Security | Threat Detection | Cyberattacks | DevSecOps | Compliance

May 2024

The Ultimate Guide to FedRAMP Marketplace Designations

Whenever a government agency, contractor, or subcontractor wants to work with a cloud service provider, they have to find one that upholds the level of cybersecurity, physical security, and authentication that the government sets as standard. Usually, agencies have two options to do this. They can work with a cloud service provider that is FedRAMP authorized, or they can work with one that is FedRAMP Equivalent.

Protecto - Secure and HIPAA Compliant Gen AI for Healthcare

Generative AI is often seen as high risk in healthcare due to the critical importance of patient safety and data privacy. Protecto enables your journey with HIPAA-compliant and secure generative AI solutions, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy, security, and compliance.

Gap Analysis - Leverage what you do now to set yourself up for success in the future as well.

How TrustCloud leverages the work you do now and sets you up for success in the future as well. Gap analysis is designed to give you insight into other compliance standards and your gaps with them. If you are looking to pursue other standards, this tool is great for determining the level of effort required from your team.

Learn Strategies for Global Compliance | GDPR compliance | India's Data Privacy Act

Listen to Kaushik Saha, Group CISO at RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, as he explores India's changing data protection rules. In this video, he explains what companies need to know if they already comply with global standards like GDPR, PDPA, HIPAA, and CCPA. Highlights of the video: One of the key points Kaushik emphasizes is the significant escalation in penalties under India's data protection regulations. This development underscores the urgent need for companies to implement robust consent management mechanisms against data breaches.

Best Cybersecurity Practices for Mac Users

Сyberattacks and the threats they pose are becoming more complex every day. Therefore, no user, including Mac users, is immune to viruses, malware, and cyberаttacks. For a long time, Mac computers were thought to be less vulnеrable to such threats than Windows ones. But that does nоt mean they do nоt need reliable protection. After all, as mentioned above, nothing stands still and threats are also improving.

New CIP standards: Why utilities shouldn't wait to deploy

On May 9, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) officially adopted new Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) requirements for Internal Network Security Monitoring (INSM). This is one of the last steps before Federal regulators make it an official standard for utilities and the electrical power grid industry. What does it mean? Compliance for CIP-015-1 is coming to your utility. Utilities will need monitoring tools with deep and wide asset intelligence and network control.

Renewable Energy Integration: Influence of NERC CIP Standards

The renewable energy revolution is in full swing, with sources like wind, solar, and storage facilities accounting for a remarkable 20% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2021. This rapidly growing sector, projected to reach a staggering $1.1 trillion globally by 2027, is set to reshape the energy landscape. However, as we embrace this sustainable future, an oft-overlooked yet critical aspect demands our attention: cybersecurity.

How Workstreet hits efficiency targets with Vanta

Established in 2019 with headquarters in Colorado, Workstreet stands out as a premier Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) dedicated to supporting hyper-growth technology businesses with security and compliance needs. Workstreet approaches its vCISO and security services as strategic accelerators for client growth, helping clients establish, maintain, and demonstrate their security and privacy functions. ‍

Complying With the New SEC Cybersecurity Regulations: A How-to Guide

‍Since the SEC's latest cybersecurity regulations went into effect, thousands of companies have already been compelled to submit their annual Form 10-K with the novel Item 1C. Similarly, dozens of organizations have filed updated Form 8-Ks to disclose cybersecurity incidents. Slowly but surely, these public reports are helping investors become more aware of the intrinsic relationship between cyber risk and market value.

Data Privacy in Online Marketing: What Is Changing & How to Adapt?

Thanks to digital innovations, we can easily connect online, but they also leave us increasingly vulnerable and exposed.68% of consumers are concerned about the volume of data businesses collect about them, with 40% expressing a lack of trust in companies’ ethical handling of data. Therefore, it’s no surprise that data privacy regulations are constantly improving.

Navigating the NIS 2 Landscape - Part 1

The European Union (EU) is taking a significant step forward in the fight against cybercrime by introducing the Network and Information Systems Directive 2, or NIS 2. This directive represents a major overhaul of cybersecurity regulations across the continent, aiming to bolster defenses against the ever-evolving threats of the digital age. In this first of four blog posts, we will introduce the basics of NIS 2.

Get ready for the New EU directive, NIS 2

The NIS 2 Directive aims to enhance cybersecurity across the EU by extending regulations to a broader range of critical infrastructure operators and digital service providers. With a compliance deadline of October 17, 2024, organizations must strengthen their security measures to avoid fines and liability. Even non-EU companies serving EU citizens are affected.

