Staying informed about all of the cyber security compliance standards is essential to keeping your company safe from hackers. Read on to learn about the various steps you can take to stay up to date with your industry’s compliance standards.
If you’re comparing SSAE 18 SOC 2 Type 2, you’re not alone. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing.
Here’s the short answer:
SSAE 18 is an auditing standard issued by the AICPA.
SOC 2 Type 2 is a specific report performed under SSAE 18 that evaluates how controls operate over time.
Understanding the difference is critical for service organizations that handle customer data and need to demonstrate trust.
Let’s break it down clearly. (more…)
Completing your PCI compliance questionnaire marks a necessary step in your efforts to demonstrate adherence to regulations overseeing credit card payments. According to the Payment Card Industry’s (PCI) Data Security Standards (DSS), businesses that process fewer than 6 million transactions annually must fill out and submit their yearly Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ). With the right knowledge, anyone can learn how to fill out PCI compliance questionnaires. (more…)
Organizations working with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) must ensure they are DFARS compliant. One critical requirement many contractors overlook is sourcing products from approved DFARS compliant countries, also known as qualifying countries.
Failure to comply can result in contract termination, financial penalties, and reputational damage.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
A PCI compliance scan is a required external vulnerability scan used to verify that systems handling payment card data meet the security requirements of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). These scans must be completed quarterly by an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) for any organization that processes, stores, or transmits cardholder data.
PCI compliance scans assess whether security controls are properly implemented to identify and remediate vulnerabilities that could expose sensitive payment information. Below is a clear walkthrough of how PCI compliance scans work and how organizations can prepare to pass ASV testing with confidence.  (more…)
PCI DSS Cloud compliance has become a critical challenge as more organizations adopt cloud environments to store and process payment data. While cloud computing delivers scalability, flexibility, and efficiency, it also introduces unique security risks when handling sensitive cardholder information.
To address these challenges, businesses must understand how PCI DSS Cloud requirements apply across different service models. Doing so is essential for maintaining compliance, reducing risk, and preventing costly data breaches.
In this blog, we’ll explore how PCI DSS Cloud standards impact organizations, outline key considerations for compliance, and share best practices for securing payment systems in the cloud.
Ensuring compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is critical for any organization that processes or stores cardholder data. Preparing for a PCI audit can feel challenging, but with the right strategy, you can simplify the process and strengthen your payment security. In this guide, we’ll walk through the key steps to prepare for a PCI DSS audit, helping your organization achieve compliance and protect sensitive data.
The healthcare industry has made major advances in patient care. Today, lifesaving devices like pacemakers and insulin pumps are connected to the internet. Physicians can remotely monitor heart rhythms and receive alerts before a medical emergency occurs. However, this connectivity creates new cybersecurity risks. If a medical device is connected to a network, it can be hacked. Security researchers have demonstrated how pacemakers could be remotely manipulated. Unlike financial fraud, cyberattacks on connected medical devices can have life-threatening consequences. Healthcare IT security is no longer just about protecting data, it is about protecting lives.
Even when attacks do not directly impact medical devices, they often expose sensitive patient information. Stolen healthcare data can be used for:
Identity theft
Tax fraud
Insurance fraud
Prescription abuse and resale
The stakes in healthcare cybersecurity are higher than in almost any other industry. (more…)
Protecting cardholder and payment data from cyberattacks starts with a secure network. Following PCI network security best practices is essential for organizations that store, process, or transmit sensitive cardholder information. The PCI Security Standards provide clear guidance to help businesses implement robust network security measures, reduce risks, and maintain compliance.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key standards, their objectives, and practical strategies for meeting PCI compliance network security requirements. (more…)
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was created to protect patients’ protected health information (PHI). Over time, HIPAA rules have expanded, requiring both covered entities and business associates to comply. Even companies outside these categories often handle employee PHI, making awareness and proper HIPAA training for HR teams essential to ensure compliance and safeguard sensitive information.
Why this matters: Violations can result in serious legal consequences for your business and staff. HR teams must be trained in HIPAA compliance procedures, ensuring your organization meets regulatory standards and protects sensitive information. (more…)
If your organization handles Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), understanding CMMC Level 3 requirements is essential.
Level 3 represents advanced cybersecurity maturity and focuses on protecting sensitive defense information from advanced persistent threats (APTs). In this guide, we break down:
What CMMC Level 3 is
The total number of practices required
Domain-by-domain control breakdown
How to meet Level 3 requirements
What assessors look for
Let’s start with a quick framework overview.
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