Compliance
Compliance with corporate, government and industry standards and regulations is critical to meet business goals, reduce risk, maintain trust and avoid fines. Get advice on audit planning and management; laws, standards and regulations; and how to comply with GDPR, PCI DSS, HIPAA and more.
Top Stories
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Feature
11 Apr 2024
7 principles of the GDPR explained
The GDPR's seven data protection principles on the lawful processing of data are directly influencing the way businesses collect, store, erase and monetize personal information. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Apr 2024
AI and GDPR: How is AI being regulated?
Amid data privacy issues spawned by proliferating AI and generative AI applications, GDPR provisions need some updating to provide businesses with more specific AI guidelines. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jan 2023
ITAR and EAR compliance
The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are two important U.S. export control laws that affect the manufacturing, sales and distribution of certain technologies, technology products, software and services. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jan 2023
Building a shared services organization structure
Amid the shifting economic climate and new reality of hybrid workforces, there's no better time for companies to consolidate business functions and centralize support services. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jan 2023
compliance automation
Compliance automation, also known as automated compliance, is the practice of using technology -- such as applications with artificial intelligence features -- to perform and simplify compliance procedures. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Dec 2022
checksum
A checksum is a value that represents the number of bits in a transmission message and is used by IT professionals to detect high-level errors within data transmissions. Continue Reading
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News
10 Nov 2022
TrustCor under fire over certificate authority concerns
TrustCor Systems, a certificate authority registered in Panama, is in hot water after a Washington Post report raised questions about its apparent connections to a spyware vendor. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Nov 2022
Ideal CISO reporting structure is to high-level business leaders
CISOs usually report to a high-level executive, but reporting to a top-level business executive like the CEO rather than a technology executive protects the business best. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Oct 2022
clean desk policy (CDP)
A clean desk policy (CDP) is a corporate directive that specifies how employees should leave their working space when they leave the office. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2022
How to conduct a cybersecurity audit based on zero trust
This checklist offers guidance on how to prepare for a zero-trust cybersecurity audit and helps document how well cybersecurity controls are performing based on CISA's ZTMM. Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2022
Former Uber CSO Joe Sullivan found guilty in breach cover-up
Sullivan was convicted of obstruction of proceedings of the Federal Trade Commission and misprision of felony in connection with the cover-up of Uber's 2016 data breach. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Sep 2022
MICR (magnetic ink character recognition)
MICR (magnetic ink character recognition) is a technology invented in the 1950s that's used to verify the legitimacy or originality of checks and other paper documents. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Sep 2022
10 PCI DSS best practices to weigh as new standard rolls out
PCI's Security Standards Council revamped the requirements governing how organizations store payment card information. Companies need to act fast to ensure they are in compliance. Continue Reading
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Podcast
16 Sep 2022
Risk & Repeat: The White House wants secure software
This podcast episode discusses the implications of the Biden administration's new purchasing and usage guidelines for software utilized by U.S. federal agencies. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2022
Biden issues cybersecurity guidance for software vendors
The guidance is an extension of President Biden's cybersecurity executive order from 2021 and includes new requirements for software deployed in federal agencies. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Sep 2022
ISO date format
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) date and time format is a standard way to express a numeric calendar date -- and optionally time -- in a format that eliminates ambiguity between entities. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Sep 2022
Tips to achieve compliance with GDPR in cloud storage
GDPR compliance can be tricky in the cloud since organizations aren't the owners and processors of cloud storage. Research cloud vendors, and craft a plan to ensure compliance. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Sep 2022
Cybersecurity budget breakdown and best practices
Once budget is secured, CISOs must figure out where it should be allocated -- as well as how to justify the costs. Get the lowdown on a cybersecurity budget breakdown here. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Aug 2022
corporate governance
Corporate governance is the combination of rules, processes and laws by which businesses are operated, regulated and controlled. Continue Reading
