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Every business is different, and as a result, each one is subject to different compliance mandates. Depending on your industry, there may be a variety of IT compliance standards that you are required to meet.
In this blog post, we will outline the most common compliance regulations and discuss how your business can become compliant. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, so consult with an IT professional to get specific advice for your organization.
Healthcare and the Medical Industry
If you’re a healthcare organization, chances are that you need to comply with HIPAA. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) exists to protect patient privacy and ensure the security of health information. If your business has access to any kind of medical records, it is important that you research HIPAA regulations in more detail.
Government Organizations and Public Agencies
If you are a government organization, employer or public agency, chances are that you need to comply with FISMA. The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) was established by Congress to protect the security of federal networks.
It requires that all federal agencies use guidelines from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). FISMA is more than just a set of standards – it’s actually a risk management framework that can be used to improve the security of your network.
Small Businesses
While small businesses may not have to comply with specific mandates, they need to make sure that their IT systems are secure. In addition to complying with general security best practices, small businesses should consider implementing the following measures:
– Use a firewall
– Install anti-virus software
– Restrict access to sensitive information
– Train employees on computer security basics
Financial Services and the Banking Industry
If you are in the financial services or banking industry, you need to comply with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council regulations (FFIEC).
These regulated financial practices require IT compliance to protect operations and private data. Financial industry IT experts like RESULTS Technology can ensure you’re in full compliance with FFIEC through their suite of industry-specific services.
Education
If you’re an educational organization or school, chances are that you need to comply with FERPA. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student data. It requires schools to take steps to secure and protect information such as grades, transcripts, social security numbers, and addresses.
Just like other compliance standards, FERPA has a risk management framework that helps schools increase security and make sure they are in compliance. According to FERPA, it is important for schools to:
– Protect student data even if the storage medium fails
– Make sure students can access their own records (and request corrections) within a reasonable period of time
– Establish procedures for responding to requests for information from parents
– Train employees on FERPA requirements
Technology Companies
If you are a technology company, there are a few compliance standards that you need to be aware of. In addition to complying with general security best practices, you should consider implementing the following measures:
– Use encryption software
– Restrict access to sensitive data
– Train employees on computer security basics
Conclusion
It is important for businesses in all industries to make sure their IT systems are compliant. Not only does compliance protect your customers and employees, it can also save you money in the long run. If you’re not sure if your business is compliant or need help becoming compliant, give us a call today!
