Why Partnering with a Compliant IT Company is Critical for Your Business

Written by Jacob Acker

September 3, 2024

Compliance remains a critical priority for organizations, especially as evolving technologies introduce new challenges in IT compliance.

While collecting business data has become more accessible, this data poses significant risks for companies that fail to adhere to compliance regulations.

Neglecting regulatory and security standards can lead to costly data breaches, resulting in steep penalties and disruptions to productivity and finances.

Partnering with a trusted IT security and compliance provider ensures effective management of digital communications, data security, and technological infrastructure, helping businesses operate efficiently while avoiding financial and operational setbacks.

Ready to get started on your cybersecurity journey?

IT Compliance Made Simple

IT compliance refers to the set of regulations that organizations must follow to protect their processes, people, and data. These rules define the standards for a company’s technical environment.

Failing to comply with these regulations can result in penalties from the governing bodies that enforce them.

What exactly is IT compliance?

IT compliance involves implementing practices to ensure business technology aligns with legal and regulatory standards. Nearly all businesses, knowingly or not, are subject to compliance requirements.

These standards dictate the security measures businesses must adopt to safeguard their people, processes, and sensitive data. Following compliance guidelines is crucial to avoid violations and minimize risks such as data breaches, loss of sensitive information, and other technology-related threats.

Why is partnering with a compliant IT company critical?

Partnering with a compliant IT company is essential to protect sensitive data, reduce security risks, and meet regulatory standards. A trusted IT partner implements robust cybersecurity measures, safeguarding your business from data breaches, fines, and reputational damage. This allows you to focus on growth while ensuring your operations remain secure and compliant.

Understanding the Difference Between IT Compliance & IT Security

IT security and IT compliance are interconnected but distinct. IT compliance focuses on adhering to regulatory standards, including cybersecurity measures to protect user data and ensure privacy. In contrast, IT security covers broader strategies to safeguard the entire technical environment.

Both are essential for protecting company and customer data. While compliance ensures businesses meet strict regulatory requirements with defined penalties for non-compliance, it also guides best practices in cybersecurity and data protection. To stay secure and compliant, companies should enhance their cybersecurity defenses while preparing to meet compliance standards.

Why IT Compliance Should Matter to Every Business

IT compliance is crucial for all businesses, not just large corporations or financial institutions. Any company using technology or handling customer data must prioritize compliance. With cybersecurity incidents gaining public and regulatory attention, organizations face increased oversight from governments and agencies worldwide. In this new era of cybersecurity, staying compliant is essential to protect data and maintain trust.

3 Regulations Every Business Should Be Aware Of

  1. Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC):
    Focused on protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) within the Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain, CMMC ensures contractors implement strong security measures. Certification is becoming a requirement for all DoD vendors.
  2. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA):
    Ensures healthcare providers and related businesses protect sensitive patient information. HIPAA prevents unauthorized sharing of data without patient consent, safeguarding privacy.
  3. System and Organizational Controls (SOC 2):
    Establishes best practices for companies managing digital customer data. SOC 2 focuses on trust principles like security, availability, and privacy, requiring annual audits to maintain compliance.

How can my business achieve IT compliance?

IT compliance requirements often overlap, so businesses should focus on core cybersecurity elements. Key steps include identifying relevant standards, staying updated on changes, and implementing the following measures:

  • Access Management: Control authentication and authorization.
  • Data Controls: Safeguard shared data.
  • Incident Response: Plan for cyberattack recovery.
  • Disaster Recovery: Ensure operational restoration.
  • Data Loss Prevention: Protect against data loss risks.
  • Malware Protection: Use endpoint detection tools.
  • Security Policies: Define measures in a compliance policy.
  • Activity Monitoring: Detect threats through environment tracking.

By focusing on these basics, businesses can build a strong compliance foundation.