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Podcast
24 Aug 2022
Risk & Repeat: Whistleblower spells trouble for Twitter
A new whistleblower report unveiled troubling accusations against Twitter from the social media company's former head of security, Peiter 'Mudge' Zatko. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Aug 2022
PCI DSS v4.0 is coming, here's how to prepare to comply
Organizations need to start laying the groundwork to reap the benefits of the forthcoming PCI DSS v4.0 specification. Creating a team to focus on the upgrade is one good step. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Aug 2022
What is data security? The ultimate guide
Dig into the essentials of data security, from must-have tools, technologies and processes to best practices for keeping data safe. Continue Reading
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News
08 Aug 2022
U.S. sanctions another cryptocurrency mixer in Tornado Cash
The U.S. Treasury Department issued sanctions against Tornado Cash, a cryptocurrency mixer accused of helping North Korea's Lazarus Group launder stolen funds. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Aug 2022
5 data security challenges enterprises face today
Data empowers enterprises to succeed. But with great power comes great responsibility -- to keep that data secure. Here are five challenges today's businesses must meet. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jul 2022
How to perform a data risk assessment, step by step
Organizations need confidence that they are properly identifying and protecting sensitive data. Follow these five steps to create a data risk assessment. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jul 2022
How to develop a data breach response plan: 5 steps
A data breach response plan outlines how a business will react to a breach. Follow these five steps, and use our free template to develop your organization's plan. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jul 2022
HRIS (human resource information system)
A human resource information system (HRIS) is software that provides a centralized repository of employee master data that the human resource management (HRM) group needs for completing core human resource (core HR) processes. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jul 2022
How to create a data security policy, with template
Are you looking to create or update your organization's data security policy? Learn about the key elements of a data security policy, and use our free template to get started. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jul 2022
data compliance
Data compliance is a process that identifies the applicable governance for data protection, security, storage and other activities and establishes policies, procedures and protocols ensuring data is fully protected from unauthorized access and use, malware and other cybersecurity threats. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2022
Best practices for legal hold storage
Storing data for legal holds could be a mission-critical task. Storage admins should understand how to prepare for legal holds and deal with them when they occur. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jul 2022
How to create a critical infrastructure incident response plan
Does your organization have an incident response plan for disruptions to critical infrastructure? Learn how to write a successful plan for your company. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
28 Jun 2022
Why the next-gen telecom ecosystem needs better regulations
The telecom industry keeps the world connected but also poses national and cybersecurity risks. Learn why the sector needs better -- and uniform -- regulations. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2022
How Russian sanctions may be helping US cybersecurity
Federal government officials say Russian sanctions decreased cyber attacks on the U.S. over the past few months but could potentially lead to significant threats down the road. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jun 2022
3 steps for CDOs to ensure data sovereignty in the cloud
Data sovereignty regulations, combined with a tsunami of data growth and increased cloud usage, have created a perfect storm that chief data officers must manage. Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2022
Twitter fined $150M for misusing 2FA data
The DOJ and FTC said the social media company misused consumers' personal data for advertisement purposes, from which it gained benefit. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 May 2022
ESG analysts discuss how to manage compliance, data privacy
ESG analysts offer three recommendations for effective data governance: good C-level and IT leadership, visibility into cloud infrastructure and understanding cloud architecture. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 May 2022
The top secure software development frameworks
Keeping security top of mind when developing software is paramount. Learn how to incorporate security into the SDLC with the top secure software development frameworks. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Apr 2022
Study attests: Cloud apps, remote users add to data loss
A study from ESG found many customers attribute data loss and compliance troubles to the race to put apps in the cloud and accommodate remote workers amid the pandemic. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Apr 2022
Should companies ask for a SaaS software bill of materials?
