Compliance Doesn’t End With a Report

How to maintain control effectiveness, reduce drift, and stay audit-ready between assessment cycles

January 7, 2026
2 mins read

What’s on this page

Overview
CTM360’s observation of the trend
Recommendations

Positive security reports capture a snapshot; standards expect sustained operation.

Expectations

  • SOC 2 Type 2 demands ongoing performance to the next window.
  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and HIPAA require continual risk and accountability evidence.
  • PCI DSS mandates quarterly and annual validations.
  • ISO 27001 needs internal audits and reviews.

Drift builds via turnover, updates, and shortcuts.

Practical recommendations

  • Tie evidence collection to routines (e.g., access reviews aligned with financial processes).
  • Sample key controls mid-cycle every six months.
  • Update the risk register with incidents, changes, and vulnerability report items.
  • Conduct annual post-assessment reflections to refine maintenance.

Regular habits turn compliance into steady risk management, spotting weaknesses before reports or incidents.