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…
Investment in IT increases as businesses expand and scale, with funding to support strategic goals. With it, the focus on practices like data analytics, building a cloud infrastructure, and improving cybersecurity measures increases to keep up with the growing technology demand. GRC plays a crucial role in supporting this investment by ensuring sustainable growth and…
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What is Internal Audit Methodology? Internal audit methodology refers to the step-by-step process that internal auditors use when performing an organization’s internal audit. It provides a consistent framework that guides each audit from start to finish. So instead of approaching each engagement differently, auditors can rely on a uniform method that ensures clarity and efficiency….
Imagine this: a service outage hits your production environment at 2:30 a.m. An engineer jumps in to restore the latest backup, only to realize the most recent copy is two weeks old, and no one’s entirely sure who was supposed to be checking it. Support tickets start piling up. Deadlines slip. Recovery drags on. Backups…
ISO 9001 is not about theory. It is about operational discipline. As the global standard for quality management systems (QMS), it defines how high-performing companies create consistent, efficient operations. ISO 9001 training ensures your QMS works in practice, not just on paper. For companies, that means tighter processes, lower costs, and greater customer satisfaction. For…
As of July 2025, the FedRAMP marketplace lists over 400 authorized cloud service offerings, having doubled its footprint over the past two years. For modern SaaS startups, achieving FedRAMP compliance is not optional. This will help you unlock lucrative federal contracts and prove security credibility at scale. Yet the journey can be complex and resource-intensive….
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 2024, companies worldwide faced an average of 1,636 cyberattacks each week, marking a 30% increase year over year. This translates to nearly 235 attacks daily, a worrying number that shows cyber attacks are not incidental but a constant reality. Any organization that relies on digital tools faces cyber risk in such an environment. This…
Audit preparation can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The stress usually comes from last-minute scrambling, missing documents, and unclear responsibilities. To minimize stress, treat it like an ongoing habit, not a fire drill. When you organize things ahead of time, assign clear owners, and build reliable processes, audit readiness becomes much more…
Across the EU, the NIS2 Directive (Directive (EU) 2022/2555) raises the cybersecurity baseline by expanding its scope from 7 to 18 critical sectors, bringing an estimated 300,000 entities, up from ~20,000, under its purview. With mandatory incident reporting windows as tight as 24 hours for ‘essential’ entities, a risk-based compliance model, and personal accountability for…
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…
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…
Does GDPR seem like a jigsaw puzzle?We know it can get confusing, but it’s a high-stakes game, and a missing piece can lead to losses of millions of dollars and heavy sanctions. The latest €1.2 billion fine handed down to Meta by the Irish Data Protection Commissioner is a prime example. High-profile fines like those…
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) aims to protect the privacy and rights of data subjects (individuals) in the European Union by regulating data processing activities conducted by businesses. Controllers or Processors outside the European Union often doubt whether they are required to comply, given that they do not have offices operating in the EU…
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…
One common question small and mid-sized businesses often ask when thinking about HITRUST certification is, “How much does it cost?” It’s a valid concern, especially with tight budgets and the critical importance of information security. HITRUST certification cost was too expensive for many small businesses. However, things are changing. New, more cost-effective options are available…
If you’re in the healthcare industry, it’s important that you pay attention to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) because breaking its rules could land you in some serious trouble. You’re looking at hefty fines, at the very least. The more serious cases can lead to prison sentences. The Department of Health and…
The HIPAA 1996 Act sets regulatory measures to ensure the security of sensitive patient information held by health providers. The Department of Health and Human Services oversees HIPAA compliance, while the Office for Civil Rights enforces it. PHI or Protected Health Information covers broad data of a patient, including electronic records, medical records, personal information,…
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…
The shift from ISO/IEC 27001:2013 to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 marks a monumental change in global information security standards. While the core management system remains intact, the Annex A controls and alignment with ISO 27002:2022 reflect a response to the modern threat landscape. If your organization is certified under ISO/IEC 27001:2013, you are still compliant, for now….
Implementing ISO 27001 can feel like staring at a blank page with a looming deadline. Defining security controls, documenting your policies, and identifying gaps are challenging, especially without a clear starting point. You need structure, consistency, and airtight documentation – winging is not an option for audit-readiness. That’s where ISO 27001 policy templates come in….
