As the digital world continues to grow and evolve, more businesses are finding themselves at risk of cyber threats and data breaches. Consequently, regulatory compliance frameworks have become an increasingly important part of running a successful business. For regulated industries, compliance with these frameworks is essential to protect customer data, meet customer expectations, and remain competitive.
At Cyberstone, our team of experts is dedicated to helping companies in regulated industries understand and adhere to the four most important compliance frameworks: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). Read on to learn more and reach out for expert guidance on managing risk in our digital world.
The Significance of Compliance Frameworks
Compliance frameworks provide organizations with clear guidelines on how to protect customer data and other sensitive information, as well as how to respond to potential cyber threats. Compliance frameworks help businesses create secure systems, processes, and policies that protect data and ensure that customer information is handled responsibly. By following the guidelines, businesses can reduce their risk of a data breach, improve their overall security posture, and remain compliant with regulations. Additionally, compliance frameworks can help businesses save money by reducing the cost of non-compliance fines and penalties. Let’s take a look at the most significant areas of compliance industries face:
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was enacted in 1996 to protect the privacy and security of individuals’ health information. HIPAA applies to Covered Entities, which include healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses. HIPAA requires Covered Entities to take reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Protected Health Information (PHI). This includes instituting administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect PHI.
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of security standards designed to protect cardholder data. PCI DSS applies to any organization that stores, processes, or transmits cardholder data. PCI DSS requires organizations to implement technical and operational measures to protect cardholder data. These measures include network security, vulnerability assessments, and access control.
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a certification developed by the Department of Defense to ensure that contractors and subcontractors have the necessary cyber security controls in place to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). CMMC consists of five levels of maturity, each of which requires organizations to implement additional security measures such as cyber security assessments and cyber security solutions.
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) is a set of regulations developed by the Department of Defense to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). DFARS requires organizations to implement security measures such as physical security, incident response, and cyber security assessments.
Best Practices for Remaining in Compliance
To ensure compliance, organizations should:
- Develop a comprehensive security program that includes policies, procedures, and processes to protect customer data.
- Implement technical and operational measures to protect customer data.
- Perform regular security assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities.
- Monitor and respond to security incidents promptly.
- Train employees on security best practices.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest security trends and regulations.
At Cyberstone, our team of experts is dedicated to helping businesses in regulated industries understand and adhere to the most important compliance frameworks. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect your business with our comprehensive suite of security and compliance services. We look forward to serving you.
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