The Best GRC Tools for 2024

Governance, Risk management, and Compliance (GRC) is an emerging corporate specialization that is becoming increasingly important to assist businesses to avoid legal penalties and possible moral censure by increasingly assertive crusading consumer groups.

Not all governance and compliance issues are legal matters but could be acquired aims of the business or an exercise in marketing. However, regular IT systems that guide your business’s core activities probably won’t cover the requirements of the various standards your C-Suite might have decided to follow. You need GRC tools.

Here is our list of the best GRC tools:

1. SolarWinds Security Event Manager EDITOR’S CHOICE A SIEM service that includes automated compliance risk management, log management, and compliance auditing. It runs on Windows Server. Get a 30-day free trial.
2. ManageEngine ADAudit Plus (FREE TRIAL) This software implements activity tracking, which is an important step in compliance reporting. Available for Windows Server, AWS, and Azure. Start a 30-day free trial.
3. Datadog Cloud Security Posture Management Part of a cloud-based security platform that offers a tailored risk assessment service.
4. Netwrix Auditor A risk assessor that monitors system activities for compliance issues and manages logs for audit trails. It installs on Windows Server and is also available as a cloud platform.
5. StandardFusion A cloud-based system assessment and compliance auditing service with a great automated compliance manager.
6. IBM OpenPages A comprehensive cloud-based GRC platform that is suitable for large corporations.
7. SAI360 Integrated GRC A risk management, data protection, and system auditing service that is particularly useful for businesses following GDPR. This is a cloud-based platform.
8. ServiceNow Governance, Risk, and Compliance A risk assessment platform that supports the creation of policies and goals and tracks goal achievement. This is a cloud-based system.
9. Riskonnect A cloud-based governance guidance platform that includes user awareness training, compliance goals, and audit plan creation.
10. BIC GRC Includes risk management automation and oversight plus compliance auditing functions. It is available for Windows Server or Linux.

GRC tools

Whichever standard you are implementing, you need to assess your current system to check whether it is in compliance, make system changes where shortfalls are identified, institute compliant working practices, document all steps, and institute logging around the areas of the business’s system that are particular focuses of the standard.

Information trails need to be built into your systems in order to lay down the source materials for the compliance auditing that standards accreditation usually requires. You will also need to identify potential risk and strategize an incident management plan in case some non-compliant event occurs.

Given that people are prone to error and tend to quickly forget new rules, it is better to formulate system constraints and introduce process automation to ensure that standards requirements are met.

GRC software won’t implement all of the systems that you need in place and the tools that you will need to enforce compliance will vary depending on precisely which standard you are aiming for. However, the GRC tools should highlight gaps in your services that need to be plugged. That gives you a path to follow in order to acquire new software that will get your business in shape.

What do GRC tools do?

Data protection standards usually concern access to certain types of data and how it is used. HIPAA and PCI DSS require that Personally Identifiable Information (PII) should be protected, whereas SOX ensures that corporate financial information isn’t hidden. GDPR compliance requires that the geographical location that data is stored can be restricted and that procedures need to be followed before PII can be moved out of storage locations within the EU to outside the zone.

So, the precise requirements for each standard compliance are different according to which standard is being followed. Therefore, it is best to look for a GRC tool that specifically states that it complies with the specific standard that you are following or that it can be adapted automatically to track compliance to that standard.

Risk management is also adaptable to standards requirements. In performing a risk assessment, you are identifying the risks to specific types of data, which are influenced by the standard. “Governance” is a term that specifically relates to access to and the appropriate use of data, so that also relates to specific standards requirements.

The best GRC tools

1. SolarWinds Security Event Manager (FREE TRIAL)

SolarWinds Security Event Manager is an on-premises software package that performs log management and security scanning. It is a suitable system for ensuring compliance to PCI DSS, GLBA, SOX, NERC CIP, and HIPAA, among other standards.

