Gap Remediation Workflow

Tier 1 IMPROVE

What This Requires

Establish workflow for remediating control gaps identified via audits, assessments, or incidents: prioritize by risk, assign owners, set deadlines, track progress, and verify completion. Report gap status quarterly to leadership.

Why It Matters

Identifying gaps without remediation is pointless. Structured workflow ensures gaps close and accountability remains clear.

How To Implement

Gap Identification

Sources: internal audits, external assessments, post-incident reviews, maturity assessments, framework updates. Log gaps in central tracker (Jira, ServiceNow).

Prioritization

Score gaps by risk (impact × likelihood) and effort (low/medium/high). Prioritize high-risk, low-effort first. Get leadership sign-off on priorities.

Assignment & Tracking

Assign owner (individual, not team) and deadline. Track status (open, in progress, remediated). Send weekly reminders for overdue gaps.

Verification

When owner claims completion, verify: review evidence (new control documentation, test results, training records), check effectiveness (control actually works), mark closed.

Evidence & Audit

  • Gap tracker (Jira, ServiceNow) with all identified gaps
  • Prioritization methodology and leadership approval
  • Assignment records with owners and deadlines
  • Progress tracking data (status, completion rate)
  • Verification records (evidence reviewed, effectiveness checked)

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