Security | Threat Detection | Cyberattacks | DevSecOps | Compliance

September 2024

Data Protection Officers and Their Key Responsibilities

Data breaches, cyberattacks and misuse of personal information are severe threats challenging the privacy of customer’s data, they can not only damage a company’s reputation but can also lead to heavy fines if compromised. To overcome these challenges, data protection laws are established. Data protection laws safeguard personal information and establish important guidelines on collection, storage, processing, sharing and disposal of personal data.

The Road Taken: Pathways to Better Compliance

Ralph Waldo Emerson, the renowned American writer, lecturer and philosopher, is often credited with the phrase “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” Legal, Compliance, Risk and Security professionals would be wise to consider Emerson’s wise words and philosophy. The path to optimal compliance outcomes and practices is long and full of twists and turns – with new and increasingly complex rules, regulations and legal regimes.

Why Mastering Automic Automation is Essential in Today's Security Landscape

Keeping systems secure is a big challenge for many companies today. They deal with large amounts of data stored across both cloud platforms and physical servers. As the number of cyber threats continues to rise, businesses need robust tools to protect their systems.

How do Compliance Regulations Drive Application Security?

A zero-day flaw in MOVEit software exposed the data of 66.4 million individuals, revealing businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Applications, which manage sensitive data, are prime targets for these threats. Compliance regulations recognize the risks and establish guidelines aimed at ensuring applications meet data protection, privacy, and overall security. PCI DSS v4.0 for example introduces 64 new requirements including strict security measures to protect public-facing applications.

How to Appoint a Qualified Data Protection Officer(DPO)?

A Data Protection Officer (DPO) can be called as an ally for organizations that deals with large amount of Privacy related data in its core operation. They are appointed based on article 37 of GDPR, and help organizations stay compliant with data protection laws by overseeing data security policies, monitoring internal compliance, and providing expert advice for staffs managing the potential data privacy risks.

Vodafone Idea has achieved PCI DSS 4.0 Certification.

Telecom Service Provider Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL), announced that it had become the first telco in India to achieve the Payment Card Industry-Data Security Standard version 4.0 (PCI DSS 4.0) certification for its retail stores and payment channels. The PCI DSS 4.0 certification is already mandated by RBI Guidelines for banking and financial institutions in India.

What is NIST 800-53?

Imagine compliance is like a driving application. You know your location and you plug in the destination address, then it shows you the route’s overview. If you want a more specific map, you can zoom in a bit and get more details. Similarly, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and it’s most recent revision provide the overview roadmap for your compliance journey.

When Is ISO 27001 Considered Mandatory? 5 Examples

ISO 27001 is the international standard for information security and protection. It’s roughly equivalent to similar infosec frameworks in the United States, like FedRAMP and CMMC, but the international development, maintenance, and scope of the ISO framework makes it much more commonly seen outside of US Government contracting. In the US, it’s clear that a security framework mandated by the government is required when working as a contractor for the government. What about ISO 27001?

UpGuard Expands Vendor Risk Questionnaire Library with New DORA Questionnaire

UpGuard is excited to announce the latest addition to our Vendor Risk Questionnaire Library: the DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) questionnaire! The addition of DORA to the Questionnaire Library reflects UpGuard’s ongoing commitment to providing our customers with the necessary tools to navigate today’s evolving regulatory standards.

A Quick Guide to Today's Cybersecurity Landscape

The world can be just as much of a marvelous place, as it can be a dangerous one. And the same can be said about the online one, where you need to focus on your safety just as much but in a different way. For those wondering how to approach this, make sure to keep reading as we’ll be covering everything you need to know about cybersecurity.

Why DORA Is a Game-Changer for Financial Services

In this episode of CISO Conversations: EU Data Regulations, Richard Cassidy, EMEA Field CISO at Rubrik, is joined by Anna Delaney, Director of Productions at Information Security Media Group (ISMG), to explore why the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) makes operational resilience a priority for financial services organizations. They discuss how DORA will impact your financial institution, how to best prepare for DORA and improve operational resilience, and how to increase oversight and accountability of third parties in the supply chain.