Key Features:

• Log Management: Centralizes the collection and storage of log messages for security and compliance.
• Intrusion Detection: Utilizes compiled log data for effective system-wide security incident and event management.
• Compliance Support: Offers detailed compliance reporting capabilities for a variety of standards.
• Remediation Options: Automated and manual response mechanisms to address security threats.
• User and IP Address Management: Interfaces with Active Directory and firewalls for user and IP address control.

Why do we recommend it?

SolarWinds Security Event Manager fulfills a number of security functions, which include compliance monitoring and reporting. The package includes a log manager, which is essential for compliance auditing, and a user activity tracker. It also provides a system-wide SIEM. This is an on-premises package for Windows Server.

The Security Event Manager works as a log collector and consolidator to create. The log files that the system compiles then feed through to a SIEM system for intrusion detection. Those logs don’t get discarded; they contribute to ongoing system activity tracking and they are also available for compliance auditing. All log files are protected from tampering.

The risk assessment requirements of GRC are covered by vulnerability scans that identify weaknesses, such as out-of-date software. The SIEM system also has a built-in remediation mechanism. The service gives you options over which events should raise alerts for manual analysis and which should trigger automated responses. The SIEM is able to communicate with Active Directory to suspend suspicious user accounts or with firewalls to blacklist IP addresses. All actions taken by the Security Event Manager are logged.

Compliance risk reporting and standards goal auditing can all be tailored within the system towards specific standards requirements. Status and event reports can also have graphical content to improve conformance proof.

Who is it recommended for?

This is a very comprehensive package that is most suitable for use by large organizations. This service can be automatically tailored to enforce one of a long list of data privacy standards, which gives it a wide potential market. The price of this system puts it beyond the reach of small businesses.

The Security Event Manager installs on Windows Server and it is available for a 30-day free trial.

2. ManageEngine ADAudit Plus (FREE TRIAL)

ManageEngine ADAudit Plus tracks activity on workstations and servers and links those actions to specific user accounts. The package also provides tracking of changes in Active Directory in order to fully ensure that only authorized users and not intruders with self-created fake accounts have access to the system.

Key Features:

• Active Directory Guard: Safeguards Active Directory by monitoring changes and ensuring integrity.
• User Activity Tracking: Links workstation and server actions directly to specific user accounts.
• Compliance Reporting: Generates reports tailored to meet SOX, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, FISMA, and GLBA compliance.

Why do we recommend it?

ManageEngine ADAudit Plus provides user activity tracking and file integrity monitoring, which can help to enforce data protection standards. The system relies on Active Directory records for its reference material and so it protects AD against unauthorized changes. The tool also tracks file activity on peripheral storage devices.

ADAudit Plus doesn’t include risk analysis or sensitive data detection – it applies access logging for all files. The package raises alerts if changes are made within Active Directory. It is possible to create custom alerts, so if you have a separate sensitive data discovery tool, you could set up alerts for changes to those particular data stores.

The log files that the ADAudit system creates are summarized by a reporting module. This can be tuned to provide compliance reporting for SOX, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, FISMA, and GLBA.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is suitable for use by businesses of all sizes. ManageEngine provides a Free edition, which will monitor up to 25 workstations. However, its reporting functions are limited to data that was collected during the free trial of the full, paid version. This software runs on Windows Server, AWS, or Azure.

The ManageEngine ADAudit Plus will run on Windows Server and you can also access it as a service on AWS or Azure. The ADAudit Plus package is available in three editions: Free, Standard, and Professional. The Free edition monitors up to 25 workstations and includes compliance reporting, so it’s a good system for small businesses. The Standard edition tracks activity on servers and workstations. Active Directory monitoring is only included in the Professional edition. ManageEngine offers the Professional edition on a 30-day free trial.

ManageEngine ADAudit Plus Start 30-day FREE Trial

3. Datadog Cloud Security Posture Management

Datadog is a cloud platform that offers a menu of system monitoring tools. It has a new range of security tools that are not widely available yet because they are in Beta release, the Cloud Security Posture Management service is among those brand new services.

Key Features:

• Risk Analysis: Evaluates cloud configurations and recommends enhancements for security.
• Standards Compliance: Configurable to enforce various data protection standards.
• Configuration Guidance: Offers detailed advice for system hardening and compliance.
• Log Consolidation: Manages and organizes log data for security and auditing purposes.