Achieving Automated TISAX Compliance

Cyberattacks on the automotive industry are becoming more sophisticated. In its 2024 Automotive Cybersecurity Report, Upstream found that 50% of all automotive cyber incidents in 2023 had a high or massive impact. Similarly, 95% of all attacks in 2023 were executed remotely, and 37% of attacker activities in the deep and dark web target multiple original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) simultaneously.

Mastering SQL Injection : A Comprehensive Guide to SQL Map

In this video we will learn about one of the most prevalent database threats today, SQL Injection attack which is a common method used by hackers to exploit vulnerabilities in web applications that interact with databases. Join us as we explore the inner workings of this malicious technique and understand how SQLMAP Tool, a powerful open-source penetration testing tool can be used to protect your data. With step-by-step examples and demonstrations, we will show how to install SQLMAP and take countermeasures.

PCI DSS For Small Business

In an era where digital transactions reign supreme, ensuring the security of payment card data is paramount for businesses. This is where the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) comes into play, serving as a crucial framework for safeguarding sensitive information and protecting both businesses and consumers from the ever-present threat of cybercrime. While it is generally associated with large businesses, it is equally important for smaller ones as well.

DORA Regulation: What Financial Institutions Need To Do

As a cybersecurity company, Obrela is vigilant in monitoring the evolving regulations and how these impact our clients, especially those in the financial sector. With the introduction of the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), we see a transformative step forward in the European Union’s approach to financial cyber resilience. Here’s an overview of what DORA entails and what it means for financial entities.

Guide: What is FedRAMP Tailored and What is The Difference?

In the past, we’ve talked a lot about the various FedRAMP guidelines required to reach either a single Authority to Operate or a generalized Provisional Authority to Operate. One thing that can be said to be common to all of these is that, in general, you’re talking about FedRAMP Moderate Impact Levels when you discuss these kinds of standards and certification processes. This is because around 80% of cloud service providers and offerings are classified as Moderate impact.

The Need for Speed: "Material" Confusion under the SEC's Cyber Rules

This week, the SEC issued a statement addressing some of the rampant confusion and inconsistencies observed under the agency’s new cyber breach disclosure rule. The statement itself addresses a technical securities law requirement, that public companies should only use Item 1.05 of Form 8-K to disclose “material” cyber breach information (instead of making voluntary or immaterial disclosures).

Monitoring for PCI DSS 4.0 Compliance

Any company that processes payments knows the pain of an audit under the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Although the original PCI DSS had gone through various updates, the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) took feedback from the global payments industry to address evolving security needs.

How to Use the Terraform Destroy Command to Control Cyber Attack Damage

In many cases, cutting something off is necessary to avoid bigger damage. This is the idea behind controlled infrastructure removal, the elimination of some parts of your cloud infrastructure to contain an attack or remove a potential attack surface. It is an important part of infrastructure-as-code (IaC) management and something organizations need to be familiar with as they secure their cloud environments and the apps they develop.
Featured Post

How to Choose the Right ASVS Level for Your Organization

The Application Security Verification Standard (ASVS) developed by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) provides a robust framework for conducting penetration testing (pentesting) and security audits of web applications and infrastructure. In the evolving landscape of network security, with risks emerging in sophistication and frequency, maintaining a baseline level of compliant security procedures is highly recommended.

HITRUST: the Path to Cyber Resilience

Much has been made of cyber resilience in recent years. And with good reason: failing to bounce back quickly from a security event can have dramatic financial consequences. In early 2023, Royal Mail took several days to recover from a Lockbit cyberattack, losing upwards of £10 million in the process. However, for all the talk about resilience, the industry seems to be overlooking one of its fundamental tenets: risk management. It is, perhaps, understandable that we overlook risk management.

Announcing Vanta's industry-first partnership to automate HITRUST e1

Today we’re excited to announce that Vanta has partnered with HITRUST Services Corp., the leader in cybersecurity assurances, to be the first automated compliance solution for the HITRUST e1 Assessment and reseller of the HITRUST MyCSF platform. Vanta is the first pre-built solution that includes the controls, documents, and policies necessary to demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding data and protected health information (PHI) — all in a way that can be validated by HITRUST. ‍

Vodafone Idea becomes Industry First to achieve SOC2 Type 2 Attestation

In a significant achievement for the Indian telecommunications industry, Vodafone Idea (Vi) has become the first Indian company to secure the SOC 2 Type 2 attestation. This significant milestone not only underscores its unwavering commitment to data security but also cements its position as an industry leader in fostering trust and transparency. The attestation was conducted by VISTA InfoSec, a global Information Security Consulting firm with offices based in the US, UK, Singapore, and India specializing in GDPR, PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and other types of security compliance standards.