Essential Guide to Seamless CCaaS Implementation

As businesses continue to evolve in their customer service strategies, Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) solutions have emerged as an effective tool for enhancing customer experience. These cloud-based platforms offer flexibility, scalability, and access to advanced technologies, making them a popular choice for organizations of all sizes. However, transitioning to CCaaS requires careful planning to ensure a smooth implementation process.

Ensuring Compliance with FDIC Regulations in Financial Institutions

Financial institutions must adhere to stringent regulations set forth by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information. Title 12, Chapter 3, Subchapter B, Part 364 of the Code of Federal Regulations is particularly important, outlining the standards for information security that these institutions must follow, especially regarding the handling of customer information and data.

CCPA Compliance Guide: How to Get Your Business CCPA Compliant

Over the past few years, businesses have been fighting against the threat of data breaches and cyberattacks, and customers are trying to find new ways to protect their privacy online and keep their data safe from being shared with third parties. Since 2018, the California Consumer Privacy Act and others, such as the GDPR, have made it a legal obligation for companies to protect user data. As a result, other states are starting to follow suit.

How DevOps Automation Enhances Cloud Security

When applied to cloud security, DevOps automation is able to speed up delivery while cutting down on errors. This blend results in faster deployments with a lower likelihood of vulnerabilities sneaking through. Here's a closer exploration of how this plays out, and why you should be making the most of tools in this category as part of your own operations.

What is an Information Security Management System (ISMS)?

If you’ve spent any length of time reading about the internationally accepted security framework laid out in ISO 27001, you’ve likely come across the term ISMS or Information Security Management System. You may wonder, though; what is the ISMS specifically, how do you set one up, and what does it do for your business? Let’s talk about it.

From Theory to Practice: How Portugal's Cybersecurity Centre Is Tackling NIS2 Compliance

In their capacity as a regulator, the Portuguese National Cybersecurity Centre (CNCS) is at the forefront of adapting to NIS2 requirements and ensuring that entities under their purview are compliant. They provide strategic oversight and support for organisations navigating the complexities of the new directive, which introduces stricter standards for risk management, incident response, and supply chain security.

CMMC Compliance: What You Need to Know for CMMC 2.0

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a critical framework for protecting sensitive information within the defense industrial base (DIB). With the transition to CMMC 2.0, organizations that do business with the Department of Defense (DoD) must ensure they meet evolving cybersecurity standards.

Leveraging Cyber Risk Quantification for NIS2 Compliance

‍In response to the growing number of disparate cyber regulations across its member states, resulting in inconsistent cybersecurity practices, the EU drafted Directive 2022/2555, more commonly known as NIS 2. This sweeping directive, officially in effect in October 2024, aims to ensure a more uniform, proactive approach to cyber risk management across the union in the face of an interdependent market and increasingly costly risk landscape.

The HIPAA compliance checklist for security managers

The healthcare sector in the United States has seen a continuous increase in both the frequency and cost of data breaches in the past decade. This is shown by a 61% rise in HIPAA violations from 2019 to 2020, resulting in penalties totaling $13 million for the sector. From 2020 to 2023, the average cost of a single healthcare data breach in the US rose nearly 30%, reaching a whopping $9.3 million.

Vanta's latest product capabilities accelerate compliance for startups

Whether it's expanding to new regions or selling to larger customers with higher expectations, establishing an effective security and compliance program is a necessary step for growing startups. For many, the first step to unlocking growth is getting a SOC 2 report, which can be a complicated process. Many startups struggle to achieve compliance due to unclear requirements and an overwhelming amount of tools to choose from—making it hard to know which solution can get them compliant, fast. ‍

A Comprehensive Guide to PCI Compliance Test

Because online shopping is so important to us now, keeping payment information safe is very important. Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) was created to protect cardholder information that is private and to stop fraud. PCI DSS must be followed by any organization that handles, saves, or sends cardholder data. A Very Important Step: The PCI Compliance Test Organizations must go through a lot of tests and evaluations to show that they follow PCI DSS.