Why do we recommend it?

Datadog Cloud Security Posture Management is a form of vulnerability scanner for your cloud-based systems. The service can be tailored to particular data security standards. Indicate which standard you are following and then the system produces recommendations on the steps you need to take to meet those requirements.

The Datadog Security Platform works as a suite of tools and includes a log manager and a SIEM system. The Posture Management module is a risk assessor and it can be tailored to look for standards-specific conditions. The risk assessor is a vulnerability scanner. It checks on device settings and recommends how configurations can be tightened up. IT also checks on operating systems and software versions, looking for out-of-date systems that need to be patched.

The security platform is a compliance framework that offers a thorough understanding of data protection standards. It protects and manages all collected log files and stores them for compliance auditing.

Who is it recommended for?

This system is a good option for businesses that have all of their IT system on the cloud. It doesn’t cover on-premises systems. However, it makes compliance auditing and reporting very easy for those cloud-based businesses. The tool’s guide on changes that need to be made for compliance also provides compliance documentation.

Access the Datadog Compliance Monitoring system by using this form.

4. Netwrix Auditor

Netwrix Auditor is a good choice for businesses that are working to PCI DSS, HIPAA, and FISMA standards. The service includes a risk assessor that examines software and operating system versions and device configurations. The tool also assesses user accounts and device permissions for security weaknesses.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Analyzes system configurations and user permissions for vulnerabilities.
• Data Protection: Focuses on managing and securing sensitive information.
• User Activity Monitoring: Tracks and logs access to critical data for security and compliance.

Why do we recommend it?

Netwrix Auditor is a risk assessment package that can be tuned to specific requirements, such as data protection standards compliance. The tool is relevant to companies that hold sensitive data and can also identify general system security weaknesses through Active Directory accounts evaluation.

A key part of the Auditor’s service is the tracking of access to sensitive data. The service categorizes folders and files by risk status for compliance requirements and watches and logs access events to those locations. All of the logs collected by Netwrix Auditor and generated by it are stored in a meaningful directory structure, providing rapid access for compliance auditing.

The access and activity tracking services of Netwrix Auditor cover systems on-premises and on the cloud. It is able to check on the configurations and usage of a range of applications, such as databases, Web servers, and email servers. It will also monitor Microsoft Office 365.

Who is it recommended for?

This system is useful for all businesses and not just those that need to implement data privacy guidelines. The standards that you can implement with the Netwrix system include PCI DSS, HIPAA, SOX, GDPR, GLBA, FISMA, NIST, and CJIS. This is an on-premises package that assesses systems on your site and not cloud platforms.

Netwrix Auditor is offered as on-premises software for installation on Windows Server and also as a hosted cloud service. You can test this file integrity monitoring tool on a 20-day free trial.

5. StandardFusion

StandardFusion is suitable for large corporations and also for smaller enterprises. The system is well-guided and easy to set up. So, it is a good option for businesses that are just starting with standards compliance.

Key Features:

• Compliance Navigation: Simplifies the process of meeting various data protection standards.
• Automated Risk Analysis: Identifies security vulnerabilities and offers corrective recommendations.
• Sensitive Data Oversight: Provides tools for the identification and protection of sensitive information.

Why do we recommend it?

StandardFusion is a risk analysis package that is specifically designed to help businesses align their systems to data protection standards. This is like having a digitized standards consultant for your company and it provides a central resource for standards compliance requirements. It performs automated system scans to discover security weaknesses.

The system can be tailored to fit a number of different data protection standards, including HIPAA, GDPR, PCI-DSS, ISO, SOC2, NIST, CCPA, and FedRAMP. Once you set the system up with the appropriate standard, the system presents a series of questionnaires to help you define the scope of your compliance requirements. The guided service provides a framework for your IT system, including working practices and workflows.

The system performs an automated risk analysis based on the standard required and the questionnaire results. This suggests system aspects that need tightening up, such as patching and configuration adjustments. A nice feature of this system is that it will reassess each change you make to improve security, so you can implement step-change improvements.