DFARS 7012 Class Deviation and NIST 800-171 Rev 3 Guidance for DIBs

NIST 800-171 revision 3 was released on May 14, 2024, prompting DoD to issue an indefinite class deviation for DFARS 252.204-7012, Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting (DFARS 7012). US Defense Industrial Base (DIB) contractors must now comply with NIST SP 800-171 revision 2 rather than the version in effect at the time the solicitation is issued, as was previously required.

Understanding the NIS 2 Directive

By expanding its scope and introducing modernized requirements, the new NIS 2 Directive challenges organizations to elevate their cyber preparedness. This article explores how the directive affects a wide range of sectors and the critical infrastructure within them, detailing the requirements for compliance and highlighting the key role that IONIX plays in supporting organizations in meeting these regulations.

FedRAMP "In Process": What It Means and How to Get Listed

FedRAMP, the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, is a way for cloud service providers to undergo auditing, scrutiny, and testing to validate their security. This security encompasses primarily information security but also user authorization and authentication, physical security, and more.

Coralogix Receives FedRAMP Ready Status: A Milestone in Secure, Compliant Data Analysis

We are excited to announce today that Coralogix has achieved FedRAMP Ready status and is now listed in the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program Marketplace. This significant milestone underscores Coralogix’s commitment to providing secure, compliant, and efficient observability services to customers, especially within the government sector. This achievement paves the way for Coralogix to provide US government entities with full-stack, cost-effective observability capabilities.

Cloud Security and Compliance: A Smarter Approach to Keeping Your Head Above Water

When it comes to cloud security and compliance, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in a sea of regulations and requirements. But don’t worry; we’re all in the same boat! That’s why we’re thrilled to share our latest point-of-view (POV) paper, “Practical Cloud Security in the Era of Cybersecurity Regulation,” which is crafted with our deep industry expertise and experience.

OWASP Top 10 | A07: 2021 - Identification & Authentication Failures

Identification and authentication policies are very important in safeguarding digital assets, protecting privacy, ensuring regulatory compliance, fostering trust, and mitigating risks in today's interconnected and data-driven environments. But some organizations are lax in implementing these policies creating security risks for them and the data of the people stored there. Today we will learn about the various ways in which cybercriminals steal dat and how organizations can prevent it.

The Ultimate Guide to Employee Monitoring Software

Did you know that 80% of employees feel more productive when they know their activities are being monitored? Employee monitoring tools offer benefits beyond oversight, fostering accountability and boosting efficiency. In this post, we delve into the world of employee monitoring, exploring its advantages for both employers and employees. From enhancing productivity to ensuring data security, these tools play a crucial role in today's digital work landscape. Stay tuned to discover how employee monitoring can revolutionize your workplace dynamics.

Understanding POS Security: Protecting Your Business and Customer Data

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center’s (ITRC) 2023 Business Impact Report, 73% of small business owners in the US reported a cyber-attack within the previous year, underlining the growing popularity of small businesses as a target among malicious actors. Given this recent wave of cyberattacks, all small businesses must do their part to secure their Point of Sale (POS) systems from unauthorized parties.

Security and Compliance triumphs: Vodafone Idea Leads India with SOC 2 Type 2 Attestation

In May 2024, Vodafone Idea (Vi) became the first Indian telecommunications company to achieve the SOC2 (Service Organization Control 2) Type II Attestation. This accomplishment not only underscores the company’s commitment to stringent security standards but also sets a benchmark for the entire industry.

Why Companies Don't Archive (Common Challenges and Pitfalls in TMF Archival)

Failure to archive a completed Trial Master File (TMF) is, to put it simply, non-compliant. Despite this fact, pharmaceutical and biotech companies are often known to drag their feet on this process. Why would such organizations expose themselves to that risk? Unfortunately, there are several common hurdles that teams face when it comes to TMF archival. In this post, we’ll walk through what those hurdles are and how to overcome them.

What Are Operational POA&Ms in FedRAMP Equivalency?

