How It Works

From assessment to certification in structured phases

A clear, repeatable process that takes you from current state to certified security program. Each phase builds on the previous, with defined deliverables and outcomes.

12-16 weeks typical
|
SOC 2 Type I target

Process

Five phases to security maturity

Each phase has clear objectives, activities, and deliverables. Progress is measurable at every step.

2 weeks

Discovery & Assessment

Comprehensive evaluation of current security state, identifying gaps, risks, and opportunities against framework requirements.

Activities

  • Current state documentation review
  • Stakeholder interviews (Engineering, Product, Legal, Exec)
  • Infrastructure and cloud environment mapping
  • Existing control inventory
  • AI/ML pipeline risk assessment
  • Vendor and third-party mapping

Deliverables

  • Gap analysis report
  • Risk prioritization matrix
  • Current state architecture diagrams
  • Stakeholder responsibility map

Outcome: Clear understanding of starting point and priority actions

2-3 weeks

Architecture & Planning

Design the target security architecture and create a detailed implementation roadmap aligned with certification timeline.

Activities

  • Target architecture design
  • Control selection and scoping
  • Policy framework development
  • Tool and vendor selection
  • Implementation sequencing
  • Resource and budget planning

Deliverables

  • Security architecture document
  • Control implementation plan
  • Policy template library
  • Tool recommendations
  • Project timeline with milestones

Outcome: Actionable roadmap with clear ownership and timelines

6-10 weeks

Implementation

Execute the implementation plan, deploying controls, policies, and processes across both company and product security lanes.

Activities

  • Governance spine establishment
  • Lane 1: Company security controls
  • Lane 2: Product & AI security controls
  • Policy and procedure deployment
  • Tool configuration and integration
  • Training and awareness programs

Deliverables

  • Deployed technical controls
  • Approved policy documentation
  • Configured security tooling
  • Training completion records
  • Initial evidence collection

Outcome: Operational security program with documented controls

2-4 weeks

Audit Preparation

Prepare for certification audit through evidence organization, control testing, and readiness assessment.

Activities

  • Evidence collection and organization
  • Control effectiveness testing
  • Documentation review and cleanup
  • Pre-audit readiness assessment
  • Auditor selection and coordination
  • Mock audit exercises

Deliverables

  • Organized evidence repository
  • Control testing results
  • Audit-ready documentation package
  • Remediation tracking
  • Auditor engagement

Outcome: Audit-ready state with high confidence in successful outcome

Ongoing

Operate & Mature

Transition to steady-state operations with continuous monitoring, improvement, and preparation for vCISO handoff.

Activities

  • Ongoing control monitoring
  • Continuous evidence collection
  • Incident response execution
  • Periodic control testing
  • Program maturity improvements
  • vCISO transition preparation

Deliverables

  • Operating procedures
  • Metrics and dashboards
  • Continuous monitoring alerts
  • Maturity roadmap
  • vCISO handoff documentation

Outcome: Self-sustaining security program ready for scale

Engagement Options

Flexible engagement models

Choose the engagement model that matches your current security maturity and objectives.

12-16 weeks to SOC 2 Type I

Full Framework Implementation

Complete end-to-end implementation of the AI SecureOps Framework, from discovery through certification.

Best for

Companies with minimal existing security infrastructure

Includes

  • All five phases
  • SOC 2 Type I certification
  • Full governance spine
  • Both security lanes
  • Audit support
8-12 weeks to SOC 2 Type I

Accelerated Certification

Focused engagement for companies with existing security foundations who need to close gaps for certification.

Best for

Companies with partial security programs needing certification

Includes

  • Gap assessment focus
  • Targeted control implementation
  • Documentation completion
  • Audit preparation
  • Certification support
6-8 weeks

AI Security Layer

Lane 2 implementation for companies with strong company security but limited AI-specific controls.

Best for

Companies expanding into AI/ML products

Includes

  • AI risk assessment
  • Threat modeling
  • Prompt security controls
  • Model governance
  • AI control documentation

Approach

Implementation principles

These principles guide every engagement and ensure consistent, high-quality outcomes.

Audit-First Design

Every control is designed with auditor expectations in mind. Documentation and evidence collection are built in from day one.

Engineering Partnership

Security controls are designed with engineering input to ensure they enable velocity rather than create friction.

Documentation-Driven

Clear documentation ensures knowledge transfer, supports audits, and enables future vCISO success.

Iterative Improvement

The framework is designed for continuous maturity improvement, not just point-in-time compliance.

Ready to start your security journey?

Begin with a discovery call to understand your current state and define the right engagement model.