Navigating the complexities of IT compliance is daunting. This article debunks prevalent misconceptions, clarifying why compliance is an ongoing process, crucial for businesses of all sizes, and a shared responsibility across the organization. Discover why simply meeting standards isn’t enough and how partnering with experts can enhance your security posture. Prepare to rethink your approach to compliance and gain insights on creating a robust, future-proof strategy.
Myth: Compliance is a (long!) checklist.
Truth: Compliance is a continuous process.
Compliance is never one-and-done, and it’s not a simple checklist to move through. Instead, an effective compliance program must constantly be monitored and improved, especially as regulations change. Don’t make the mistake of checking the box on one risk assessment and one employee training to assume you’re done. For example, even if you’ve implemented the basics of PCI DSS 4.0, continue improving access privileges, password management, and enhanced encryption.
Myth: IT Compliance doesn’t apply to me because I’m a small business.
Truth: IT compliance standards apply to businesses of all sizes, including small businesses.
Regulatory bodies do not typically exempt small businesses from compliance requirements because security threats and data breaches can affect any organization, regardless of its size. In fact, according to a Verizon survey, 46 percent of data breaches happen to companies with less than 1,000 employees. Non-compliance can lead to significant legal, financial, and reputational consequences. Plus, adhering to compliance standards helps small businesses build trust with customers and partners. Ignoring compliance can result in vulnerabilities that may be exploited, leading to severe impacts on business operations.
Myth: I need to hire an expensive expert internally.
Truth: Outsourcing compliance can be more cost-effective.
IT compliance is expensive because it’s complex, confusing, and time-consuming. But an in-house expert isn’t always needed. Many businesses partner with a managed services provider to maximize their budget and gain direct access to experts without shouldering the cost of salary, benefits, and training. For example, TPx’s Virtual Compliance Officer (VCO) Solution designs, implements, and manages your security program for less than an in-house specialist, and offers comprehensive IT compliance solutions to maximize your defensibility to compliance frameworks and cybersecurity threats.
Myth: Compliance is just too much to keep up with.
Truth: With the right help, it’s possible to become defensible.
While keeping up with compliance can feel like an insurmountable task, working with an expert in IT compliance gives your business a competitive edge when it comes to defensibility, since they can combine knowledge of key compliance standards with cybersecurity best practices. It also alleviates the manual, repetitive tasks of ensuring compliance. It’s all about having the right processes, resources, and partnerships.
Myth: Compliance belongs to a single team.
Truth: Compliance is a company-wide effort.
Relegating IT compliance to legal or IT bottlenecks your strategy and reduces its effectiveness. Instead, IT compliance is the entire company’s job because it involves policies, procedures, and behaviors that affect all employees and departments. Effective compliance requires everyone to understand and follow security protocols, handle data responsibly, and adhere to regulations. Cross-departmental collaboration ensures comprehensive risk management and fosters a culture of accountability. Plus, breaches or non-compliance in one area can impact the entire organization, making unified efforts essential for protecting the business and its stakeholders.
Myth: IT compliance is enough to keep my business safe.
Truth: Relying solely on IT compliance standards leaves you vulnerable.
IT compliance alone isn’t enough to keep your business safe because compliance standards often represent the minimum required security measures, not necessarily the best practices for your specific business context. Threat landscapes continuously evolve, and new vulnerabilities and attack methods emerge that compliance standards might not yet address. Comprehensive security requires a proactive approach, including ongoing risk assessments, employee training, advanced security technologies, and incident response plans. Relying solely on compliance can leave gaps that sophisticated attackers can exploit, so a robust cybersecurity strategy must complement compliance efforts.
Myth: Compliance requirements stifle innovation.
Truth: Effective IT compliance helps future-proof your business.
IT Compliance prepares your business for the future and supports your team in adopting new technologies easily. With the right frameworks in place, you’ll feel confident in outpacing competitors while following appropriate regulations. You’ll stay ahead of evolving threats, and as attackers become more sophisticated, you will, too.
To maximize defensibility and build trust with customers, work with an expert team like TPx, who understands your industry, threat landscape, and the ins and outs of major compliance frameworks like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOC2, and more. Get in touch to get started.