A Comprehensive Guide to Today's IGA Solutions: Features, Benefits, and Options

Let’s face it. Managing and securing IT networks is far more complex today. Beyond securing endpoints, sensitive data, and the network perimeter, security teams must also focus on identity security, access management, and regulatory compliance. They not only have to create password policies but protect those passwords and access privileges. Twenty years ago, no one had to worry about things such as cloud identity. Today, a different world demands a different set of tools.

NCSC sets out plans to launch Advanced Cyber Defence 2.0

An initiative of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) since 2017, the Active Cyber Defence (ACD) programme has provided a range of free cyber security tools and services to enable eligible public sector organisations to address high-volume commodity attacks. Following on from its success, the NCSC has announced plans to launch a new version of ACD, aimed at extending its benefits to businesses.

Guidelines For Determining the CUI Decontrol Eligibility

One of the biggest burdens on any government agency or contractor is dealing with controlled unclassified information, or CUI. This information requires oversight, security, access control, and record-keeping – all part of the general “control” of that information – and keeping track of it all can be a huge task. One way in which this task is made easier is through the process of decontrol.

How Cybersecurity Risk Assessments Will Need to Evolve for 2025

2025 is drawing near, and the cybersecurity scene is changing quickly. Organizations must adapt how they undertake cybersecurity risk assessments in tandem with the ongoing evolution of technology and the escalating sophistication of cyber-attacks. In order to address the difficulties of the near future, cybersecurity risk assessments will need to change in ten key areas, as this essay examines.

Vanta continues AWS momentum with Security Competency achievement

Vanta has achieved the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Security Competency status. This designation recognizes that Vanta excels at providing deep AWS technical expertise and integrations that help customers achieve their cloud security and compliance goals. ‍ Over half of Vanta’s 8,000+ customers leverage AWS. Achieving the AWS Security Competency reinforces our continual commitment to delivering deeply automated, integrated product experiences.

Virtual CISO Services: A Smart Solution for Modern Businesses

In today's dynamic cybersecurity landscape, businesses of all sizes face significant challenges in safeguarding their data and systems from cyber threats. As the need for robust cybersecurity measures grows, many organizations are turning to Virtual CISO (vCISO) services as a cost-effective and flexible solution to enhance their security posture. A Virtual CISO is an outsourced cybersecurity professional or team that provides the expertise and guidance of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) on a part-time or contract basis.

SOX Compliance in the Age of Cyber Threats

Achieving Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act compliance is becoming more difficult. While the Act is primarily a financial reporting regulation, it requires all publicly traded companies operating in the United States to maintain the integrity, accuracy, and reliability of financial reporting, which those organizations can only achieve through robust cybersecurity measures. As such, an effective cybersecurity strategy is crucial for achieving SOX compliance.

Notice & consent compliance in US, China & Canada

In the first of our blog series on international data protection, I’m taking a look at how companies can ensure compliance with notice and consent requirements in the USA, China, and Canada. In a world where digital footprints are as common as physical ones, the governance of personal data has become a pressing issue.

5 best practices for executive reporting

In today's complex business landscape, effective executive reporting is not just about sharing information; it's about using the insights to take action and demonstrating the value of your compliance and security efforts. This blog outlines five essential practices to help you refine your reporting skills and ensure your insights resonate with key stakeholders and support informed decision-making. ‍

Understanding Regulatory Compliance in Group Accommodation

Compliance in shared accommodations ensures safety, trust, and overall guest satisfaction. However, it can be more complex than just ensuring building safety standards are met. It can involve adhering to a myriad of regulations, from privacy protection to environmental standards. For hosts and hospitality managers, understanding these rules isn't optional; it's vital for legal operation and positive guest experiences. In this guide, we'll look at key regulatory aspects that form the backbone of compliant group accommodation.

