StateRAMP, much like FedRAMP, includes a series of documents that the cloud provider and their 3PAO must complete before they are fully authorized. These documents align with several stages of the assessment process and provide regulating authorities with the proof they need to see that the cloud offering meets requirements. Here, we summarize the documents… Read More
Companies can only monitor some of the pieces of software that their employees use. It’s inevitable, then, that those employees will start to kludge together their solutions through personal software or freeware from the Internet. This is such a problem that Splunk recently rated shadow IT as one of the top 50 threats to cybersecurity… Read More
Understanding IRS Publication 4812 is not just about compliance; it’s about upholding a standard of trust and integrity crucial to the IRS’s operations and the taxpayers’ confidence. This relatively new standard addresses how contractors in the federal supply chain handle data specific to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and its mission of maintaining the privacy… Read More
The advent of non-human identities–encompassing service accounts, application IDs, machine identities, and more–has reshaped the cybersecurity landscape, introducing a new dimension of vulnerabilities and attack vectors. While helpful, these digital entities are an increasingly vulnerable spot where attackers focus resources. This article will cover this relatively new attack vector, how hackers leverage new technology to… Read More
A new report shines a light on some unfortunate news in the world of federal cybersecurity. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), only three of 23 federal agencies have reached their expected logging requirements as dictated by Executive Order 14028. In this article, we’re talking about this executive order and what it calls… Read More
Identity, authorization, and authentication are some of the hottest topics in cybersecurity right now, with 80% of attacks involving some form of compromised identity. The proliferation of cloud-based and managed infrastructure and primarily data-driven organizations has made identity and security a top priority for organizations and regulatory bodies. Here, we’ll talk about identity governance–what it… Read More
We’ve often focused on security and maintenance from the perspective of technology itself–specifically, how it is deployed and used by individuals in the real world. But, the truth is that assessments of security technologies don’t start when an enterprise deploys them. Rather, in cases of tech like cryptography modules and biometrics, it begins in the… Read More
One of the ongoing challenges of GDPR is its (until recently) fragmented compliance and assessment approach. The requirements of GDPR are relatively open–they focus on standards and expectations, not implementation. Therefore, many assessment tools and frameworks have emerged to address the situation. Recently, Europrivacy has risen as a potential centralization of assessments under a common… Read More
The journey towards StateRAMP compliance is complex, with IT decision-makers at the strategic forefront. ITDMs are responsible for an organization’s infrastructure, including security and regulations, guiding their organizations through the nuances of the compliance process. While working with a framework like StateRAMP, these decision-makers will inevitably have to take leading roles in guiding company culture… Read More
The draft memo released by the OMB signals many potential changes for the FedRAMP program, especially for the continuous monitoring process. Continuous monitoring is a crucial part of FedRAMP that ensures that CSPs maintain compliance. However, this process can also prove complicated and costly for cloud providers, especially small or unique companies offering innovative solutions.… Read More
The latest FedRAMP draft memo from the OMB shakes up quite a bit about the program. While nothing is set in stone, much ink is spilled on what it will mean for the program and participating cloud service providers. In this article, we will discuss what this new memo says about automation–specifically, how the program… Read More
Companies and data brokers, armed with sophisticated data collection techniques, amass vast amounts of personal data, often without the explicit consent or awareness of the individuals concerned. The urgency of the matter has propelled jurisdictions worldwide to enact stringent data protection laws. This article explores a new development in privacy law: the Data Delete Act.… Read More
CMMC 2.0, while retaining the foundational principles of its predecessor, introduces refined maturity levels, each delineating a progressive enhancement in cybersecurity practices and protocols. Transitioning from Maturity Level 1 to Level 2 is not just about adding additional requirements to an organization. It’s about committing to security strategies to protect critical Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). … Read More
Several prominent security frameworks and regulations have been established to guide organizations through this intricate landscape. These range from international standards like ISO/IEC 27001 to more sector-specific regulations such as HIPAA for healthcare and PCI DSS for payment data. This article delves into these pivotal frameworks and how they speak to secure data sharing between… Read More
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has always been at the forefront of cybersecurity guidance. With the Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 release, NIST has addressed the evolving challenges of modern cybersecurity. This article discusses some of the bigger changes in the recently released CSF 2.0, spotlighting governance and supply chain security while emphasizing… Read More
The cybersecurity landscape isn’t getting any easier for any business, large or small. With high-profile cyber attacks making headlines, from ransomware attacks crippling global infrastructure to data breaches compromising millions of users’ personal information, the stakes for major corporations have never been higher. While offering unprecedented opportunities, the digital realm also presents a minefield of… Read More
The Security Operations Center (SOC) is central to this defense strategy – a dedicated hub for monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents. But as businesses grapple with establishing their in-house SOCs or outsourcing to specialized Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), many considerations come into play. In this article, we discuss the complexities of these… Read More
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a strict set of rules for companies in California, defining what these organizations must do to protect consumer privacy. Although the CCPA does not require formal audits, the upcoming CPRA expansion will call for these practices, particularly in consumer protection and privacy areas. As concerns about data privacy… Read More
The ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 is a global guideline designed to shape how organizations that perform audits and certifications for management systems should operate. Released by the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission, this standard aims to improve the reliability and uniformity of these audits and certifications by outlining the essential requirements these organizations… Read More
Modern cybersecurity is about more than just reacting to threats as they emerge. Adopting proactive cybersecurity measures is not just a strategic advantage; it’s an operational necessity that can spell the difference between business as usual and breaches that erode customer trust and shareholder value. Whether you’re a cybersecurity veteran or new to the domain,… Read More
Government responses to evolving security threats have, to more or less a degree, started to incorporate advanced mitigation postures that reflect a world of networked systems and complex digital supply chains. To address this changing landscape, the president issued Executive Order 14028, “Executive Order on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity.” This 2021 order introduced a zero-trust… Read More
According to a recent report by IT Governance, there were over 70 data breaches in June 2023 alone–accounting for compromising over 14 million data records. Once these records are out in the open, they are often sold on the dark web. Following that, it’s just a matter of time before hackers can use this data… Read More
In June 2023, the US. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reached an agreement with Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital over a significant breach of privacy and security rules. Specifically, HHS found that several security guards had inappropriately accessed the private records of up to 419 patients. This settlement demonstrated administrative and internal security… Read More
From time to time, new directives and requirements come up in the federal space that has ripple effects throughout the cybersecurity landscape. Recently, FedRAMP raised a note that a new Binding Operational Directive has shifted some requirements for agencies and contractors. While this doesn’t seem to directly impact the program, it is significant enough for… Read More