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Glossary terms starting with G

42 compliance, governance, risk and security terms, each with a short definition. Open a term for its full definition and the requirement text of the standards that name it.

Terms

GDPRPrivacy and Data Protection
The General Data Protection Regulation is a comprehensive EU law governing the collection, processing, and protection of personal data of individuals within the European Union.Used in: GDPR, ISO 27001:2022
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)Privacy
The EU's comprehensive data protection regulation (effective May 2018). Applies to any organisation processing personal data of EU residents, regardless of the organisation's location.Used in: GDPR, ISO 27001:2022
GLBACompliance and Regulatory
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires financial institutions to explain their data sharing practices and protect sensitive consumer financial information.Used in: PCI DSS v4.0, NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
GLBA (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act)Compliance
US federal law that requires financial institutions to explain their information-sharing practices and safeguard sensitive customer data. GLBA includes the Safeguards Rule, which requires comprehensive information security programmes.Used in: PCI DSS v4.0, NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
GRCGovernance
Governance, Risk, and Compliance, an integrated approach to aligning IT with business objectives, managing risk, and meeting compliance requirements.Used in: COBIT 2019, ISO 27001:2022
GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance)Governance
An integrated approach to managing an organisation's governance, enterprise risk management, and regulatory compliance. GRC platforms provide unified visibility across these three disciplines.Used in: NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, COBIT 2019, ISO 27001:2022
GRC PlatformGovernance
An integrated technology solution that supports governance, risk management, and compliance activities in a unified platform.Used in: NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, COBIT 2019, ISO 27001:2022
GRC StrategyGovernance
A comprehensive approach to managing the interrelationship between governance, risk management, and compliance across an organization.Used in: NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, COBIT 2019, ISO 27001:2022
Gap AnalysisCompliance
A comparison between an organisation's current state and the requirements of a target framework or standard. Identifies areas that need improvement to achieve compliance.Used in: ISO 27001:2022, NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
Gap AssessmentAudit and Assurance
An evaluation that compares an organization's current state against the requirements of a standard or regulation to identify areas of non-compliance.Used in: ISO 27001:2022, NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
Gap RemediationInformation Security
The process of implementing corrective actions to address identified deficiencies between current security practices and required standards or controls.Used in: ISO 27001:2022, NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, CIS Controls v8
Gap Remediation PlanCompliance and Regulatory
A documented plan with specific actions, timelines, and responsibilities for addressing gaps identified during compliance assessments.Used in: ISO 27001:2022, NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
GatewayInformation Security
A network point that serves as an entrance to another network, often implementing security controls such as firewalls and proxy services.Used in: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5, CIS Controls v8
Gateway SecurityInformation Security
Security controls deployed at network entry and exit points to inspect traffic, enforce policies, and prevent threats from entering or data from leaving.Used in: ISO 27001:2022, NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, CIS Controls v8
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)Privacy
The EU's comprehensive data protection regulation (EU 2016/679) that harmonises data privacy laws across all member states. GDPR applies to any organisation processing personal data of EU residents, with penalties up to 4% of global annual turnover.Used in: GDPR, ISO 27001:2022
Generative AIAI & Technology
Artificial intelligence systems capable of generating text, images, code, audio, and other content. Generative AI raises unique governance challenges around intellectual property, misinformation, bias, and data privacy.Used in: GDPR, ISO 27001:2022, EU AI Act
Generative AI GovernanceAI and Technology
Policies and controls for managing the risks of generative AI systems including accuracy, bias, intellectual property, data privacy, and misuse.Used in: GDPR, ISO 27001:2022, EU AI Act
Genetic DataPrivacy
Personal data relating to the inherited or acquired genetic characteristics of a natural person, which gives unique information about the physiology or health of that person. Classified as special category data under GDPR.Used in: GDPR, ISO 27001:2022, HIPAA Security Rule
GeofencingInformation Security
A location-based security control that creates virtual boundaries to trigger actions such as access restrictions or alerts when devices enter or leave defined geographic areas.Used in: ISO 27001:2022, NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, CIS Controls v8
Geographic Access ControlInformation Security