Who is it recommended for?

Although StandardFusion has a “Starter” plan, it isn’t within the budget of small businesses. This is a solution for very large organizations with an onboarding fee as well as a monthly subscription rate. This tool is one of the most expensive GRC systems on this list. However, it extends out to third-party risk.

StandardFusion provides discovery and event logging plus log management. It can be integrated into Jira, Confluence, Slack, OpenID, DUO, and Google Authenticator. For improved and traceable project management. This is a hosted service and it is available for a 14-day free trial.

6. IBM OpenPages

IBM OpenPages with Watson is a cloud-based GRC platform that supports operational risk, company policy, standards compliance, IT governance, and system auditing. This system is particularly strong in the oversight of financial data.

Key Features:

• AI-Driven GRC: Utilizes AI for governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) tailored to finance operations.
• Risk Analysis: Offers advanced, AI-powered risk assessment capabilities for thorough system evaluations.
• Policy Management: Supports comprehensive policy and standards compliance management.
• Audit Trail: Automates log management for efficient auditing and oversight.
  Multilingual Support: Generates documentation in 50 languages, catering to global enterprises.

Why do we recommend it?

IBM OpenPages applies AI to ongoing compliance policy enforcement. This is a complex system that is able to follow all of your IT processes, checking on issues such as data storage security and data transfers between applications and in files. It can also check the actions of software packages.

This is a very comprehensive system that takes time to work through. It offers a guided implementation of standards conformance and uses AI in its system risk assessment services. The tool also produces reports and recommendations on workflows and practices that need to be put in place to enforce compliance. It is able to manage automated processes to log and secure a system. Those logs are formatted in a suitable storage structure for easy access for auditing.

Who is it recommended for?

This is a solution for large, multinational businesses. For example, the tool is able to generate its documentation in 50 languages, which isn’t the sort of service that a US-only company would need. It provides predictive risk assessment and you can also use a data cube to analyze risk manually.

You can get a 30-day free trial of IBM OpenPages with Watson’s Regulatory Compliance Management system.

7. SAI360 Integrated GRC

SAI360 Integrated GRC was previously known as Nasdaq BWise. SAI360 specializes in standards compliance systems and, although based in security was originally Standards Australia, a state-owned agency that was set up to assist businesses to adopt data protection standards.

Key Features:

• GDPR Compliance: Specializes in ensuring adherence to GDPR regulations.
• Data Management Focus: Prioritizes the secure handling and storage of data.
• Risk Assessment: Offers comprehensive analysis to identify and mitigate risks.

Why do we recommend it?

SAI360 Integrated GRC is a governance and compliance platform that is also available in a version to assess and enforce ESG. The compliance service extends to methods to deal with unexpected compliance breaches and also ways to address changes in standards requirements. This variability is more likely in the ESG sphere than in data protection standards.

The focus of this system is the use, storage, and movement of data. This makes it particularly useful for businesses that need to implement GDPR, in which the physical location of data storage and the people who access it are extremely important.

The service covers risk assessment, compliance guidelines, and data access auditing. The dashboard +enables standards implementations to be tracked through the business. It also keeps a record of audits over time and their results, enabling the governance manager to set goals towards achieving compliance.

Who is it recommended for?

This package is particularly designed for use by multinationals. It provides Head Office compliance teams methods to identify local requirements, which means overseas in most cases, but also state-based regulation in the USA. The platform is becoming much more focused on ESG standards, but it also has a version for HIPAA compliance.

You can request a demo of the GRC platform.

8. ServiceNow Governance, Risk, and Compliance

ServiceNow integrates risk management into the decision-making processes of businesses. This tool is all about communicating risk assessment in relation to change management and business evolution. It is an integrated collaboration tool centered on risk management and it would be particularly useful as part of a project management strategy.

Key Features:

• Integrated Risk Management: Incorporates risk assessment into business planning and project management.
• Comprehensive GRC Tools: Offers a suite of governance, risk, and compliance management capabilities.
• Collaboration and Reporting: Facilitates company-wide collaboration and detailed risk reporting.

