Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) is crucial for managing an organization's overall operations, particularly in cybersecurity. While many organizations might turn to proprietary solutions, there's a wealth of open-source tools that provide robust, community-backed alternatives, which can be attractive to SMBs on a limited budget . Open-source tools can be even more attractive when you consider that many of these free tools are in use not only at small businesses, but also at major enterprises.

In this blog post, we'll explore six such tools that might not be on your radar, but are certainly worth considering for your GRC strategy.

1. Cloud Security Alliance's Cloud Controls Matrix

A graphic representing the Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM)

The Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM) from the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) is a comprehensive framework designed to help organizations assess the security of cloud service providers (CSPs). It outlines security controls across 17 domains, including governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC), specifically tailored for cloud environments. The CCM helps in understanding shared responsibilities between the cloud provider and the customer, making it an essential tool for cloud security assurance. It aligns with various standards like ISO 27001 and NIST, providing a structured approach to evaluating security risks. The latest version, CCM v4, introduces enhancements like a new domain for Log and Monitoring, further emphasizing its role in comprehensive GRC management. The CCM not only aids in security but also in compliance with regulations across different regions. You can explore more about the CCM and download it for free from CSA's website.

2. Spyderisk

A screenshot of the Spyderisk application

Spyderisk is an open-source project hosted on GitHub that aims to simplify risk management processes. Originally developed at the University of Southampton in England, it offers an intuitive interface for risk assessment, modeling, and reporting, which are key aspects of GRC. Spyderisk focuses on operational risk by providing tools for risk identification, analysis, and mitigation planning. The platform allows for the customization of risk frameworks, making it adaptable to various organizational needs, including compliance with standards like ISO 31000 for risk management. It supports both qualitative and quantitative risk assessment methods, helping organizations to not only manage but also visualize their risk landscape effectively. Spyderisk's community-driven development ensures it stays relevant and up to date with current needs in risk management. For those interested in deploying an open-source solution for operational risk, Spyderisk is accessible on GitHub.

3. CSET Tool from CISA and Idaho National Laboratory

A screenshot of the CSET tool

The Cyber Security Evaluation Tool (CSET) is developed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in collaboration with Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This tool is specifically geared towards evaluating the cybersecurity posture of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and other critical infrastructure, although it can also be used for other purposes. CSET covers various GRC areas by providing a comprehensive assessment of an organization's cybersecurity capabilities and vulnerabilities. It includes risk assessment modules, compliance checks with frameworks like NIST SP 800-53, and generates detailed reports for strategic decision-making. CSET is particularly useful for organizations looking to enhance their security governance, manage compliance with federal regulations, and mitigate risks in operational technology environments. Access to CSET is available through CISA's GitHub repository, where you can also find resources for training and further understanding its application.

4. OpenSCAP by Red Hat

A screenshot of the OpenSCAP tool

OpenSCAP by Red Hat is a toolkit for automating security policy compliance scanning. It integrates with various GRC platforms by providing capabilities to assess system security, compliance, and vulnerability management. OpenSCAP supports multiple standards like SCAP (Security Content Automation Protocol), which includes tools for configuration checking, vulnerability scanning, and patch verification. This makes it particularly valuable for organizations needing to maintain compliance with security policies and standards like PCI-DSS or DISA STIGs. OpenSCAP's open-source nature allows for extensive customization, enabling users to tailor scans to their specific compliance needs. The project facilitates better governance by automating the tedious aspects of compliance checks, thereby reducing human error and enhancing security posture. Learn more and download it from OpenSCAP's official site.

5. CISO Assistant

A screenshot of the CISO Assistant tool

CISO Assistant, offered by Intuitem, is an open-source platform that serves as a one-stop-shop for GRC, with a strong focus on cybersecurity management. This tool supports over 70 frameworks worldwide, including NIST CSF, ISO 27001, SOC2, and GDPR, making it versatile for various compliance needs. CISO Assistant features auto-mapping capabilities to streamline the compliance process across different standards, reducing manual efforts in mapping controls. The platform also includes functionalities for evidence collection, threat modeling, and remediation tracking, which are crucial for effective governance and risk management. Its open-source nature fosters a community approach to improvements and customization. You can delve into CISO Assistant's capabilities and contribute to its development on GitHub.

6. OpenRMF

A screenshot of the OpenRMF tool

OpenRMF is an open-source tool designed to manage US Government compliance processes such as FedRAMP, DISA checklists, and RMF documentation. It automates much of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) by handling STIG checklists, system scans (by leveraging the aforementioned OpenSCAP), and generating compliance reports. OpenRMF focuses on simplifying the traditionally cumbersome process of managing security controls, vulnerabilities, and compliance artifacts. It provides features for tracking system packages, exporting reports like POA&M (Plan of Action and Milestones), and Test Plan summaries, which address key GRC areas such as compliance, risk assessment, and audit preparation. OpenRMF leverages role-based access control to ensure secure data management and supports collaboration among team members. This tool is particularly beneficial for entities dealing with government-specific compliance, offering a centralized, web-based solution to manage RMF data. More details and access are available at OpenRMF's website.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking to assess cloud security, manage operational risks, evaluate critical infrastructure cybersecurity, or automate compliance scans, open-source GRC tools can offer valuable insights and functionalities, without the hefty cost of some commercial solutions. Adopting open-source solutions not only reduces costs but also promotes community involvement in continuous improvement, ensuring your GRC practices remain cutting-edge and aligned with current standards. Remember, while these tools provide a solid foundation, their effectiveness depends on how well they are integrated into your overall strategy and organizational culture, so make sure that – like any tool – they are considered as just a piece of your overall GRC program.

Open-Source GRC Tools for SMBs

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