What are Gap Assessments? 

A gap assessment identifies the differences, or "gaps," between an organization's current practices, processes, or performance and a desired standard or benchmark. In security and compliance, a gap assessment typically involves evaluating an organization's existing security measures, policies, and procedures against industry standards, regulatory requirements, or best practices. The goal is to pinpoint areas where the organization falls short and needs improvement to achieve compliance or enhance security posture. This assessment helps organizations prioritize actions to address vulnerabilities and align more closely with required or optimal standards.

A company might perform a gap assessment for its security program when preparing for an upcoming audit, aiming to achieve compliance with new regulations or after adopting a new security framework or standard. It could also be done after experiencing a security incident to identify weaknesses in their current practices. Additionally, a gap assessment might be conducted when the company is planning to expand its operations, introduce new technology, or integrate with another organization, ensuring that its security measures are up to date and sufficient for the new scope of work.

Is it a Requirement? 

A gap assessment is not strictly required before an audit but is highly recommended. A gap assessment helps an organization identify and address any shortcomings in its security program or compliance efforts, reducing the risk of finding significant issues during the audit. This proactive approach allows the organization to make necessary improvements and ensures they are better prepared, ultimately increasing the likelihood of a successful audit outcome.

Can I Perform a Gap assessment in Vanta? 

Yes! Learn more about Gap assessments in Vanta, here.