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
-
Tip
09 Jul 2025
Security log management tips and best practices
Learn how to conduct security log management that provides visibility into IT infrastructure activities and traffic, improves troubleshooting and prevents service disruptions. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Jun 2025
How CISOs can manage and reduce compliance fatigue
Compliance fatigue can undermine security when poorly managed. CISOs can combat it by starting conversations, automating processes and using compliance to drive security initiatives. Continue Reading
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Definition
22 Nov 2021
snooping
Snooping, in a security context, is unauthorized access to another person's or company's data. Continue Reading
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
News
19 Nov 2019
CrowdStrike: Incident response times still too long
A CrowdStrike study revealed it takes enterprise security teams almost seven days of nonstop work to detect, investigate and contain the average incident. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Nov 2019
InfoTrax settles FTC complaint, will implement infosec program
InfoTrax settled an FTC complaint over an extensive data breach that lasted two years. Now, it can no longer collect any personal data until it implements its own infosec program. Continue Reading
-
News
13 Nov 2019
Microsoft to apply CCPA protections to all US customers
Microsoft said it will apply the California Consumer Privacy Act across the nation and extend the law's data privacy protections to customers in all fifty states. Continue Reading
-
Feature
01 Nov 2019
Report shows CISOs, IT unprepared for privacy regulations
Several data management principles are common across new and developing privacy regulations, but Internet Society reports that many U.S. organizations are falling behind. Continue Reading
- 01 Nov 2019
-
Feature
28 Oct 2019
How the future of data privacy regulation is spurring change
Some companies have taken steps to improve data governance in anticipation of data privacy rules. Experts discuss the challenges of compliance in a shifting regulatory landscape. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Sep 2019
How PCI DSS compliance milestones can be a GDPR measuring stick
Constantly evolving regulations can cause confusion for security officers, but sometimes, there is process overlap. Here's how achieving compliance with PCI DSS can help meet GDPR mandates. Continue Reading
-
Feature
02 Aug 2019
Why is third-party risk management essential to cybersecurity?
Attackers know third parties hold many of the keys to the enterprise network, so third-party risk management is crucial for security professionals. Continue Reading
-
News
29 Jul 2019
Untangling GDPR fines with Synopsys' Tim Mackey
Tim Mackey of Synopsys tries to clear up some of the mystery around how GDPR regulators determine the fines levied on companies for major data breaches or privacy violations. Continue Reading
-
Answer
26 Jun 2019
What is the best way to write a cloud security policy?
Enterprises new to the cloud can write new security policies from scratch, but others with broad cloud usage may need an update. Consider these policy writing best practices. Continue Reading
-
Answer
26 Jun 2019
What are the top cloud security certifications for 2019?
Cloud security certifications serve to bolster security professionals' resumes and boost value to employers. Learn about the top certifications available from expert Nick Lewis. Continue Reading
-
Tip
19 Jun 2019
What holistic network security tools offer an organization
Tools that provide a holistic approach to monitoring the IT infrastructure come in a variety of configurations and delivery models. Learn what's available. Continue Reading
-
News
06 Jun 2019
Why larger GDPR fines could be on the horizon
There haven't been many fines under the General Data Protection Regulation since the EU data privacy law went into effect a year ago. But experts warn that will likely change. Continue Reading
-
Feature
31 May 2019
Explore this NGFW comparison of leading vendors on the market
Explore some of the top NGFWs currently on the market -- based on features and user reviews -- to help you make a buying decision Continue Reading
-
Feature
14 May 2019
6 firewall selection criteria to purchase NGFWs
These six key factors will help your company determine the best NGFW product for your organization's needs. Continue Reading
-
News
08 May 2019
Google I/O 2019 keynote brings focus on security and privacy
After being a no-show at last year's conference, security and privacy improvements were big themes at Google I/O's first day, including discussion on federated learning. Continue Reading
-
Feature
08 May 2019
Next-generation firewalls vs. traditional and UTMs
Learn the advantages of next-generation firewalls that protect enterprise networks from attacks and intrusion, as well as the differences between NGFWs and traditional firewalls. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
01 May 2019
Putting cybersecurity for healthcare on solid footing
CISO Kevin Charest talks security threats he sees in the healthcare field and the means his company is using to thwart them, including HCSC's Cyber Fusion Center. Continue Reading
- 01 May 2019
-
Quiz
01 May 2019
Take this cybersecurity-challenges quiz and score CPE credit
