This blog walks through an example scenario to show how MSPs can take a structured approach to quickly demonstrating compliance progress using scalable tools and smart delivery.
Learn how to offer Compliance-as-a-Service with these 3 steps:
When a client suddenly needs compliance, you don’t always get months to plan. Sometimes, you get a phone call and 30 days to deliver.
For many Managed Service Providers (MSPs), these urgent client requests are the first real push to offer Compliance-as-a-Service (CaaS).
By helping a client achieve compliance with a security framework, they’ll be able to meet industry standards to get new business, adopt new services, or just keep up with evolving regulations around data privacy.
MSPs can start with three core steps to hit the ground running on urgent compliance requests.
In our example, ExampleTech MSP has just signed ShipItCart, a fast-growing eCommerce company. During onboarding, ShipItCart shares that they need to show progress toward CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS Controls) compliance as part of their immediate business goals.
ExampleTech doesn’t have a compliance offering, but they know the first step is assessment. Using a checklist, they review ShipItCart’s security controls, documentation, and policies. They look for the security gaps and where ShipItCart can make changes to meet the CIS framework requirements.
This gap analysis shows what’s needed to align with CIS, and gives ShipItCart a clear understanding of its current risk posture.
Once the assessment is complete, it’s time to get to work. ExampleTech prioritizes the most urgent items: gaps that are easy to close and meaningful for the client.
They use standardized templates and existing evidence libraries to build documentation quickly. Where technical controls are already in place, they gather screenshots, system settings, or platform data to back them up. The work is tracked in a simple project board so the client can see daily movement.
The client receives a brief report that maps completed actions to CIS requirements. Even if a third-party audit isn’t required yet, that internal report helps satisfy partner due diligence and keeps the deal on track.
These early wins help the MSP build trust. They respond to tickets and manage a structured compliance effort. ShipItCart sees its MSP as a reliable leader in compliance management.
With ongoing work to address some of those security gaps, ExampleTech helps ShipItCart shift into compliance monitoring. They build a schedule for policy reviews, risk reassessments, and evidence collection. Check-ins help MSPs avoid slipping back into a reactive mode when working with clients.
In frameworks like CIS, ISO 27001, or HIPAA, staying compliant is just as important as getting there. Even if no formal audit is needed right away, ExampleTech makes sure that ShipItCart’s controls remain active and verifiable. That preparation gives them the option to pursue a full audit or certification later, on their terms.
With the basics in place, ExampleTech can now support more clients, expand into additional frameworks, or scale delivery as needed. What started as a short-term scramble becomes a long-term client success.
This three-step approach is exactly what ControlMap is designed to support. ControlMap Free gives MSPs a simple way to deliver compliance services using one framework. You get access to core assessment tools, templates, basic risk tracking, and evidence organization, allowing you to build momentum and show progress fast.
You can also generate a watermarked report to share early results and connect with ScalePad tools for added visibility. ControlMap Free is purpose-built to help you start strong without the commitment to a full platform upfront because when your clients need compliance ASAP who has got time for that?
Watch the demo and sign up for ControlMap Free to see how fast you can go from request to results.
