A META-ANALYSIS OF CYBERSECURITY FRAMEWORK INTEGRATION IN GRC PLATFORMS: EVIDENCE FROM U.S. ENTERPRISE AUDITS

Abstract

This meta-analysis critically examines the integration of cybersecurity frameworks into Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) platforms and its impact on audit performance, compliance outcomes, and enterprise risk management across U.S.-based organizations. Leveraging quantitative data from 78 peer-reviewed studies and industry reports published between 2010 and 2024, the research aggregates and evaluates the effectiveness of implementing widely recognized cybersecurity frameworks—including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), ISO/IEC 27001, COBIT, and CIS Controls—within digital GRC environments. Using a random-effects model to account for sectoral and methodological heterogeneity, the study calculates standardized effect sizes and analyzes how such integrations influence key organizational metrics such as audit exception rates, control failure frequency, policy adherence levels, risk visibility, and regulatory response capabilities. The findings demonstrate statistically significant improvements in audit readiness, reduction in compliance violations, enhanced policy enforcement, and faster detection and containment of security incidents when cybersecurity frameworks are embedded within GRC systems. Sector-specific insights reveal that financial services, healthcare, and federal agencies benefit the most from integration, attributed to higher regulatory scrutiny and more mature risk governance infrastructures. In contrast, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), along with sectors reliant on legacy systems, face implementation challenges related to system interoperability, workforce skill gaps, and resource constraints. The analysis also identifies key enablers of successful integration, including leadership engagement, cross-functional governance teams, standardized control taxonomies, and continuous training programs. Additionally, behavioral factors such as user acceptance, organizational culture, and change management practices significantly influence the long-term sustainability of integration efforts. This study contributes a comprehensive, data-driven understanding of how cybersecurity-GRC convergence enhances operational efficiency, regulatory alignment, and strategic resilience. The results offer practical implications for CISOs, compliance officers, IT auditors, and executive leadership seeking to modernize governance processes, manage cyber risks more proactively, and meet evolving regulatory expectations in an increasingly complex digital landscape.