Is Your Image Editing Software Putting Your Cybersecurity at Risk?

In our visually driven digital world, image editing tools are indispensable. They are widespread, from marketing departments creating compelling advertisements to individuals enhancing photos for social media. But there's no such thing as a free lunch. Everything we do in the digital age has potential consequences. As indispensable as these tools are, they carry some risks, especially concerning cybersecurity compliance. Today, we'll illuminate the potential dangers of image editing in business settings and how to mitigate these risks to ensure data privacy and regulatory compliance.

Protecting NATO Secret and Foreign Government Information

We’ve talked a lot on this blog about protecting controlled unclassified information, and we’ve mentioned in places some other kinds of information, like classified and secret information, covered defense information, and other protected information. There’s one thing all of this information has in common: it’s generated by the United States government.
Featured Post

How Organisations Can Master Incident Reporting Obligations Under NIS2

The new NIS2 directive is designed to strengthen the cyber resilience of over 160,000 companies that operate in the EU - either directly or indirectly. Coming into force by 17th October, NIS2 regulations will outline how these essential entities can combat increasingly sophisticated and frequent cyber attacks.

Vanta Delivers: Introducing New Products for the Future of Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC)

Empowering GRC teams to make their security and compliance continuous and automated. Announcing Report Center, enhancements to Vendor Risk Management (VRM), and market-leading milestones for integrations and frameworks.

Understanding Incident Reporting Under the NIS2 Directive: Key Insights for Managed Service Providers and Managed Security Service Providers

Incident reporting is a crucial component of maintaining cybersecurity and operational resilience across the European Union. As outlined in Article 23 of the NIS2 Directive entities falling under its scope are required to report “significant incidents” to the CSIRT (Computer Security Incident Response Team or the relevant competent authority without undue delay.

Cyber security measures for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

The risk of cyber attacks for companies is increasing and can significantly disrupt their operations, have negative financial consequences and damage their reputation. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are especially vulnerable to these attacks due to limited resources and a lack of cyber security expertise. Understanding the significance of cyber security is crucial for protecting sensitive data and ensuring business continuity.

Powering the future of GRC: New capabilities bring continuous visibility and automation to GRC teams

Security is a top buying requirement for businesses today. In fact, two-thirds of respondents to our State of Trust survey say that customers, investors, and suppliers are increasingly looking for proof of security and compliance. As concerns around in-house security practices, third-party tools, and access to customer data grow, customer expectations for trust continue to rise. ‍

DORA & NIS2: The Cybersecurity Regulation Revolution

Are you ready for DORA and NIS2? Discover how these regulations could transform your security strategy! Welcome back to another episode of Razorwire! Today we unpack the DORA and NIS2 regulations with esteemed cybersecurity expert Richard Cassidy. I’m your host, Jim Rees, and I’ll be guiding the conversation for anyone navigating the evolving landscape of digital security in the financial sector. In this information-packed episode.

5 Ways a Network Digital Twin Can Revolutionize CVE Compliance

In the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, the sheer volume of Common Vulnerability and Exposure (CVE) notices has become a daunting challenge for SecOps teams. In 2023 alone, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) issued 28,901 CVE notices, reflecting the growing complexity and intensity of potential threats.

HIPAA Compliance Mistakes To Avoid

Avoiding HIPAA compliance mistakes is crucial to safeguarding patient data and avoiding hefty fines. Common errors like improper data storage and insufficient employee training can put your practice at risk. Stay compliant by knowing the pitfalls and implementing best practices to protect sensitive information.

CMMC 2.0: A New Era of Cybersecurity for the Defense Industrial Base

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of CMMC 2.0. This revamped approach aims to streamline compliance, reduce costs, and enhance the overall security posture of the defense industrial base (DIB). CMMC is a framework developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to assess and certify the cybersecurity posture of its contractors and subcontractors.