Today, expanding your technology stack comes with a hidden cost: increased risk. Each new system expands your attack surface, and before you know it, security teams are overwhelmed with alerts and vulnerabilities. But the real problem is not that they’re unaware of the risks. It’s the opposite. Every vulnerability scanner, compliance audit, and security assessment…
According to a recent study, 62% of data breaches are attributed to vulnerabilities in third-party relationships. This highlights the importance of robust third-party risk management (TPRM) tools. As business relationships grow more complex, TPRM solutions have emerged as pivotal shields in fortifying businesses against risks associated with third-party associations. In this blog, we will discuss…
SOC 2 and ISO 27001 have been the most common contenders in the compliance landscape, and many companies ask us which one they need. Is one better than the other? The answer depends on a number of aspects and can vary depending on what you’re looking for. Read on to understand the differences and similarities…
As businesses grow, so does their investment in IT. This means areas like data analytics, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity need to expand quickly to meet rising demand. However, with all this growth there also comes a need for a strong framework to keep everything secure and compliant. That’s where Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) comes…
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GRC integrations are crucial to better managing risk. Let’s look at it this way: What percentage of your audit prep time is spent proving things you already know are true versus discovering things that might be false? If you’re like most companies, it’s 90% proving and 10% discovering. You know MFA is enforced. You know…
If your compliance system feels increasingly stretched with more frameworks, more vendors, more evidence requests, you are not alone. Many teams reach a point where their existing tools are reliable but not scalable, prompting them to consider whether a GRC platform or compliance automation software can effectively handle the next stage. It typically occurs after…
Most businesses end up adopting IT GRC tools after they’ve seen what happens without it. Every new vendor integration, every new cloud deployment, exposes you to new risks and vulnerabilities. The old way of managing risk is built for a slower world. At first, it’s manageable, with a few spreadsheets here and a few docs…
If you lead security or compliance at a US mid-market company, time is the bottleneck. Screenshots pile up, owners change, and quarter-end becomes a scramble. Many teams blend spreadsheets with Jira, Confluence, Notion, or a few scripts, which works until audits, renewals, and enterprise questionnaires scale up and handoffs multiply. The result is context switching,…
In the first 30 minutes of a ransomware detonation, two simple questions could decide the outcome: Can you stop the spread? And how fast can you get back up? And that is the line between an Incident Response Plan (IRP) and a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP). One contains a blast radius, one focuses on business…
Compliance leaders in SaaS companies are under pressure—enterprise clients demand SOC 2 reports, while GDPR regulators require strict privacy controls. But here’s the challenge: understanding the difference between SOC 2 and GDPR is tricky—they overlap just enough to create confusion, and differ just enough to cause duplication. And if you’re scaling fast, the cost of…
Malware protection is a core requirement for ISO 27001 compliance, but many security and compliance teams underestimate the depth of what’s needed. It’s easy to install antivirus software across endpoints. What’s harder is proving that protection is consistently active, up to date, monitored, and backed by evidence that auditors will accept. For SMBs with lean…
When it comes to protecting sensitive customer data, businesses often face a critical question: should they focus on PCI DSS, SOC 2, or both? While both frameworks aim to improve security, they serve different purposes and address different compliance needs. Understanding the distinction between PCI DSS and SOC 2 is essential for decision-makers, whether you…
If you’re pushing code to production every week and juggling compliance at the same time, the idea of a “Secure Development Policy” might sound like bureaucratic red tape. But if you’re aiming for ISO 27001 certification, it’s non-negotiable. Auditors expect not just secure code, but proof that your development practices are standardized, enforced, and continuously…
Compliance leaders in SaaS companies are under pressure—enterprise clients demand SOC 2 reports, while GDPR regulators require strict privacy controls. But here’s the challenge: understanding the difference between SOC 2 and GDPR is tricky—they overlap just enough to create confusion, and differ just enough to cause duplication. And if you’re scaling fast, the cost of…
“Startups are focused on acquiring customers and getting investment, and whilst they probably “should” care about data protection, they always have other priorities which are more pressing and urgent.” – Anthony Rose, CEO, SeedLegals It’s true that, as a startup, your main focus should be on your customers and funding. Compliance is not one of…
Have you come across consent prompts for cookie collection while surfing the internet? That results from tightening data privacy regulations like Article 9 of GDPR, which push businesses to take privacy more seriously. These regulations mandate businesses to offer more control to users over how their data gets used and make it easier for them…
Businesses that process customer data are liable to various privacy protection laws depending on the location where they operate. In Europe, data privacy regulations are pretty rigorous. Non-European businesses trying to expand into this continent often find themselves drowning in a sea of GDPR regulations. GDPR principles outline how companies should collect, handle, process, or…
GDPR compliance is vital for organizations operating within the EU. Non-compliance can lead to severe legal and financial consequences, as seen in Austria’s recent ban on Google Analytics. Specifically, Article 44 of the GDPR states that data is not allowed to be transferred beyond the EU or the EEA unless the recipient nation is able…
