organization's external and
internal environment are regularly monitored and analysed to determine if there is
a need to review and, when appropriate, revise the strategy for IT and any associ-
ated policies.
[4.5.2] The governing body should set policies on internal control taking into ac-
count what is an acceptable risk to the organization. This should include the risk
appetite relating to the use of IT and specific control requirements.
Moreover, ISO/IEC TR 38502:2014 recommends to have a compliance committee
and a risk management committee respectively for compliance and risk management
in order to deal with the activities listed in Table 1.