Though it isn't commonplace to ask for a SaaS software bill of materials, one can be beneficial for both SaaS providers and their customers. Learn why. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Apr 2022
How effective is security awareness training? Not enough
Annual security awareness trainings do little to improve security. Learn why they aren't helpful, and discover steps to improve your organization's training program. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Apr 2022
SOC 1 (System and Organization Controls 1)
System and Organization Controls 1, or SOC 1 (pronounced "sock one"), aims to control objectives within a SOC 1 process area and documents internal controls relevant to an audit of a user entity's financial statements. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Apr 2022
Luhn algorithm (modulus 10)
The Luhn algorithm, also called modulus 10 or modulus 10 algorithm, is a simple mathematical formula used to validate a user's identification numbers. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Mar 2022
The importance of HR's role in cybersecurity
HR teams must keep security top of mind when hiring and onboarding employees and enforcing data privacy policies. Get advice on the procedures and mechanisms to do so. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Mar 2022
Why CISOs need to understand the business
While CISOs need technical skills, business skills help them push their team's agenda and get the support and funding they need to protect their company. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2022
Deploy an information barrier policy for Microsoft Teams
Mistakes happen, but can be costly when they involve compliance. Office 365 information barriers can prevent inadvertent sharing to protect the organization's sensitive data. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Mar 2022
How to overcome GDPR compliance challenges
As GDPR fines and penalties increase, organizations must prioritize compliance to avoid financial and reputational damages. Learn about the top challenges and their solutions. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Mar 2022
COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act )
The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA) is a federal law that imposes specific requirements on operators of websites and online services to protect the privacy of children under 13. Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2022
Biden signs law on reporting critical infrastructure cyber attacks
President Joe Biden signed a law that requires critical infrastructure entities to report cyber attacks within 72 hours and report ransom payments in 24 hours. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Mar 2022
How endpoint encryption works in a data security strategy
Companies should use encryption to keep data on endpoints protected should an attacker successfully get hold of a device or breach enterprise security measures. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Mar 2022
How to write an information security policy, plus templates
Infosec policies are key to any enterprise security program. Read up on types of security policies and how to write one, and download free templates to start the drafting process. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Mar 2022
North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC CIP)
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC CIP) plan is a set of standards aimed at regulating, enforcing, monitoring and managing the security of the Bulk Electric System (BES) in North America. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Feb 2022
Privacy-enhancing technology types and use cases
Data is key to companies' success, but maintaining its privacy and ensuring regulatory compliance is difficult. Learn about privacy-enhancing technologies that keep data protected. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Feb 2022
Crosswalk cloud compliance to ensure consistency
Combining a risk management framework with security policies can be tricky, but crosswalking -- especially in the cloud -- can help address inconsistencies and maintain compliance. Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2022
Why Massachusetts' data breach reports are so high
Massachusetts discloses breaches of companies that affect just a single resident, giving the commonwealth a much larger number of 2021 incidents than other states. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
09 Feb 2022
How automated certificate management helps retain IT talent
Organizations shouldn't waste their IT pros' time on unnecessary tasks -- especially during a skills shortage. Learn about the benefits of automated digital certificate management. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jan 2022
4 data privacy predictions for 2022 and beyond
Data privacy will continue to heat up in 2022. From regulations to staffing to collaboration, will these data privacy predictions come to fruition in the next 12 months and beyond? Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2022
Monero and the complicated world of privacy coins
Monero is known for being one of the most common cryptocurrencies seen in illicit transactions, but its development community paints a different picture of the privacy coin. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2022
Top cloud security standards and frameworks to consider
Cloud security standards and frameworks are key to securing systems and maintaining privacy. Read up on available options and advice for selecting the best for your organization. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
28 Dec 2021
How to make security accessible to developers
Apps are too often released with flaws and vulnerabilities. Learn how to make security accessible to developers by integrating best practices into the development lifecycle. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Dec 2021