Security policies that restrict access to systems or data based on the physical location of the user or device making the request.Used in: ISO 27001:2022, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
Geolocation DataPrivacy and Data Protection
Data indicating the real-world geographic location of a device or individual, classified as personal data under most privacy regulations.Used in: GDPR, ISO 27001:2022
Global Privacy ControlPrivacy and Data Protection
A browser-level signal that communicates a user's privacy preferences to websites, automating opt-out requests under applicable privacy laws.Used in: GDPR, ISO 27001:2022
Golden ImageInformation Security
A pre-configured, security-hardened template for operating systems or applications used to deploy standardized and consistent system configurations.Used in: ISO 27001:2022, NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, CIS Controls v8
Good Manufacturing PracticeCompliance and Regulatory
Regulations ensuring that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards, particularly in pharmaceutical and food industries.Used in: HIPAA Security Rule, ISO 27001:2022, NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
GovernanceGovernance
The system by which an organisation is directed and controlled. IT governance ensures that IT investments support business objectives and manage risks appropriately.Used in: COBIT 2019, ISO 27001:2022
Governance AuditAudit and Assurance
An examination of an organization's governance structures, processes, and effectiveness to ensure proper oversight and accountability.Used in: ISO 27001:2022, COBIT 2019
Governance AutomationGovernance
The use of technology to automate governance activities including policy management, compliance monitoring, and reporting.Used in: COBIT 2019, ISO 27001:2022, NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
Governance BoardGovernance
A formal body responsible for strategic direction, oversight, and decision-making regarding information security, risk, and compliance programs.Used in: COBIT 2019, ISO 27001:2022
Governance CommitteeGovernance
A formal body responsible for setting direction, making decisions, and providing oversight for specific governance areas.Used in: COBIT 2019, ISO 27001:2022
Governance DashboardGovernance
A visual display providing real-time status of governance metrics, compliance posture, and risk indicators for leadership oversight.Used in: COBIT 2019, ISO 27001:2022
Governance FrameworkGovernance
A structured set of policies, processes, and practices that define how an organisation is directed, managed, and held accountable. Governance frameworks provide the foundation for decision-making, risk management, and performance monitoring.Used in: NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, COBIT 2019, ISO 27001:2022
Governance MaturityGovernance
The level of sophistication and effectiveness of an organization's governance practices, measured against defined capability levels.Used in: COBIT 2019, ISO 27001:2022
Governance ModelGovernance
The organizational structure and processes that define how authority is distributed, decisions are made, and accountability is maintained.Used in: COBIT 2019, ISO 27001:2022
Governance ReportingGovernance
The process of communicating governance performance, compliance status, and risk information to board members and senior management.Used in: COBIT 2019, ISO 27001:2022
Governance Risk and ComplianceGovernance
An integrated approach to managing organizational governance, enterprise risk management, and regulatory compliance to ensure alignment with business objectives.Used in: NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, COBIT 2019, ISO 27001:2022
Governance StructureGovernance
The organizational hierarchy and arrangement of roles, committees, and reporting lines that enable effective governance and oversight.Used in: COBIT 2019, ISO 27001:2022
Government ComplianceCompliance and Regulatory
Regulatory requirements specific to government agencies and contractors including security clearances, procurement rules, and transparency mandates.Used in: ISO 27001:2022, NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
Gray Box TestingInformation Security
A security testing approach where the tester has partial knowledge of the target system, such as user credentials or basic architecture information.Used in: ISO 27001:2022, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5, NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
Green IT ComplianceCompliance and Regulatory
Adherence to environmental regulations and sustainability standards related to IT operations including energy efficiency and electronic waste.Used in: ISO 27001:2022, NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
Gross RiskRisk Management
The total level of risk before any controls, mitigation measures, or risk treatment actions are applied, also known as inherent risk.Used in: NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, ISO 27001:2022
Group PolicyInformation Security
A Windows feature for centrally managing and configuring operating systems, applications, and user settings across an Active Directory environment.Used in: ISO 27001:2022, NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, CIS Controls v8
Guard ServiceInformation Security
Professional security personnel deployed to protect facilities, control access, monitor surveillance systems, and respond to security incidents.Used in: ISO 27001:2022, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5