Just finished ISM's May 2019 issue? Solidify your knowledge, and get CPE credits too, by passing this 10-question quiz. Continue Reading
-
Feature
26 Mar 2019
As compliance evolves, it's time to re-address data classification
Compliance rules like GDPR and the CCPA require a fresh look at companies' data classification policy, and particularly how it defines its wide variety of unstructured data. Continue Reading
-
Tip
04 Mar 2019
To improve incident response capability, start with the right CSIRT
Is your organization ready to build a computer security incident response team? Here are the questions that should be answered when building a CSIRT to maximize incident response capability. Continue Reading
-
Tip
31 Jan 2019
How to comply with the California privacy act
Organizations that handle California consumer data have a year to comply with CCPA. Expert Steven Weil discusses what enterprises need to know about the California privacy law. Continue Reading
-
Feature
25 Jan 2019
Infoblox's Cricket Liu explains DNS over HTTPS security issues
Cricket Liu, chief DNS architect at Infoblox, explains how DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS improve security, as well as challenges the new protocols may soon raise for enterprises. Continue Reading
-
News
23 Jan 2019
Google GDPR fine of $57 million sets record
The Google GDPR fine of $57 million marks the first time a major tech company has been penalized under Europe's new privacy regulations. But the fine is less than the maximum allowable penalty. Continue Reading
-
Feature
26 Dec 2018
CCPA compliance begins with data inventory assessment
In this SearchCIO Q&A, multiple experts sound off on major questions businesses have about CCPA compliance ahead of its January 2020 enforcement date. Continue Reading
-
Feature
20 Dec 2018
Security, compliance standards help mitigate BIOS security vulnerabilities
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with PCs often overlook BIOS. Read for strategies to offset these threats and for preventing unauthorized BIOS modifications. Continue Reading
-
Tip
05 Dec 2018
What's different about Google Asylo for confidential computing?
The Google Asylo framework is an open source alternative for confidential computing. Expert Rob Shapland explains how it works and how it's different from other offerings. Continue Reading
-
News
21 Nov 2018
Risk assessments essential to secure third-party vendor management
Panelists at Infosec North America advised those charged with third-party vendor management to perform due diligence and assess the innate risk vendors create for business processes. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Oct 2018
Guide to identifying and preventing OSI model security risks: Layers 4 to 7
Each layer of the Open Systems Interconnection presents unique vulnerabilities that could move to other layers if not properly monitored. Here's how to establish risk mitigation strategies for OSI layer security in Layers 4 through 7. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Oct 2018
How security, compliance standards prevent OSI layer vulnerabilities
Each layer of the Open Systems Interconnection presents unique -- but connected -- vulnerabilities. Here's how to establish OSI security and compliance best practices. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Oct 2018
How do SLAs factor into cloud risk management?
While you may not have much control over the infrastructure used by cloud service providers, you’re not completely at their mercy when it comes to cloud risk management. Continue Reading
-
Answer
12 Oct 2018
How can companies implement ITSM compliance standards?
In this Ask the Expert, IT governance expert Jeffrey Ritter discusses his formula to successfully align new technology with ITSM compliance standards -- all while minimizing risk. Continue Reading
-
Answer
21 Sep 2018
How can a compliance strategy improve customer trust?
Privacy compliance strategy can help build consumer trust and improve security if companies stop looking at the regulations as an obstacle and more as a business opportunity. Continue Reading
-
Tip
20 Sep 2018
Securing remote access for cloud-based systems
Don't believe the hype: Access control in the cloud is not a lost cause. Read these tips to learn how you can better secure remote access to your cloud-based systems. Continue Reading
-
News
13 Sep 2018
Trend Micro apps fiasco generates even more questions
In addition to other Trend Micro apps banished from the Mac App Store for gathering data inappropriately, the company has admitted to publishing the Open Any Files app. Continue Reading
-
News
11 Sep 2018
Trend Micro apps on Mac accused of stealing data
Researchers claimed Trend Micro apps in the Mac App Store were stealing data. The company removed the offending features, but researchers are still not sold on Trend Micro's excuse. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
13 Aug 2018
Google's 'My Activity' data: Avoiding privacy and compliance risk
Google's Activity Controls create privacy and compliance risks for organizations, as well as a potential gold mine for social engineering hacks. Here's how to avoid those threats. Continue Reading
-
Feature
31 Jul 2018
Citrix's Peter Lefkowitz on impact of GDPR privacy requirements
New consumer privacy laws are changing the global privacy landscape. Citrix's Peter Lefkowitz explains how Citrix is approaching GDPR compliance and privacy issues in general. Continue Reading