The General Data Protection Regulation or GDPR mandates all organizations under its scope to have written Data Processing Agreements (DPA) with its vendors and third parties. However, EU is not the only region to mandate DPAs. DPAs are also required by several other regulations in countries like the US (CCPA), China, Thailand, Turkey, India, South…
The EU market is a goldmine for small businesses, with a massive and diverse customer base waiting to be reached. But with great opportunity comes GDPR compliance. But here’s the good news—many have crossed this hurdle before you. The key is understanding what data you collect, how you use it, and how to empower your…
You are here because you are now comparing the General Data Protection Regulation(GDPR) & the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and are trying to understand the scope of work. We get that. In this article, we’ve done an in-depth analysis of CCPA vs GDPR compliance. The focus is on their similarities, differences, who they apply to,…
According to the Global Forensic Data Analytics Survey by EY in 2018, only 33 percent of respondents have an established GDPR compliance plan, while 39 percent were unfamiliar with GDPR altogether. It’s no wonder. Hence, getting into the intricacies of GDPR is a maze of a problem. Yet, ignorance is no defense against the steep…
In 2024, the healthcare sector experienced a staggering 566 data breaches, exposing over 170 million patient records—a dramatic rise from just 6 million in 2010. While the numbers for 2025 aren’t yet fully known, the trend is clear: patient data is increasingly at risk, and the stakes for healthcare organizations have never been higher. For companies…
Whether you are a covered entity or a business associate, receiving a communique from the Office of Civil Rights can be stressful. Hearing from the enforcing authority of HIPAA, one of the most stringent healthcare regulations in the world, sure isn’t what your dreams are made of. But on the off chance you do get…
A patient’s health and financial information are sensitive. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, was passed to safeguard patients’ Protected Health Information (PHI). The rules laid down by HIPAA are federal law and limit the use and disclosure of PHI by healthcare providers and related entities. Failure to adhere to HIPAA rules…
A patient can’t log in to your client’s health app. It starts with an innocuous customer support ticket. The issue is resolved in minutes, but later that day, a security analyst flags something unusual—an unauthorized IP accesses metadata tied to that same user. No clinical data was touched, and no ransom demands were made, just…
Skipping something as fundamental as a risk assessment can have devastating consequences. Excellus Health Plan is a case in point. The insurer paid $5.1 million in settlement after hackers breached its systems and exposed the data of 9.3 million patients. The cause? Routine security practices—like monitoring and access reviews—had been overlooked. Unfortunately, they’re not alone….
Data breaches may be inevitable for healthcare organizations. But implementing HIPAA safeguards can go a long way toward helping you protect confidential patient information. But what’s that got to with your website? A lot. Especially if you host or plan on hosting a website that stores or transmits protected health information. Your website isn’t just…
Let’s say you have built HIPAA-compliant software, trained your staff, and have a dedicated HIPAA compliance officer to oversee your compliance requirements. But you can still get pulled up by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) if your email isn’t HIPAA compliant! Is your email HIPAA compliant? This is what we are going to discuss…
A HIPAA awareness assessment revealed that over 50% of employees are not well-trained to handle PHI. 61% of employees failed a test on computer safety rules and 43% regularly divulged sensitive information. Given the explosive nature and severity of these mishaps, IT leaders often find themselves struggling to calibrate their moves and set effective protocols…
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law that protects patients’ sensitive health information. As a Business Associate (BA), you must comply with the HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification rules. When you fail to do so, the HIPAA Enforcement Rule defines what follows. In this article, you will…
Malware protection is a core requirement for ISO 27001 compliance, but many security and compliance teams underestimate the depth of what’s needed. It’s easy to install antivirus software across endpoints. What’s harder is proving that protection is consistently active, up to date, monitored, and backed by evidence that auditors will accept. For SMBs with lean…
If you’re pushing code to production every week and juggling compliance at the same time, the idea of a “Secure Development Policy” might sound like bureaucratic red tape. But if you’re aiming for ISO 27001 certification, it’s non-negotiable. Auditors expect not just secure code, but proof that your development practices are standardized, enforced, and continuously…
Securing endpoints and enforcing consistent policies across a hybrid or remote workforce remains one of the toughest challenges for security and compliance teams. With employees working across varied locations, devices, and networks, the risk surface expands fast, and without clear guardrails, compliance falls apart. Annex A.6.7 of ISO 27001:2022 directly addresses this complexity by requiring…
When systems process sensitive data and users have wide access, it’s critical to know exactly what’s happening, when, and by whom. Logging and monitoring gives you that visibility. It captures every meaningful action including access changes, configuration edits, and data updates, so you can track patterns, investigate issues, and respond with confidence. This isn’t just…
Among fast-growing tech companies, change is constant — from onboarding new SaaS tools and updating system configurations to shifting employee roles and evolving processes. Under ISO 27001, every one of these changes expands your compliance scope and must be documented, assessed for security impact, approved, tested, and backed by a verifiable audit trail. Skipping these…
Bagging an ISO 27001 certification can amplify your reputation, bring you new business, improve security status, and save you from regulatory penalties. But the checklist of items can seem never ending—a typical audit has ten management system clauses and an annexure stating 114 information security controls. You can do-it-yourself and get certified. That’s certainly possible….
Did you know that over 60% of data breaches involve third-party vendors? Every time you work with an external vendor, you’re giving them access to your systems, infrastructure, or data. Too much access, outdated contracts, or lack of oversight often go unnoticed until there’s a breach. ISO 27001 tackles this in Control A.15, which covers…
Companies handling sensitive customer data and payment information are under pressure to comply with not just one, but multiple security frameworks. It’s no longer a question of if you’ll need to prove compliance, but how many certifications you’ll be asked to show. One framework wants proof that your entire business manages information risk; the other…
ISO 27001 sets the standard for protecting sensitive data, locking down systems, and proving you’ve done the work, all under a framework called ISMS. ISO 42001 is newer and covers aspects that an ISMS can’t: the behavior and accountability of AI systems. For example, businesses building or using AI, especially in sensitive environments, will likely…
Companies handling sensitive customer data and payment information are under pressure to comply with not just one, but multiple security frameworks. It’s no longer a question of if you’ll need to prove compliance, but how many certifications you’ll be asked to show. One framework wants proof that your entire business manages information risk; the other…
Credit card and payment information is one of the most sensitive pieces of information that some organizations handle. So, it goes without saying that there are standards and rules in place to protect such sensitive data. Violating the rules has severe consequences. Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) are guidelines rolled out by…
There is no fixed price on the costs involved with becoming PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards) compliant. Instead, the costs largely depend on the size of your business, the volume of transactions your company conducts annually, and the transmission and storage methods you use. PCI DSS is designed to ensure the security…
PCI DSS is for payment card data. It is seen as the gold standard for protecting sensitive authentication data and with PCI DSS 4.0 in effect the requirements have only become more stringent. The newer and stronger version was built after much input from the PCI Community, including 6,000+ comments from 200 companies and many…
The payment card industry faces constant threats of breaches. CreditDonkey reports that credit card fraud affected 47% of Americans in the past five years. Malicious actors steal card data every two seconds, highlighting the urgency of strong security measures. If you are a merchant who processes or accepts payment cards, you have to store card…
As an organization processing card data via online portals, you should be PCI DSS compliant to avoid penalties and reputational damage. But the process is exhaustive, time-consuming, and expensive. This article aims to simplify and demystify the PCI compliance framework, help you identify the PCI levels, learn about the 12 PCI DSS requirements checklist, and…
Key Points Introduction The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) was created by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) to protect sensitive transaction data and keep it secure from cybersecurity threats. The PCI SSC is an independent organization founded in 2006 by major payment card companies like American Express, MasterCard, Visa, JCB International,…
Getting your PCI DSS ducks in a row requires a good understanding of the compliance requirements, their relevance in your business environment, and the controls that can help you bolster the protection of cardholder data. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is designed to protect the entire payment card value chain and,…
With cybersecurity threats becoming ubiquitous, network segmentation makes for an effective way for cloud-hosted companies that processes payment card data to secure access to sensitive cardholders’ data. While the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) doesn’t mandate it, network segmentation allows organizations to prioritize and focus their security efforts by segmenting and isolating…
Compliance leaders in SaaS companies are under pressure—enterprise clients demand SOC 2 reports, while GDPR regulators require strict privacy controls. But here’s the challenge: understanding the difference between SOC 2 and GDPR is tricky—they overlap just enough to create confusion, and differ just enough to cause duplication. And if you’re scaling fast, the cost of…
SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) is a leading compliance framework created by the AICPA that checks if a company’s security controls meet the five ‘Trust Service Criteria’: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. A SOC 2 certification provides independent assurance that your company follows best practices to keep data secure and services reliable….
