A Beginner’s Guide To Understanding Cybersecurity Regulations

employee using computer to comply with cybersecurity regulations

As the world becomes more digital, cybersecurity is no longer a suggestion—it’s a necessity. Digital attacks can damage a business far more than a physical breach because the impact spreads across the entire organization. However, with so many laws and cybersecurity regulations in place, many businesses struggle to understand what they must do to stay secure and compliant.

The Importance of Cybersecurity

Protecting your data is a critical part of running a successful business. Without strong security, you could lose customer information, financial records, and even intellectual property within seconds. Additionally, remote work continues to grow, and so do the opportunities for cybercriminals. These attackers have become more sophisticated, and the average company now takes 197 days to identify a breach and 69 days to contain it.

How Regulations Keep Your Business Secure

Cybersecurity regulations exist to ensure that organizations take the right steps to safeguard their data. Each regulation targets specific industries, so it’s important to keep track of what your business needs to stay compliant.

If you fail to stay compliant, the consequences can range from minor fines to major legal issues. And with big companies like Equifax and Target receiving heavy fines for their failure to protect customer data, no business should skip out on these regulations.

Common Cybersecurity Regulations and Who They Apply To

HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects individuals’ health information. Any organization that handles sensitive medical data must follow HIPAA rules to avoid legal penalties and safeguard patient information.

CMMC

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) applies to organizations that manage Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Businesses must meet CMMC standards before they can receive or process CUI.

PCI DSS

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) outlines requirements for protecting payment card data. Any company that accepts or processes credit cards must comply with PCI DSS to keep customer information safe.

FERC

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) sets rules for the transmission and distribution of energy in the United States. Organizations working with energy-related data must meet FERC standards to operate legally.

NIST

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) establishes security guidelines for federal agencies, contractors, and many private businesses. Any organization that works with the federal government must comply with NIST requirements.

How adrytech Helps You Stay Compliant

At adrytech, we treat compliance as more than a checklist, it’s our top priority. For example, our team constantly stays updated on the latest cybersecurity regulations and offers comprehensive services to help businesses in every industry maintain compliance.

To begin with, we start by auditing and assessing your current cybersecurity practices. With this in mind, we then help you implement effective security solutions that fit your needs and budget. Coupled with our support, you can navigate complex regulations with confidence and avoid costly legal issues. Contact us today to get started straightaway.

How to Protect Your Business From Hackers

Cybercriminals target growing companies every day. In fact, employees at small businesses experience 350% more social engineering attacks than those in larger enterprises. This growing threat makes proactive protection essential.

Schedule a free cybersecurity assessment today to learn how adrytech can help you defend your business from hackers.