What Does it Mean to be Compliant?
Nearly every day, we are asked by our current and prospective clients how they can ensure that their IT infrastructure is fully compliant with all applicable regulations. In the world of information technology, there is no shortage of compliance and regulatory standards. In fact, according to Forbes magazine, “updates to regulations are exponentially increasing today, averaging 200 or more per day from approximately 900 oversight agencies worldwide, leading to a quickly changing, heterogeneous landscape.” There are legal rules that must be followed, decrees, regulations, common advice from authorities on particular subjects and industry standards including HIPPA, PCI DSS and others. Keeping track of this barrage of ever-changing information can be daunting without the proper help.
What is Compliance?
In order to understand what is meant by compliance in information technology, you must first understand what it means to be compliant. The literal definition of the word compliant is to agree with others or obey rules, especially to an excessive degree. Being compliant can also be the same as being acquiescent. The majority of security-related compliance stems from legislative, regulatory or administrative law.
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How Does Compliance Relate to Information Technology?
In order to be compliant with state rules, industry guidelines or federal compliance standard mandates, your business must agree to and obey these rules. The majority of these rules are dense and complicated. HIPAA alone is more than 160 pages. In order to excel at compliance, your organization must continually assess risk management and stay on top of amendments and new legislation. Compliance fatigue can be a real thing. According to Rich Mogull, CEO and analyst at Securosis, “Some CISOs spend 30% or more of their time dealing with compliance issues.”
Proactive Compliance Has Real Benefits for Your Business
When you consider that the majority of government regulations are put in place to help protect consumers and businesses, you may realize how often these standards can improve your overall business practices. From the need to protect sensitive business and confidential data to reducing the possibility that your company will fall victim to a cyberattack, security compliance has real strategic benefits for your business.
Putting these standards in place as soon as possible allows you to gain the greatest benefit from the changes. Plus, your company doesn’t run the risk of being considered non-compliant and hit with multiple fines from a range of government entities.
How Can You Ensure Your IT Systems Are Compliant?
If you are ready to assess how compliant your business is with the latest industry, state and federal standards and mandates and to increase cybersecurity and data protection readiness in all areas of your company, contact BC Network for support from our security and compliance experts. We will ensure that you are up to date with all regulations and stay apprised of the most recent developments, allowing you to maximize your IT budget. Contact our team at (408) 243-1100 or reach us by email to info@bcnetworks.com to schedule a free consultation or learn more about how to ensure that your IT infrastructure is in compliance with applicable best practices and regulations.
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