copyright
Copyright is a legal term describing ownership of control of the rights to the use and distribution of certain works of creative expression, including books, video, motion pictures, musical compositions and computer programs. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
10 Dec 2021
The business benefits of data compliance
Beyond appeasing auditors and avoiding fines, data compliance offers several business benefits. Discover how data compliance can build trust and improve publicity. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Dec 2021
GDPR as we enter 2022: Challenges, enforcement and fines
Take a look at where GDPR stands as it reaches its fourth birthday, including enforcement and fine changes, current challenges, how COVID-19 affected it and more. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Nov 2021
snooping
Snooping, in a security context, is unauthorized access to another person's or company's data. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
15 Nov 2021
Reduce the risk of cyber attacks with frameworks, assessments
Don't rely on a compliance mandate to reduce the risk of cyber attacks or on a cyber insurer to cover an attack's aftermath. Assessments and frameworks are key to staying safe. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Nov 2021
Steps for building a privacy program, plus checklist
Organizations need to prioritize privacy now more than ever. Follow these steps, and use our checklist to create a privacy program that ensures compliance and mitigates threats. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2021
7 best practices to ensure GDPR compliance
Complying with the EU's GDPR data privacy mandates remains challenging. These best practices -- such as hiring a data protection officer and classifying data -- can help. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Nov 2021
Report on Compliance (ROC)
A Report on Compliance (ROC) is a form that must be completed by all Level 1 Visa merchants undergoing a PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) audit. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Oct 2021
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the U.S. government agency that oversees the nation's securities industry. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Sep 2021
10 CCPA enforcement cases from the law's first year
It's been more than a year since CCPA enforcement began, and organizations started hearing from the California attorney general. Explore 10 early cases of alleged noncompliance. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Sep 2021
Secure Electronic Transaction (SET)
Secure Electronic Transaction (SET) is a system and electronic protocol to ensure the integrity and security of transactions conducted over the internet. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Sep 2021
The benefits of an IT management response
Many organizations create management responses to traditional audit findings. But did you know organizations can do them after IT audits and assessments, too? Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Sep 2021
COBIT
COBIT is an IT governance framework for businesses wanting to implement, monitor and improve IT management best practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Aug 2021
How to use the NIST framework for cloud security
Aligning the NIST Cybersecurity Framework with cloud services such as AWS, Azure and Google Cloud can improve cloud security. Read how to best use the framework for the cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jun 2021
OPSEC (operations security)
OPSEC (operations security) is a security and risk management process and strategy that classifies information, then determines what is required to protect sensitive information and prevent it from getting into the wrong hands. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Jun 2021
What are cloud security frameworks and how are they useful?
Cloud security frameworks help CSPs and customers alike, providing easy-to-understand security baselines, validations and certifications. Continue Reading
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News
25 May 2021
Chaos in Maricopa County: The election audit explained
The controversy about an election audit of Maricopa County, Ariz., involves accusations of deleted databases, bamboo fibers and potentially ruined voting machines. Continue Reading
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Podcast
25 May 2021
Risk & Repeat: Recapping RSA Conference 2021
Election security, nation-state threats and supply chain attacks were major topics at this year's RSA Conference, which was held as a virtual event. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 May 2021
How to successfully automate GRC systems in 7 steps
There is more to automating GRC programs than technology alone. This implementation roadmap helps IT leaders effectively plan, deploy and monitor GRC activities and tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 May 2021
How to use CIS benchmarks to improve public cloud security
Safeguarding public cloud environments is a shared responsibility. Cloud customers should use CIS benchmarks to ensure cloud security at the account level. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2021
Exploring GRC automation benefits and challenges
Governance, risk and compliance is a crucial enterprise task but can be costly and time-consuming. This is where GRC automation fits in. Learn about its benefits and challenges. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2021
Feds debate while states act on data privacy laws
As Congress debates its next move on how to regulate big tech, states are already enacting legislation. Their push will likely serve as a model for the federal government. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
