Step 1: Start with the Basics — Easy Wins

These foundational tests are typically fast to complete and build early progress toward compliance.

Policy Acknowledgments

• Information Security Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Code of Conduct

These are typically completed by assigning Policies to personnel via Secureframe, and most frameworks (SOC 2, ISO, etc.) require proof of acknowledgment.

Security Awareness Training

• Ensure all personnel complete annual training
• If using Secureframe’s (free) built-in training modules, these tests can often be completed within a day.

Background Checks

• Required by frameworks like SOC 2 and ISO 27001 for personnel with access to sensitive systems or data.
• If applicable, ensure evidence of screening is in place.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Confirm job descriptions, role assignments, and org charts are documented and up-to-date.

These tests help lay the foundation for your compliance program and are typically straightforward to complete.

Step 2: Connect Your Integrations — Unlock Integrated Tests

Once your integrations are connected (e.g., AWS, GitHub, Okta, Google Workspace, Azure AD, MDMs, etc.), Secureframe can automatically pull evidence and complete tests for you.

We recommend connecting integrations as early as possible so automated testing can begin in the background.

Examples of automated tests include:

• Access controls & least privilege
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) enforcement
• Encryption in transit and at rest
• Audit logging and alerting
• Endpoint protection and patching (via MDM)

The more integrations you connect, the more evidence Secureframe can auto-collect and validate — reducing manual effort and speeding up test completion.

Step 3: Tackle Operational and Process-Driven Tests

Once you’ve completed the quick wins and connected your systems, focus on tests that may require more planning, manual evidence, or input from your team.

Examples include:

• Risk Assessment – Documenting risks, assigning owners, and reviewing mitigation plans
• Vendor Reviews – Collecting due diligence documentation for third parties
• Incident Response Testing – Running tabletop exercises and documenting results
• Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery – Ensuring plans are in place and tested
• Asset Inventory & Scoping – Confirming in-scope assets for the audit

Some of these may align with annual or quarterly requirements depending on your frameworks, so starting early helps avoid last-minute scrambling during the audit window.

Step 4: Use Test Due Dates and Intervals to Guide Your Timeline

Secureframe tests include due dates and intervals (e.g., annual, quarterly, monthly). These can help guide your implementation plan and ensure ongoing compliance.

We recommend:

• Reviewing upcoming test due dates from your dashboard
• Prioritizing overdue or high-frequency tests
• Establishing a recurring cadence for reviews and updates

This not only supports audit readiness but also builds good operational habits across your organization.

Need Help? Your Customer Success Manager Is Here for You

Every Secureframe customer is paired with a Customer Success Manager (CSM) to support you throughout your compliance journey. If you're unsure who your CSM is, just email success@secureframe.com and we'll connect you.

Your CSM can assist with:

• Platform Training & Onboarding – Personalized training and setup guidance to help your team get started
• Test Prioritization & Strategy – Recommendations on which tests to tackle first based on your frameworks, integrations, and audit timeline
• Compliance & Scoping Questions – Expert advice on evidence requirements, framework scoping, and best practices
• Audit Readiness Support – We’ll help you prepare for audits across SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and more — all includes

Whether you're working toward your first audit or just need help navigating the platform, your CSM is here to make the process smoother.

Keep in Mind: Every Team is Different

The approach outlined in this article is meant to be a flexible starting point — not a strict project plan. Your priorities may vary based on:

• The compliance framework(s) you're working toward (e.g., SOC 2 vs. NIST 800-53)

• The number of people involved in the process

• Whether you have a dedicated IT, security, or compliance team

• How many controls you still need to implement or reconfigure

• How complex your integrations and environment are

Some teams start by inviting users to complete personnel-related tasks, while others focus on integrations or quick procedural wins. Feel free to adjust the order based on what makes the most sense for your organization.

Table Summary