This guide provides a step-by-step framework to implement your GRC program using Vanta, ensuring your team is audit-ready, cross-functional stakeholders are aligned, and your foundational security program is centralized and scalable.

GRC Key Terms Glossary

Term	Definition
GRC (Governance, Risk & Compliance)	A structured program that aligns organizational policies, risk management, and compliance with external frameworks (e.g., SOC 2, ISO).
Kick-off Call	The first implementation meeting between the customer and Vanta was to align on roles, scope, and goals.
Workspaces	Separate program environments used to manage distinct business entities or subsidiaries within a single Vanta account.
Framework Segmentation	A method to divide GRC responsibilities by frameworks (e.g., SOC 2 vs. HIPAA) within a single workspace.
Implementation Plan	A shared project plan between the customer and Vanta outlining tasks, timelines, and owners across all phases.
Hubs	Core functional areas within Vanta (e.g., Controls, Policies, Risks) that structure the implementation and ongoing program.
Controls	Specific actions or processes an organization implements to meet compliance requirements (e.g., password policies, encryption).
Frameworks	Industry standards and regulations that dictate compliance requirements (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA).
Policy Builder	Vanta’s built-in tool to draft, approve, and manage security and privacy policies.
Risk Register	A catalog of known risks to the organization, along with severity, ownership, and mitigation plans.
Treatment Plan	The documented strategy for mitigating or accepting a given risk in the risk register.
Vulnerabilities	Security flaws have been detected in integrated systems or reported manually that require remediation.
Access Reviews	Periodic checks to ensure the right individuals have the correct access to sensitive systems.
Personnel Onboarding	The process of assigning and tracking individual tasks (e.g., training, policy reviews) to team members within Vanta.
Slack/Teams Notifications	Communication integrations that help surface alerts and reminders within your team’s preferred chat tools.
Audit Engagement	Initiating a formal audit (internal or external), often scheduled in Vanta, signals program maturity.

30-60-90 Day Plan

Timeframe	Focus	Outcomes
First 30 Days	Onboarding & Planning	Kick-off complete, stakeholders identified, implementation plan aligned
First 60 Days	Core Buildout	Controls, policies, integrations, and risks set up; first passing tests
First 90 Days	Operational & Audit-Ready	GRC elements are functional, evidence mapped, risks treated, and test coverage achieved
First 6 Months	Audit Engagement	Reports are shared, team accountability is in place, and the audit is either in progress or complete.

Best Practices for Success

Use the implementation plan as your North Star: Update regularly and review during syncs.
Assign owners early: Every hub (controls, policies, risks) benefits from clear ownership.
Track “first-time-to-value” milestones**: Celebrate when your first test passes or your first policy is approved.
Leverage integrations: Automate where possible (Jira, Slack, etc.) for efficiency.
Build toward continuous monitoring: Use Vanta’s automation to reduce manual audit prep over time.

Stage 1: Onboarding (Weeks 1–4)

Goal: Align stakeholders, define success, and build your project plan.

Key Activities:

Schedule and complete your kick-off call with Vanta
Identify key stakeholders, decision-makers, and implementation roles
Confirm scoping approach (e.g., workspaces vs. framework segmentation)
Review existing program elements (controls, policies, risks, auditor selection)
Finalize your customized GRC implementation plan (shared during kickoff)
Configure platform basics (user access, notifications)

Stage 2: Program Import & Setup (Months 1–3)

Goal: Build out your full GRC program within Vanta.

Key Activities (organized into hubs):

Integrations: Connect critical systems (IDP, cloud, source control, task trackers)
Controls & Frameworks: Configure frameworks, import controls, map to tests
Policies: Import/draft policies, approve, and map to controls
Risks: Add existing risk register entries and configure new risk scenarios
Vulnerabilities: Integrate vulnerability management tools and log remediation actions
Personnel Onboarding: Assign tasks by group, manage in-scope users
Access Reviews: Complete your first review across key systems
Vendors: Add vendor list and assign inherent risk (non-VRM)

Milestone: You have a centralized GRC foundation and a clear picture of your current security posture.

Stage 3: Internal Assurance & Audit Prep (Months 3–6)

Goal: Finalize readiness for internal or external audits.

Key Activities:

Assign test/document owners and remediate any failures
Upload missing evidence and complete manual test items
Finalize risk treatment plans and approvals
Ensure personnel have completed their assigned tasks
Schedule your audit or create your internal assessment
Share compliance reports with stakeholders or leadership

Milestone: You’re ready to begin an internal or external audit.

Stage 5: Navigating Internal & External Audits

Your GRC program isn’t just about preparation—it’s about proving your organization’s security posture. Whether you're pursuing a SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, or another framework, here’s how to make your audit experience smooth, efficient, and successful using Vanta.

Preparing for Your Audit

Assign Document & Test Owners
- Ensure every test and policy has a clear owner to avoid last-minute scrambling.
- Owners should be notified of test failures via Vanta (or through Jira if integrated).
Remediate Failing Tests Early
- Use your implementation plan to prioritize passing key tests first.
- Leverage automation to track which evidence needs manual uploads.
Upload Manual Evidence
- Use auditor-ready formats (e.g., PDF, screenshots, signed docs) when automation isn’t available.
- Align uploads with IRL (Evidence Request List) requirements from your auditor, if applicable.
Complete Risk & Vulnerability Tasks
- Ensure your risk register is up to date with ownership and treatment plans.
- Review open vulnerabilities, and either remediate or log them into your risk register if unaddressable.
Finalize Personnel Tasks
- Confirm that all assigned team members have completed the required training and task assignments.
- Follow up using Slack/MS Teams or within Vanta to nudge completion.

Collaborating with Your Auditor

Identify & Invite Your Auditor
- If your auditor uses Vanta, add them via the audit creation flow so they can begin reviewing data directly.
  If they’re not yet in the Vanta network, ask them to join—this enables seamless collaboration and reduced manual evidence sharing.
Provide an IRL (Evidence Request List)
- If your auditor has an IRL, share it with your Vanta CSM to align tests and evidence mapping within the platform.
Grant the Right Permissions
- Your auditor should be assigned “Auditor” permissions to limit access while still providing necessary visibility.

During the Audit

Create Your Audit in Vanta
- Choose the appropriate framework and auditor
- Add a target date to help your team stay aligned
Use the Audit View
- Track outstanding evidence
- Assign owners to in-progress tasks
- Monitor real-time completion status