Why Governance, Risk and Compliance?

Having a Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) program is vital in application security to establish clear policies, manage security risks proactively, and ensure adherence to regulatory standards across the software lifecycle. It provides a structured framework for evaluating and mitigating application risks aligned with business objectives, reducing the likelihood of data breaches and operational disruptions. Modern GRC implementations use platforms like ServiceNow GRC, RSA Archer, and OneTrust, combined with automated compliance mapping and continuous risk monitoring to streamline workflows and reporting. Techniques such as automated control testing, risk scoring, policy-as-code, and real-time compliance dashboards enhance visibility and responsiveness. Standards like ISO/IEC 27001, NIST 800-53, SOC 2, and OWASP ASVS guide the development of secure applications while ensuring regulatory compliance and stakeholder assurance.