In a framework like ISO 27001, an internal audit isn’t a line item on a checklist—it’s more of a health check of the information security systems. The goal isn’t to pass or fail but to understand whether the systems are resilient and functioning as intended. Designed to evaluate your organization just like an external auditor…
Nearly 60% of organizations that suffer a cyber attack are unable to recover from it and often close within six months of the incident. Around 43% of cyberattacks are aimed at small to medium businesses. The threat landscape targets you. While, it is important to be ISO 27001 compliance ready to land enterprise customers, you…
ISO 27001, the gold information security standard, is quite comprehensive and structured in its approach. Most companies either feel overwhelmed about where to start or try to over-engineer things. Our ISO 27001 checklist solves for just that. It saves you time by minimizing the guesswork and provides the roadmap you need to accelerate the certification…
The importance of the Statement of Applicability in ISO 27001 cannot be overstated. It is the central document that your certification auditors would use to walk through your Information Security Management System (ISMS) processes and controls. So, if you are contemplating getting your organization ISO 27001 certified, this article is a must-read. Upon reading, you…
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…
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…
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…
These are just a few questions that auditors will ask during a SOC 2 audit. If you can’t provide verifiable proof like documented processes, screenshots, logs, or signed attestations, you risk audit exceptions. And if too many pile up, your audit report could carry a dreaded disclaimer, potentially damaging trust with customers and partners. In…
The initial SOC 2 Type 2 implementation typically takes 4 to 12 months before reaching attestation, depending on factors like organizational readiness, scope, existing controls, and available resources. Smaller startups with simpler environments and automated tools may complete it closer to the 4-month mark, while mid-size or enterprise companies with complex systems might take up…
Do you know that 29% of organizations have lost at least one new business deal simply because they lacked the required compliance certification? This should alert you if you’re selling software or services in today’s environment. B2B buyers have become more selective; they expect clear, verifiable proof that their data is safe with you. A…
Are you constantly coming across the term ‘SOC’? Curious to learn more about what it stands for, what it encompasses, and—most importantly—what relevance it has in your daily life? You’re not alone. SOC (Security Operations Center) is a rapidly growing area of security management and one of the most important components of any successful organizational…
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 2024, companies worldwide faced an average of 1,636 cyberattacks each week, marking a 30% increase year over year. This translates to nearly 235 attacks daily, a worrying number that shows cyber attacks are not incidental but a constant reality. Any organization that relies on digital tools faces cyber risk in such an environment. This…
Audit preparation can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The stress usually comes from last-minute scrambling, missing documents, and unclear responsibilities. To minimize stress, treat it like an ongoing habit, not a fire drill. When you organize things ahead of time, assign clear owners, and build reliable processes, audit readiness becomes much more…
Across the EU, the NIS2 Directive (Directive (EU) 2022/2555) raises the cybersecurity baseline by expanding its scope from 7 to 18 critical sectors, bringing an estimated 300,000 entities, up from ~20,000, under its purview. With mandatory incident reporting windows as tight as 24 hours for ‘essential’ entities, a risk-based compliance model, and personal accountability for…
There’s no shortage of compliance tools in the market, and Drata is undoubtedly one of the most popular among tech-led teams aiming to stay audit-ready. But popularity doesn’t always mean perfection. While Drata impressively streamlines compliance and automates evidence collection, it also has limitations that can impact workflows and budgets. In this honest review, we…
According to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average breach cost mid-to-large companies $4.88 million, with over 49% of that tied to risks they either misunderstood or failed to assess in time. Ask any security leader at a mid-sized or enterprise company what their last risk assessment uncovered, and you’ll likely get…
IBM reports that the average cost of a data breach increased to $4.9 million, marking a 10% year-over-year rise. Data breaches are becoming common. And companies are paying the price. With such a pressing necessity, CTOs and CISOs look for solutions to help them get compliant. Vanta and OneTrust are names that come up often.Both…
Quality builds trust. That’s the simple idea behind ISO 9001, the world’s most recognized standard for quality management systems. It helps businesses, whether making hardware or delivering SaaS, create processes that consistently meet expectations. But quality isn’t a one-time effort. It’s a system that needs to be checked, challenged, and improved over time. That’s where…
Blink your eye, and a new AI model pops up, creating new benchmarks to follow. That whirlwind pace is thrilling, but it only works if everyone can trust the AI you ship. ISO 42001 lets you show, on paper and in practice, that your systems are safe, fair, and under control, without putting the brakes…
| Jul 23, 2024
| Jul 28, 2025
