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Security reports apply targeted terms to gaps, varying by standard and type (audits, assessments, vulnerability reports, penetration test reports), which can obscure true urgency.
Common examples
- SOC 2 security reports flag "exceptions" for control deviations during the period.
- ISO 27001 assessments divide "major nonconformities" (systemic) from "minor" (isolated).
- PCI DSS Reports on Compliance mark requirements met or unmet.
- Vulnerability reports and penetration test reports grade by severity (critical to low) via exploitability and impact.
- HIPAA assessments pinpoint safeguard shortfalls.
Core insight: Classifications drive timelines; exposure drives risk. A medium-penetration test report item on credentials may pose a greater threat than a critical documentation gap.
Practical recommendations
- Assess findings by control objective and protected assets, beyond labels alone.
- Align with the risk register for business/regulatory impact.
- Seek assessor intent clarification in closing discussions.
- Log team severity agreements for departmental consistency.
This ensures effort targets meaningful exposures.