Despite mounting risk and regulatory pressures, many organizations still lack a centralized IT controls register, which can leave them vulnerable to costly breaches and compliance failures. Recent insights from Info-Tech Research Group show that a structured, risk-first approach is essential for improving oversight and resilience. The global IT research and advisory firm’s newly published blueprint, Build an Effective IT Controls Register, outlines a practical three-phase methodology for IT and risk leaders to align controls with organizational goals, implement safeguards, and support secure technology adoption.
TORONTO, Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – As cyberattacks become more sophisticated and regulatory pressures intensify, many organizations continue to operate in uncertain and volatile conditions with fragmented or outdated IT control frameworks. Recent findings from Info-Tech Research Group reveal that deficiencies in controls often lead to costly breaches, compliance failures, and, in some cases, job loss for IT and risk leaders.
Info-Tech Research Group’s “Build an Effective IT Controls Register” blueprint outlines a practical three-phase methodology for developing an effective IT controls register. (CNW Group/Info-Tech Research Group)
To help organizations strengthen their control environments, the global research and advisory firm has published Build an Effective IT Controls Register, a comprehensive blueprint that outlines a structured, data-driven, and risk-first methodology for designing, implementing, and maintaining IT controls. Backed by extensive industry analysis and expert insights, the blueprint provides a clear, step-by-step framework to help IT and risk leaders strengthen security, improve risk visibility, and simplify compliance in an evolving threat landscape.
“In the midst of exceptional macro uncertainty and with AI and other emerging technologies reshaping IT environments, the old approach of managing risks, which included building IT controls reactively, is no longer enough,” says Anubhav Sharma, a research director at Info-Tech Research Group. “Organizations need a comprehensive, risk-directed, and data-driven controls framework that is proactively developed and evolved in an integrated manner with both IT and Business working together, which will then enable organizations to anticipate and manage new risks before they become insurmountable threats.”
How IT Leaders Can Build, Evaluate, and Sustain a Robust Controls Register
Info-Tech’s research findings identify several key barriers to effective IT controls management, including the complexity of IT environments, lack of specialized expertise, and the challenge of keeping pace with changing regulations. The firm’s insights show that many organizations also struggle with a narrow, compliance-focused mindset that overlooks broader risks, particularly as emerging technologies like AI introduce unpredictable threats.
Addressing this critical need, Info-Tech’s Build an Effective IT Controls Register blueprint outlines a practical three-phase methodology for developing an effective IT controls register:
- Phase 1: Define Organizational Goals and Map Current Controls: IT leaders should begin by establishing clear goals and outcome measures to align IT controls with business priorities. Then they can create a control taxonomy to ensure consistency and map existing controls to evaluate coverage and effectiveness and identify any gaps.
- Phase 2: Evaluate Current Controls and Build New Controls: In collaboration with governance and audit teams, IT leaders can assess the adequacy of existing controls, considering design quality, implementation feasibility, user feedback, and audit findings. New or enhanced controls are then developed to address unmitigated risks, with input from end users to improve practicality and adoption.
- Phase 3: Develop a Monitoring and Reporting Plan: IT operations and risk management teams can now create ongoing processes and actionable reporting mechanisms to ensure controls remain effective. The finalized controls register is then integrated into the broader risk framework to close compliance gaps and support timely breach detection.
By following Info-Tech’s insights and structured framework, IT leaders can significantly strengthen their organization’s risk posture while improving operational efficiency. The firm advises that this foundational approach not only supports compliance with evolving regulations but also prepares teams to adopt GRC tools more effectively and embrace AI and emerging technologies with greater confidence.
For exclusive and timely commentary from Anubhav Sharma, an expert in digital strategies and risk & controls management, and to access the complete Build an Effective IT Controls Register blueprint, please contact [email protected].
About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.
To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights.
Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].
For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.
SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group
