https://blog.getagency.com Expert perspectives on cybersecurity compliance, governance, and trust — from the team at Agency. en-us Sat, 08 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/soc-2-penetration-test-cost-2026 https://blog.getagency.com/articles/soc-2-penetration-test-cost-2026 Real 2026 penetration testing prices by scope, sourced from vendors who publish them — plus what drives cost, why the cheapest AI tier can fail your audit, and the hidden fees buyers discover late. Sun, 26 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/soc-2-in-due-diligence-what-investors-check https://blog.getagency.com/articles/soc-2-in-due-diligence-what-investors-check What reviewers actually open your SOC 2 report to check during fundraising and enterprise procurement — the six items they verify in order, sample due diligence questionnaire items, and which findings reprice a deal. Sun, 26 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/switching-drata-to-vanta-migration-guide https://blog.getagency.com/articles/switching-drata-to-vanta-migration-guide A practical migration guide for switching between Drata and Vanta — what transfers and what doesn't, how to remap evidence and controls, the audit-window trap, real costs, and the contract terms to check first. Sun, 26 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/managed-compliance-buyers-checklist-25-questions https://blog.getagency.com/articles/managed-compliance-buyers-checklist-25-questions Twenty-five questions to ask any managed compliance provider before you sign — covering scope, staffing, platform lock-in, evidence SLAs, auditor independence, and pricing, with the good answer and the red flag for each. Sun, 26 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/how-to-maintain-soc-2-compliance-2026 https://blog.getagency.com/articles/how-to-maintain-soc-2-compliance-2026 SOC 2 compliance maintenance gets harder over time as controls drift. A definitive guide to preventing drift with continuous monitoring, audit-ready operations, and compliance management best practices that keep you in good standing year-round. Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/soc-2-readiness-for-fundraising-saas-startups https://blog.getagency.com/articles/soc-2-readiness-for-fundraising-saas-startups A practical guide to SOC 2 compliance services for fundraising-stage SaaS startups — what readiness actually involves, why investors and enterprise buyers ask for it, and how a done-for-you team gets you audit-ready 3–4× faster. Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/top-soc-2-services-for-saas-startups-2026 https://blog.getagency.com/articles/top-soc-2-services-for-saas-startups-2026 A ranked comparison of the top SOC 2 compliance services for SaaS startups in 2026 — readiness and maintenance providers compared on startup fit, ongoing support, and implementation depth, from automation platforms to done-for-you managed teams. Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/can-one-hire-run-soc-2-iso-27001-hipaa-gdpr https://blog.getagency.com/articles/can-one-hire-run-soc-2-iso-27001-hipaa-gdpr Why one GRC hire hits a ceiling running SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR together — and what a real multi-framework program requires instead. Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/grc-manager-salary-and-true-cost https://blog.getagency.com/articles/grc-manager-salary-and-true-cost GRC manager salaries span $95K–$267K+ in 2026, but fully loaded the real cost is 2–3× the offer. The full cost model, and how it compares to a managed team. Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/how-to-hire-a-grc-manager https://blog.getagency.com/articles/how-to-hire-a-grc-manager How to hire a GRC manager who can actually run Vanta or Drata: the real role, must-have skills, a job description template, and interview questions. Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/in-house-vs-managed-grc-decision-framework https://blog.getagency.com/articles/in-house-vs-managed-grc-decision-framework A genuinely balanced decision framework for staffing your compliance program — six criteria to score, the cases where hiring in-house really wins, the cases where a managed team wins, and what to demand from any managed provider. Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/one-person-compliance-team-single-point-of-failure https://blog.getagency.com/articles/one-person-compliance-team-single-point-of-failure Why a solo GRC manager is a single point of failure — bus factor of one, knowledge in one head, audit-window risk — and how to build redundancy. Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/auditnex-the-best-place-to-find-an-auditor https://blog.getagency.com/articles/auditnex-the-best-place-to-find-an-auditor AuditNex is the fastest, most transparent way to find a SOC 2 auditor — match with vetted firms, compare real quotes side by side, and get the best deal without a single sales call. Here is why we endorse it. Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/what-does-vanta-do https://blog.getagency.com/articles/what-does-vanta-do Vanta automates security compliance — continuously collecting evidence, monitoring controls, and managing frameworks like SOC 2 and ISO 27001. This complete guide explains exactly what Vanta does, how it works, and how Agency, the number one Vanta partner globally, gets you live on it faster. Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/iso-27001-internal-audit-best-practices https://blog.getagency.com/articles/iso-27001-internal-audit-best-practices How to plan, execute, and follow up on ISO 27001 internal audits: evidence techniques, finding categorization, and corrective action management. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/caiq-vs-sig https://blog.getagency.com/articles/caiq-vs-sig CAIQ vs SIG compared: origins, scope, and structure, when to use each, cost and access, and how both map to the frameworks behind your vendor program. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-assessment-process https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-assessment-process The CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) defines how C3PAOs evaluate defense contractors. Learn what happens in each phase and how to prepare your team. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-c3pao-list https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-c3pao-list Find authorized CMMC C3PAOs through the Cyber AB Marketplace. Learn selection criteria, due diligence steps, and how to evaluate assessment organizations. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-c3pao https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-c3pao Learn what CMMC C3PAOs are, how they are accredited by the Cyber AB, the assessment process, scoring methodology, and how to select the right C3PAO for your organization. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-certification-costs https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-certification-costs A breakdown of CMMC certification costs — gap assessment, remediation, C3PAO fees, and ongoing maintenance — plus what drives the number up or down. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-compliance-checklist https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-compliance-checklist A comprehensive CMMC compliance checklist covering scoping, gap assessment, remediation, SSP documentation, and assessment preparation for defense contractors. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-compliance-deadline https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-compliance-deadline The CMMC compliance deadline explained: the phased rollout schedule, the 48 CFR rulemaking that triggers it, and why contractors should start now. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-compliance https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-compliance CMMC compliance requires defense contractors to prove cybersecurity maturity. Learn the three CMMC 2.0 levels, the rollout timeline, and certification path. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-final-rule https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-final-rule How the CMMC final rule (32 CFR Part 170) codifies CMMC 2.0: key provisions, phased implementation, POA&M rules, affirmations, and the DFARS timeline. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-gap-assessment https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-gap-assessment How a CMMC gap assessment measures you against NIST 800-171, surfaces compliance gaps, and builds a prioritized remediation roadmap before your C3PAO visit. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-level-1-compliance https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-level-1-compliance CMMC Level 1 requires 15 basic safeguarding practices from FAR 52.204-21 with annual self-assessment. Learn each requirement and how to implement them. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-level-2-compliance https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-level-2-compliance CMMC Level 2 requires all 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls across 14 families. Compare self-assessment and C3PAO paths, SPRS scoring, and the POA&M process. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-managed-services https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-managed-services CMMC managed service providers help defense contractors meet compliance requirements. Learn about shared responsibility, enclave hosting, and MSP evaluation. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-requirements-for-small-business https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-requirements-for-small-business Small businesses face unique CMMC challenges. Learn scope reduction strategies, cost management approaches, and available resources for small defense contractors. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-rpo https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-rpo CMMC Registered Provider Organizations (RPOs) help defense contractors prepare for certification. Learn what RPOs do, their limitations, and how to evaluate them. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-vs-nist-800-171 https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmc-vs-nist-800-171 Compare CMMC and NIST 800-171 side by side. Learn how CMMC Level 2 builds on the same 110 controls but adds third-party verification and accountability. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmi-vs-cmmc-vs-nist https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cmmi-vs-cmmc-vs-nist CMMI, CMMC, and NIST compared: process improvement versus cybersecurity certification versus security standards, and when each framework applies. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/compliance-audit-software https://blog.getagency.com/articles/compliance-audit-software Compliance audit software compared — Vanta, Drata, Sprinto, Secureframe, Tugboat Logic — on evidence collection, control mapping, and monitoring. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cui-enclave https://blog.getagency.com/articles/cui-enclave How a CUI enclave cuts CMMC assessment scope by isolating CUI in a hardened environment: VDI, GCC High, physical segmentation, and managed options. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/extending-soc-2-to-iso-27001 https://blog.getagency.com/articles/extending-soc-2-to-iso-27001 How to leverage your existing SOC 2 compliance program to achieve ISO 27001 certification with minimal incremental effort by mapping control overlap and addressing the gaps. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/fedramp-cost https://blog.getagency.com/articles/fedramp-cost A detailed breakdown of FedRAMP authorization costs by phase — readiness assessment, documentation, 3PAO assessment, and continuous monitoring — with strategies to reduce spend and timelines. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/fedramp-levels https://blog.getagency.com/articles/fedramp-levels A detailed guide to FedRAMP impact levels — Low, Moderate, and High — including control counts, data types, authorization paths, and how to choose the right level for your cloud service. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/gdpr-ai-llm-compliance https://blog.getagency.com/articles/gdpr-ai-llm-compliance How large language models challenge GDPR rights like erasure and explanation, plus guidance on DPIAs, lawful basis for training data, and the EU AI Act. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/grc-automation https://blog.getagency.com/articles/grc-automation How GRC automation changes risk assessment, policy management, control testing, and evidence collection — with a platform comparison and rollout plan. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/how-much-does-a-vciso-cost https://blog.getagency.com/articles/how-much-does-a-vciso-cost Virtual CISO pricing explained: retainer, project, and hourly models, what drives cost up or down, and total cost of ownership versus a full-time hire. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/iso-27001-27017-27018-differences https://blog.getagency.com/articles/iso-27001-27017-27018-differences A detailed comparison of ISO 27001, ISO 27017, and ISO 27018 covering how these standards relate, which industries benefit from each, and how implementing them together reduces audit overhead. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/microsoft-gcc-vs-gcc-high https://blog.getagency.com/articles/microsoft-gcc-vs-gcc-high Microsoft GCC vs GCC High compared on compliance standards, data residency, personnel screening, Microsoft 365 features, and licensing cost. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/nist-800-171-rev-3-transition https://blog.getagency.com/articles/nist-800-171-rev-3-transition A comprehensive guide to the NIST 800-171 Rev 3 transition covering control consolidation, new ODP parameters, timeline for DFARS and CMMC alignment, and what organizations need to do now. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/sbir-ato-guide https://blog.getagency.com/articles/sbir-ato-guide A practical guide for SBIR and STTR awardees on securing an Authority to Operate. Covers baseline selection, inherited controls, working with Authorizing Officials, and the FedRAMP pathway for cloud products. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/security-compliance-questionnaires https://blog.getagency.com/articles/security-compliance-questionnaires A guide to SIG, CAIQ, VSA, and HECVAT security questionnaires — and how to manage questionnaire fatigue with a knowledge base and AI-assisted responses. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/sig-lite https://blog.getagency.com/articles/sig-lite When and how to use SIG Lite for vendor risk: what it covers, how it differs from the full SIG, and where it fits in a risk-tiering strategy. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/soc-2-audit-cost https://blog.getagency.com/articles/soc-2-audit-cost What a SOC 2 audit engagement costs in 2026: readiness fees, Type 1 and Type 2 pricing, the hidden expenses teams miss, and how to manage them. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/soc-2-automation https://blog.getagency.com/articles/soc-2-automation An honest look at SOC 2 automation: what GRC platforms genuinely automate, what still needs human judgment, and where the ROI actually lands. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/soc-2-controls-list https://blog.getagency.com/articles/soc-2-controls-list A full SOC 2 controls reference by Trust Service Criteria: Common Criteria CC1–CC9 plus Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://blog.getagency.com/articles/soc-2-password-requirements https://blog.getagency.com/articles/soc-2-password-requirements What SOC 2 auditors look for in authentication under CC6.1: password complexity, MFA, NIST 800-63B alignment, SSO, and policy documentation. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT