Cloud-hosted companies are facing a number of challenges – increasing cloud adoption, digital disruption, increased regulatory practices, broken or mismanaged controls, and more. All these are adding a list of high risk items, but realistically speaking, it is not possible to address it all and if everything is important, then nothing is important. This has…
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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When people hear “GRC,” they think policies, audits, frameworks, reports. They think about structure, not stories. Control, not connection. But we’ve spent years inside this world, working alongside the people who do the hard, quiet work—the ones who keep organizations steady through uncertainty, regulation, and change, who step in during crises, adapt to new technologies,…
Fines, lawsuits, and probably some seriously bad press; that’s what’s on the line when compliance operations fall through the cracks. Without it, cyber threats slip through, data gets exposed, teams go off the rails, and regulators come knocking. But here’s the thing: compliance doesn’t have to be a bottleneck. Done right, it’s a competitive edge….
Mastering the Strategic Elements of Audit Readiness in the Modern Enterprise Today, a critical paradox confronts compliance leaders. Despite significant investments in sophisticated GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) platforms and automation tools, many mid-market and enterprise organizations continue to experience unexpected friction during audit cycles. Our research across 200+ organizations has identified what we call…
Cybersecurity doesn’t just need more money; it needs better direction. Misaligned priorities cost more than tight budgets ever will. Despite increased involvement from executives and boards, many cybersecurity teams still struggle to communicate risk in business terms. Misalignment persists between CISOs and CFOs, in terms of compliance and strategy, and between the reality of market…
According to a study conducted in 2024, the global average cost of a data breach was $4.88 million, making a strong case for robust cybersecurity frameworks. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) provides a systematic means of mitigating such risks by providing guidelines to help organizations protect their valuable assets. While the NIST cybersecurity controls offer…
Compliance used to be something teams dealt with in the background. Now, it shows up everywhere—during sales calls, security reviews, vendor questionnaires, and investor check-ins. The stakes are higher, timelines are tighter, and the margin for error is smaller. So if you’re searching “Sprinto vs. Scrut,” you are not just comparing tools but looking for…
During a recent conversation with Christophe Foulon, a vCISO at Qusitive who has over 17 years of experience, I naively asked him Can we equate bigger cybersecurity budgets with better protection—or are we missing the bigger picture? Christophe didn’t hesitate. “A big budget doesn’t guarantee good security—if it did, we’d never hear of billion-dollar companies…
Compliance platforms are supposed to make audits easier, faster, and less time-consuming. However, with so many options available, it is important to evaluate which ones truly meet those goals. In this comparison, we examine Sprinto and AuditBoard, two widely used platforms, to examine their features and how they address compliance management needs. We’ll explore how…
Evaluating compliance automation tools is a cumbersome process, and there’s no denying the fact that the market is crowded. All of them promise faster audits, automated evidence collection, and seamless integrations. But do all businesses have the same requirements + budget? Not likely. If you’re exploring Secureframe’s pricing, you’re obviously looking for an efficient way…
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…
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 healthcare is the second most targeted industry, with 20% of victims falling prey to cloud misconfiguration breaches? These high-profile cases are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to HIPAA violations. The Office of Civil Rights regularly issues fines for smaller breaches that fail to meet the HIPAA compliance checklist…
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 ISO 27001 policy provides a comprehensive framework to establish and maintain an information security management system. To demonstrate your commitment to information security to stakeholders, having a defined ISO 27001 template is highly significant. The ISO 27001 policy templates are an effective resource that helps organizations manage risks and establish an effective information security…
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…
The ISO 27001 certification demonstrates your organization’s commitment to upholding global best practices in information security. Information security is fast becoming an invaluable part of SaaS businesses. Securing your digital assets, understandably, comes with a price tag too. In this article, will dive deep into ISO 27001 certification cost, what it entails, and the many…
When disaster strikes, your business may lose critical data, and all the functions may have to stop suddenly. However, your business doesn’t have to be at the mercy of chaos – a carefully crafted disaster recovery plan becomes integral to running your business environment smoothly and efficiently. But getting started with a plan isn’t always…
Identity theft is not a joke, Jim. Millions of people suffer every year!Remember this dialogue from the popular TV show The Office? As compliance experts, we believe these are golden words to live by. Identity theft in a business environment ranges from wide net phishing attempts to targeted spear phishing attempts. And this is just…
If your organization has implemented ISO 27001, it must be audited by an accredited auditor to be certified. An ISO 27001 audit reviews your organization’s information security management system (ISMS) against a set of defined standards. Once you are certified, it does not stop there. Maintaining it involves more work, both for you and the…
In response to growing security concerns and breaches, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) published ISO 27001 in 2005. It was revised in 2013 to keep the document to sync with global changes in technology and processes, and most recently in 2022. The 2013 version is not significantly different…
Practicing effective cyber security is becoming a critical factor across industries. With the ever-increasing threat of cyber-attacks, organizations are paying more attention to their cyber security operations. Adhering to standards such as ISO 27001 (International Organization for Standardization) helps organizations maintain the integrity of their Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). To become ISO 27001 compliant,…
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…
As a company with its assets on the cloud, you know that every move you make has the potential to be a game-changer for your business. From marketing campaigns to production processes, you’ve probably invested a lot of time and effort into creating detailed strategies for success. But have you considered how getting PCI DSS…
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…
SOC 2 compliance costs can be substantial, especially if you are a small or growing business that’s bootstrapped. However, that doesn’t make it any less worthwhile – in fact, you should view it as an investment that could bring you invaluable business in the future. With cloud-hosted applications proliferating, SOC 2 Compliance is a sure-fire…
Businesses today have started identifying SOC 2 as a strategic asset. It has become an enabler for enterprise deals, a way to bypass lengthy security questionnaires and a badge of trust. As founders and CISOs seek to obtain it quickly and leverage the benefits they are increasingly turning to automation and SOC 2 software. It…
When you look to pitch for high-value projects in new markets, having a robust organization-wide security culture and a SOC 2 compliance report can be a significant advantage. Your security compliance could become the deciding factor that tips the scales in your favor. But a SOC 2 doesn’t come cheap. Did you know a good…
Within 30-45 days of becoming compliant, we onboarded 2 enterprise clients! “We looked at what we needed to do and across which aspects of the business. We figured out the controls and implemented a few of them, but managing them with the right set of information and updating them periodically were lacking. This is where…
Your SOC 2 journey is much like your fitness journey. It brings in best practices and nuances in your security posture that builds your information security muscle. And just like how you plan your fitness regimen in terms of intensity and frequency (based on your fitness level and goals), in SOC 2 parlance, you deploy…
SaaS adoption has increased across the board, especially in large enterprises. Accelerated digital adoption is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has added to the growing cybersecurity risks of today’s cloud-based environments. Cloud services provide large enterprises the opportunity to save costs and increase efficiencies. But, it requires them to share sensitive data with…
Information security and compliance aren’t anymore just nice-to-have features. Thanks to the proliferation of cloud-hosted applications, SaaS businesses must now make additional efforts to inspire confidence and trust in how they manage and establish data security. SOC compliance, in this regard, makes for a nifty and industry-approved way to win customers’ trust. But which of…
Every business aiming to become SOC 2 (Service Organization Control) compliant must eventually engage with SOC 2 Auditors at the end of their SOC 2 audit readiness journey. Only a credible SOC 2 auditor such as a licensed CPA individual, or third-party consultant firm accredited by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) can…
Fines, lawsuits, and probably some seriously bad press; that’s what’s on the line when compliance operations fall through the cracks. Without it, cyber threats slip through, data gets exposed, teams go off the rails, and regulators come knocking. But here’s the thing: compliance doesn’t have to be a bottleneck. Done right, it’s a competitive edge….
Cybersecurity doesn’t just need more money; it needs better direction. Misaligned priorities cost more than tight budgets ever will. Despite increased involvement from executives and boards, many cybersecurity teams still struggle to communicate risk in business terms. Misalignment persists between CISOs and CFOs, in terms of compliance and strategy, and between the reality of market…
Compliance platforms are supposed to make audits easier, faster, and less time-consuming. However, with so many options available, it is important to evaluate which ones truly meet those goals. In this comparison, we examine Sprinto and AuditBoard, two widely used platforms, to examine their features and how they address compliance management needs. We’ll explore how…
Evaluating compliance automation tools is a cumbersome process, and there’s no denying the fact that the market is crowded. All of them promise faster audits, automated evidence collection, and seamless integrations. But do all businesses have the same requirements + budget? Not likely. If you’re exploring Secureframe’s pricing, you’re obviously looking for an efficient way…
Vanta is a compliance automation platform helping businesses efficiently achieve and maintain compliance certifications like SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR. With clear, structured plans, Vanta caters to various stages of business growth. If you’re evaluating Vanta’s pricing, you probably want to get compliant fast. Investing in a compliance automation should definitely result in…
If you’re a financial entity or an ICT (information and communication technology) provider in the EU, you must know the new regulation: DORA (The Digital Operational Resilience Act). Implementing DORA either includes ICT risk management, incident response and reporting, resilience testing, and third-party risk management (TPRM)—or risk facing fines of up to 2% of annual…
If you manage audit, risk, and compliance, you already know how overwhelming it can get. AuditBoard is a well-known player, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Maybe you find it too complex, or the price tag doesn’t align with your budget. Whatever your reason, it’s worth exploring Auditboard alternatives. TL;DRTop AuditBoard alternatives include Sprinto, Drata,…
Six in ten US employees prefer a hybrid work setup, and it’s here to stay. While it has offered efficiency and productivity gains, it has also altered the corporate attack surface. It’s easy for an employee to sit in a coffee shop or a coworking space and casually share a confidential file over WhatsApp instead…
Lately, modern vehicles have become intelligent systems, too, because they can absorb, process, and generate vast amounts of data from their users (drivers and passengers). While this data is extremely valuable in the automobile industry, it is also vulnerable to exploitation. Cars with advanced systems that rely on complex software and data exchange introduce significant…
| Jul 23, 2024
| May 28, 2025
