Companies are aware of the risks involved with running internet-based operations and using computers for their daily tasks. Cyberattackers frequently target them, hoping to bypass their security system to gain unauthorized access to their sensitive data. Business owners have to create cybersecurity strategies to fend off these attacks and protect themselves.
External bodies, including government regulatory bodies, business partners, and third-party service providers also recognize the importance of protecting company data.
They often have requirements that determine how companies should set up their IT infrastructure. When companies abide by these requirements, they are IT compliant.
What is IT Compliance?
IT compliance is the adherence to the requirements that have been imposed on a company’s IT infrastructure by important entities. These requirements could be from laws passed by the government, contractual obligations with a third-party service provider, or internal regulations. The requirements often pertain to data protection, IT security, system availability, and data integrity; and they apply to the company’s internal systems and processes.
Every business is responsible for taking the actions necessary to comply with these requirements because every organization is uniquely set up. Companies that do not meet their IT compliance requirements can be fined, lose contracts, or face lawsuits, depending on the nature of the violation.
Also, IT compliance requirements for each business vary between industries and can be affected by factors such as company size, size of their consumer base, and relevance to the public. In large organizations, IT compliance requirements can be so broad, leading the company to dedicate a department to ensure they are met. If implemented properly, IT compliance will strengthen a company’s cybersecurity posture and ensure they are protected from cyber threats.
Companies are often audited to ensure they meet the applicable compliance requirements. During the audit process, business owners could be required to present reports and conduct penetration tests that demonstrate their compliance.
Standards and Laws That Make Up IT Compliance Requirements
IT compliance requirements usually come from government regulatory bodies or are shaped by reputable organizations known for creating industry standard guidelines for setting up IT infrastructure and operating in a computerized environment. Some of the prominent regulations and standards include:
ISO 27001
This is a framework created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It provides guidelines on how a company should set up and maintain its information security management system.
ISO is not a government body; it is an organization renowned for creating industry standard guidelines and frameworks that companies can use to ensure they operate securely and efficiently.
General Data Protection Regulation
The European Union introduced the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018 to dictate the way companies that operate in their jurisdiction handle consumer data.
They aim to ensure data privacy by making companies take adequate steps to prevent data breaches, data leaks, and other cybersecurity incidents that put data within their possession at risk.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a US data protection law that dictates how healthcare providers in the United States and its territories handle consumer’s personal and medical data.
Endnote
If companies adhere to the IT compliance requirements they are subject to, it will give a huge boost to their cybersecurity efforts.
This will be great for their public perception because consumers will rather patronize a company that takes their data protection seriously over those that do not.
It will make them avoid the mishaps and sanctions that result from non-compliance.
See Also: Combating Threats In The Digital Age With Effective Cybersecurity Training