04 Mar 2021
Rebuild security and compliance foundations with automation
Instead of patchwork security fixes, financial organizations need to embrace automation, create and deploy secure software and address implementation problems. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
08 Jan 2021
7 cybersecurity priorities CISOs should focus on for 2021
For 2021, Vishal Salvi argues that CISOs should tie cybersecurity to business agendas better, invest in cloud security, implement IT hygiene, modernize security architecture and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Nov 2020
How to use the Mitre ATT&CK framework for cloud security
Learn how to use the Mitre ATT&CK security framework to keep your enterprise cloud environment -- whether AWS, GCP, Azure, Azure AD or Microsoft 365 -- secure. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jul 2020
5 PCI DSS best practices to improve compliance
Increased rates of PCI noncompliance are worth examining, as are PCI DSS best practices and tips for small and medium-sized companies. Read more in-depth compliance coverage here. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2020
5 steps to determine residual risk during the assessment process
Even the best security controls have data management gaps that create risk. Here are steps to identify and offset residual risk during an assessment. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 May 2020
One security framework may be key to cyber effectiveness
The Mitre ATT&CK security framework could best enable effective cybersecurity, according to The Chertoff Group, as could joining information sharing and analysis organizations. Continue Reading
- 01 May 2020
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Tip
17 Mar 2020
Get to know the elements of Secure Access Service Edge
Cloud services use cases continue to expand, but implementation challenges remain. Discover Secure Access Service Edge, or SASE, offerings and how they can simplify connectivity. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Mar 2020
How privacy compliance rules will affect IT security
As companies scramble to comply with consumer data privacy compliance mandates, like GDPR, CCPA and others on the horizon, IT security will shoulder much of the process burden. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Mar 2020
Updating the data discovery process in the age of CCPA
Privacy regulations are changing the enterprise data discovery process. Now, automation is key for fulfilling data discovery mandates, including those for CCPA and GDPR. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2020
Use this CCPA compliance checklist to get up to speed
California leads the pack in terms of state regulations on data privacy and transparency. Now, it's time for businesses to be proactive with this CCPA compliance checklist. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Mar 2020
Balance fraud compliance and prevention with these tips
IT leaders must be vigilant against cyberfraud. Use this list of fraud compliance statutes and prevention tips to protect IT resources, customers and your company's reputation. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Feb 2020
Privacy controls to meet CCPA compliance requirements
Existing risk management programs are a solid foundation for CCPA compliance requirements. Learn the privacy controls needed to remain CCPA-compliant and improve IT security. Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2020
Securiti.ai wins RSA Innovation Sandbox Contest
Securiti.ai, which offers an AI-powered 'PrivacyOps' platform, took home the title of 'Most Innovative Startup' at RSA Conference's Innovation Sandbox Contest. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Feb 2020
Fighting PCI non-compliance could require new frameworks, zero trust
Falling PCI DSS compliance rates could force the PCI Security Standards Council to be more open to other regulatory frameworks and make enterprises aim higher in terms of data security. Could zero trust be part of the solution? Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2020
How to implement a holistic approach to user data privacy
IoT devices flood the market with promises to make daily life more convenient. Learn how to embrace user consent to benefit your organization and enhance user data privacy. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jan 2020
Understanding the CSA Cloud Controls Matrix and CSA CAIQ
Uncover how the CSA Cloud Controls Matrix and CSA CAIQ can be used to assess cloud providers' controls and risk models, ensure cloud compliance and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2020
HIPAA compliance checklist: The key to staying compliant in 2020
Putting together a HIPAA compliance program can be fraught with difficulty. Review best practices and a HIPAA compliance checklist to avoid common pitfalls and pass an audit. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Dec 2019
Shared responsibility model transparency boosts cloud security
The shared responsibility model delineates where company and CSP security responsibilities start and end. This is critical not only for compliance, but also the big security picture. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Dec 2019
Best practices to help CISOs prepare for CCPA
With the CCPA taking effect in 2020, check out security chiefs' best practices to get ahead and stay ahead of impending data privacy and protection compliance regulations. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Nov 2019
Australian Assistance and Access Bill
The Australian Assistance and Access Bill is legislation introduced and passed in 2018 by the Parliament of Australia to support law enforcement and security agencies in their ability to collect evidence from electronic devices. Continue Reading