Recently, the Department of Defense shook up the entire defense industrial base with the release of a memo titled “Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program Moderate Equivalency for Cloud Service Provider’s Cloud Service Offerings.” The memo, aimed at FedRAMP contractors and the CSPs they work with, clarifies the concept of equivalency and what it means to be equivalent to the FedRAMP/CMMC Moderate control standard.

5 ways Vanta customers use Trust Centers to demonstrate their security

Trust and transparency are key to winning customers today. Customers and prospects of all sizes need to know how you’ll protect their data before they can do business with you — which often leads to lengthy questionnaires, long security reviews, and stretched sales cycles as they work to understand your security posture.

Xalient achieves continued compliance with ISO 20000:2018 and expands scope to the Benelux region.

Xalient is proud to announce that it has successfully maintained its ISO 20000:2018 certification for Service Management in a recent audit, marking another milestone in its journey of operational excellence. This achievement, led by Craig Ingham, Xalient’s Group Information Security & Compliance Director, demonstrates Xalient’s dedication to providing high-quality IT services while successfully managing end-to-end service delivery.

HIPAA Compliance For Email

In the current era of digital technology, email has become an essential means of communication in the healthcare sector. It helps simplify processes, fosters teamwork, and enhances the quality of patient care. However, it is important that the confidential patient data is kept secure, and all communications are done as per the HIPAA compliance email procedures.

Preparing for PCI SSF Assessments and Audits Tips and Strategies

Welcome to our latest webinar recording on “Preparing for PCI SSF Assessments and Audits Tips and Strategies”, presented by VISTA InfoSec. This webinar provides an in-depth understanding of the Payment Card Industry Software Security Framework(PCI SSF) assessment and how to conduct audits and address the unique security challenges associated with software development and maintenance in the payment card industry.

What's an Identity Provider (IdP)?

You could have the strongest firewalls, encryption, anti-malware, vulnerability scanners, and risk management tools in the world and still leave one critical gap in your cybersecurity infrastructure — insider threats. And most of those threats come from poor identity management. But what, exactly, is good identity management? How do you pick the right identity provider for your organization?

What CISOs Need to Know About the SEC's New Rules

Working as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has never been easy or glamorous. But with the recent adoption of new rules by the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission on cybersecurity risk management, strategy, governance and incident disclosure, life as a CISO has just gotten harder. Adding to the longstanding organizational risk CISO’s have always managed, now they have to contend with personal risk as well.

DD2345 Military Critical Technical Data Agreement and CMMC

What is the government if not an organization dedicated to the creation of paperwork? All of that paperwork means something, though, and it can range from trivial to vitally important. One of the more important forms, if it’s required for your business or institution to fill out, is the DD2345 form. What is it, what is it used for, do you need one, and how does it interact with CMMC?

What Are Managed IT Services For Businesses? A Helpful Guide

In today’s fast-moving tech world, every business—big or small—needs an IT setup that’s not just robust but also smart enough to keep up with rapid changes and challenges. That’s where managed IT services come in. They do more than just prop up your tech; they turbocharge your business goals. Ever wonder how managed IT services slide into your overall business strategy? It’s not all about fixing tech breakdowns.

Accelerating the Future of Trust for the Enterprise: Vanta Supercharges Trust Centers with Questionnaire Automation and Vanta AI

Leveraging AI and automation to help enterprises build customer trust and close deals faster. New enterprise-grade capabilities empower large organizations to demonstrate trust at scale. Vanta to debut new offerings at RSA Conference May 6 - 9 in San Francisco.

Introducing enterprise-ready capabilities to help you manage compliance at scale

Today we’re excited to announce new and enhanced enterprise-grade platform capabilities that build upon our existing enterprise capabilities and customization functionality. Along with our new AI-powered Trust Center announced today, these capabilities enable mature organizations to run their security and compliance programs and demonstrate trust at scale.

The Cybersecurity of the S&P 500: An in-depth analysis from SecurityScorecard

In fall 2023, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted landmark cybersecurity regulations, requiring public companies to disclose “material” cybersecurity incidents within four days. Prior to this, there were very few breach reporting requirements, leaving business leaders, government officials, policymakers, and investors without key information on cybersecurity incidents.

Vanta Trust Center, now enhanced with Questionnaire Automation and Vanta AI

As the number and severity of third-party breaches continues to rise, companies are scrutinizing more closely not just how they handle data, but how their vendors do as well. For security leaders, this means more security reviews are coming across their desk everyday. ‍ Limited resources and legacy processes make it hard for security teams to keep up with the pace of business.