In late 2023, the AICPA refreshed its Trust Services Criteria on September 30 and followed up on October 1 with a detailed attestation guide for SOC for Cybersecurity engagements. That summer, the SEC’s July 26 rule began requiring public companies to disclose material cybersecurity incidents within four business days and outline their risk-management governance in…
A recent report by Gartner showed that 60% of companies now evaluate cybersecurity risk before signing with a vendor. For SaaS startups, that changes everything. Especially when nearly 70% of VCs prefer to back companies with SOC 2 already in place. This means security and compliance are no longer checkbox items. They are qualifiers.SOC compliance,…
Imagine you’re about to close a deal with an enterprise customer. They find your product a solid fit. The pilot seems to have gone well. And then, they turn towards the procurement checklist—a full security review, a questionnaire with nearly 70 questions, and one particular requirement that brings you to a screeching halt. “Do you…
According to the AICPA, demand for SOC 2 reports is up nearly 50%, and more companies are taking a hard line: no report, no deal. Consequently, risk teams have tightened their vendor-assessment checklists. Buyers also want a fresh PDF certifying that your services are secure, not promises that the audit is “in progress.” If you’re…
Security questionnaires are piling up, procurement stalls are on page two, and your sales team is begging for a shortcut. The solution: a current SOC 2 Type 2 certification. Unlike its point-in-time cousin (Type 1), Type 2 proves your controls run smoothly for months, not merely look good on audit day. And it’s quickly becoming…
Cloud-hosted businesses today are cognizant of the profound impact security has on customer perception. Ensuring the security of customer data as well as maintaining vendor compliance is an important objective. SOC 2, in this context, is a globally-accepted way to secure data, build trust, and unlock growth opportunities. But what exactly does a SOC 2…
SOC 2 compliance is a thorough standard—auditors ask tough questions and expect verifiable proof such as policies, screenshots, logs, or attestations. If you miss these, you risk piling up audit exceptions, which can damage customer trust. In this guide, we explain SOC 2, why it matters, and how to approach the compliance process strategically to…
If your compliance system feels increasingly stretched with more frameworks, more vendors, more evidence requests, you are not alone. Many teams reach a point where their existing tools are reliable but not scalable, prompting them to consider whether a GRC platform or compliance automation software can effectively handle the next stage. It typically occurs after…
As you attain and grow beyond mid-market status, you can’t scale a SaaS business on trust-me slides anymore. That’s because you’ll have increasing enterprise customers who will demand proof that your third parties are safe, resilient, and continuously verified. That means a TPRM (third-party relationship management program) lightweight enough for mid-market teams but rigorous enough…
In conversation with Joseph Haske, Risk Manager at Pipedrive This blog is part of Sprinto’s GRC Top Voice series — where we bring you candid conversations with GRC Leaders. Watch the full episode here → Every organization wants to be data-driven. Yet in many boardrooms, risk discussions still sound vague: “That’s a high risk,” “This one’s…
Risk documentation might not be the flashiest part of your security program, but it is the backbone that holds everything together. It turns abstract talk of ‘managing risks’ into concrete records of your risks, what you’re doing about them, and whether those efforts are working. When done right, it empowers informed decision-making and helps organizations…
Policies are fundamental to every strong governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) program. Effective GRC policy management sets the tone and creates the structure that organizations need to operate with integrity and accountability. Policies help turn high-level governance into a daily practice, shape how risks are anticipated and managed, and anchor compliance in clear, repeatable actions….
Every business has always needed strategic direction, practices that minimize risks, and compliance to avoid legal penalties. There may be a lack of formal processes, but historically, Governance, Risk, and Compliance has been practiced by businesses individually. Fast-forward to the recent trends where a need for an integrated approach has been highlighted. This shift is…
As companies grow, so do their operational complexity, customer bases, and the amount of data they process on a daily basis. These bring in unprecedented risks—enterprises need to process a larger amount of data, disclose and uphold data subject rights, and keep all of this data safe from internal and external threats. This means their…
Let’s talk about risk management in enterprise deals, and how it can win you trust (or cost you deals, if overlooked). You know exactly how this deal is going to go. The business case is solid. They love what you’ve built. They need what you’re selling. Seems like a square deal till security and procurement…
Businesses today survive by the strength of their digital defenses. With cybercrime costing the global economy trillions yearly, companies cannot afford blind spots. That’s where a security auditor steps in. They’re the ones who dig past the surface to see if security measures actually hold up under pressure. For companies, this role involves more than…
| Sep 05, 2025
| Nov 07, 2025