Why do we recommend it?

ServiceNow Governance, Risk, and Compliance is an online system that provides a company-wide risk management service that you can tailor to specific data security standards. The tool’s risk detection services extend to third-party risk and include requirements definition and ongoing monitoring. Recommendations also extend to business continuity planning.

The platform helps you set a corporate strategy for issues, such as standards compliance. You will then create an implementation project, with intermediate goals and the ServiceNow system tracks the team’s performance in reaching those staging points.

ServiceNow is primarily a service desk system and the GRC module is probably better used as part of the wider ServiceNow DevOps support environment. The system offers business managers a range of risk assessment tools that include the evaluation of new suppliers, the value of taking on new clients, or the risk involved in entering new markets, as well as its ability to track standards compliance.

Who is it recommended for?

ServiceNow is a suitable package for mid-sized companies. The provider explains that its scalable pricing structure makes it particularly suitable for growing businesses and startups. The most likely customer will be a business that already uses the ServiceNow Service Desk package because the GRC tool is delivered from the same platform.

The ServiceNow GRC is available for a demo.

9. Riskonnect

Riskonnect focuses on risk management and it has a very slick dashboard that presents risk issues from a range of angles. This service isn’t just aimed at standards compliance. It is primarily aimed at assessing insurable risk but it can be tailored towards data protection standards.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Evaluates risks from various perspectives beyond just compliance.
• Standards Customization: Adapts to different data protection and industry standards.
• Procedural Focus: Prioritizes the development of processes and staff training for data protection.

Why do we recommend it?

Riskonnect is a risk management platform that has specialist packages for a range of industries and also provides compliance tools for ESG as well as for data protection standards. This platform is strong on keeping up-to-date with changing requirements and local laws in numerous locations.

The risk management functions of Riskconnect are a little different from those practiced by other GRC tools on this list. Its angle is more about working practices and user training for awareness than system vulnerability. This service is very strong on procedural data protection and the creation of automated processes to protect data. In short, this tool is firmer support for the Governance aspect of GRC and could possibly benefit from partnering with an event-focused SIEM.

Riskonnect will help you formulate audit plans and, thus, show how to organize audit trails. It has an excellent reporting module that illustrates the route to compliance and goals that have been achieved or missed.

Who is it recommended for?

This service is aimed at businesses that already have in-house compliance teams. So, it is aimed at big businesses and the higher end of the mid-sized enterprise market. Riskonnect also produces tools for insurance risk and risk management for the health sector, so these types of businesses are more likely to be interested in the company’s GRC products.

You can ask for a demo of this cloud-based service.

10. BIC GRC

GBTEC BIC Platform is a data mining system that has developed a GRC package from its log management and information locator services. GBTEC is a German company and its services are particularly strong for GDPR compliance.

Key Features:

• Data Insight and Management: Leverages data mining for risk management and compliance.
• Flexible Deployment: Available as both SaaS and on-premises solutions.
• Activity and Log Monitoring: Tracks user activities and manages log data for security analysis.

Why do we recommend it?

The BIC GRC range of products offers software packages for risk management, IT system security, data protection, business continuity, and internal auditing. All of the GRC systems can be combined and the company is also prepared to put together a custom package for large companies.

The GRC package is centered on guides and goal-setting systems that drive the compliance preparation process. The system will locate sensitive data stores and recommend how they can be reorganized, protected, and monitored. It also performs system sweeps to risk assessment.

Once the service is operational, it gathers logs and stores them logically, making event data available for automated analysis much in a way that a SIEM operates. BIC GRC helps in the creation of activity logging, process automation, and business rules management for standards compliance goals. The service also includes audition functions.

Who is it recommended for?

The platform’s data protection service’s emphasis on GDPR makes this a tool for European businesses or companies in other locations that deliver services to customers within the EU. The company doesn’t publish its price list, so it is difficult to recommend this package to price-sensitive small businesses. However, large organizations should consider this platform.

BIC Platform is offered as a SaaS bundle and the software can also be acquired for installation on Windows Server. The service is offered on a 30-day free trial.