As we navigate through 2023, the digital frontier continues to expand, bringing forth numerous novel opportunities and, regrettably, a myriad of cybersecurity threats. These cyber threats are not simply an IT concern; they have profound implications for business continuity, customer trust, and national security. Understanding these risks and their evolution is the first step in… Read More
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is one of the strongest security and privacy frameworks in operation in the world. Of this regulation, Article 32 stands out among its numerous guidelines as it deals explicitly with the “security of processing” of personal data. This piece aims to demystify GDPR Article 32, breaking down its requirements… Read More
Man-in-the-Middle attacks, where a malicious actor secretly intercepts and possibly alters the communication between two unsuspecting parties, have significantly escalated with digital connectivity and remote work surge. While the attack method is not new, its implications have grown in magnitude in the era of widespread digital transformation. Modern businesses, from multinational corporations to small and… Read More
GDPR governs data privacy in the EU, and organizations on both sides of the Atlantic are grappling with its intricacies. However, understanding the ins and outs of GDPR, particularly its provisions around international data transfers, can take time and effort. To further complicate matters, the Schrems II decision invalidated the EU-US Privacy Shield Framework and… Read More
In the evolving world of international IT infrastructure and security, it’s critical that organizations and regulatory bodies have a standard to assess technology effectively. A key player in the United States that works to uphold these standards is the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP). NIAP manages the Common Criteria Evaluation and Validation Scheme (CCEVS) in… Read More
The Common Criteria, recognized worldwide, provides a standardized framework for evaluating the security attributes of IT products and systems. From defining security requirements to testing and verifying products against these requirements, the Common Criteria assure that the evaluation process is rigorous, repeatable, and thorough. To ensure the success of the program on a national basis,… Read More
GDPR certification is quickly becoming a topic of concern for enterprise businesses worldwide. With news of Meta’s record-breaking $1.3B fine from the European Union, companies are learning that data privacy and compliance in the EU is no joke. This article will dig into GDPR to discuss how organizations can approach their security and privacy with best… Read More
The Service Organization Control 2 (SOC 2) report has become, for many organizations and industries, the gold standard in security and integrity. While SOC 2 can be relatively comprehensive, more than the basic SOC 2 may be needed as regulatory and industry landscapes evolve. Enter SOC 2+, also known as a SOC 2 report with… Read More
With the ever-increasing complexities of the IT and business environments, risk management has become crucially important for cybersecurity. Accordingly, risk management methodologies provide the blueprint for this anticipatory and strategic approach. They guide businesses in identifying potential threats, assessing their impact, devising effective responses, and monitoring progress. This article will introduce some basics of risk… Read More
As the Department of Defense (DoD) increasingly leverages cloud services, the need to classify and secure sensitive data has never been more important. To address that need, the DoD’s Cloud Computing Security Requirements Guide (SRG) provides a comprehensive framework for this, establishing different Impact Levels to classify the appropriateness of a system to handle specific… Read More
In the era of digitization, the security of cloud services, particularly those engaged with federal agencies, is paramount. The government uses the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP)–to ensure cloud services meet stringent security standards to protect federal data. This article will dig into the intricacies of the FedRAMP High Impact Level and its… Read More
Organizations are tasked with navigating many rules, regulations, and potential risks in an increasingly complex business landscape. As they do so, the importance of a robust Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) strategy becomes apparent. This trifecta acts as a guiding beacon, setting a course for businesses to follow, ensuring they operate within the bounds of… Read More
In the interconnected world of digital health information, safeguarding Protected Health Information is paramount. Healthcare providers must legally follow the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect patient privacy and maintain trust, and this compliance includes understanding what it means to identify and deal with security incidents. Among these, the concepts of security… Read More
With modern computing increasingly moving into a mobile paradigm of remote workers, laptops, and smart devices, the threat to security in various industries is only increasing. This is no more true than in healthcare, where HIPAA breaches related to mobile devices are becoming more common. This article will discuss the HIPAA security rule, how it… Read More
In response to changes in the medical industry due to COVID-19, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) have put forth a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to streamline how doctors can access mental health information. This article will discuss this rule change and why it… Read More
Cyber threats continue to grow in complexity and sophistication. To address this evolution, the Department of Defense has introduced the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 to ensure that defense contractors maintain robust cybersecurity practices to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). To address one of the most important processes in modern security (risk management), CMMC… Read More
It has become increasingly important for financial institutions to adopt robust security measures to safeguard their client’s assets and personal data. To address this challenge, FINDA has established a comprehensive set of rules to enhance its member firms’ cybersecurity posture. However, there isn’t a set-in-stone framework for specific security measures. Instead, FINRA consists of obligations… Read More
The rapidly evolving regulatory landscape has become increasingly complex and challenging for organizations to navigate. To address these complexities, the Compliance-as-a-Service (CaaS) business model has emerged as a valuable solution for organizations seeking to maintain regulatory compliance while minimizing risk. This blog delves into the CaaS business model, exploring its key features, benefits, and limitations.… Read More
The importance of risk management cannot be overstated… and yet, many enterprises struggle with the practice due to a lack of standardization or expertise. And while the challenges that businesses face implementing risk management are understandable, they are no longer acceptable. This article will provide an in-depth overview of OCTAVE Allegro, a framework developed to… Read More
In an increasingly digital world, cybersecurity has never been more critical for organizations of all sizes and industries. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the potential impact of a security breach on an organization’s operations, reputation, and financial well-being can be devastating. As a result, integrating cybersecurity risk management into more comprehensive Enterprise Risk Management… Read More
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has fundamentally transformed the data protection landscape for organizations operating within the European Union. Managed Service Providers, essential partners for many businesses, must also carefully navigate GDPR compliance to protect their clients’ data and maintain trust. Understanding the implications of GDPR on MSPs and their services is vital for… Read More
As cloud computing continues gaining popularity, organizations increasingly turn to cloud services to store and process their data. However, with this increased reliance on cloud services comes a heightened risk of data breaches and cyber attacks, making cloud security a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. To address these concerns, the International Organization for… Read More
As technology advances, the need for effective cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly important. The necessity for regular testing, including penetration testing, has raised awareness of best practices and standards for such assessments. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed comprehensive guidelines and standards to help organizations safeguard their information systems from cyber threats.… Read More
A Managed Service Provider (MSP) provides their clients with a wide range of IT services, including network management, software support, and hardware maintenance. However, as cyber threats evolve, MSPs are increasingly expected to provide comprehensive security solutions to their clients. This can be a significant challenge, as they may need more specialized expertise, tools, and… Read More