The virtual world can be a scary place. Cyber threats lurk around every corner. Organizations eagerly wait to collect data so they can use it for their marketing needs.

Fortunately, compliance regulations exist. They set guidelines for various online technologies including cloud computing. They ensure confidentiality, integrity, and data availability.

A new year is here, and organizations must be aware of new and existing compliance and regulation updates to ensure their companies don't violate standards. Here are a few to be aware of.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

The GDPR is a European Union (EU) regulation that oversees data protection. It is guided by seven principles as follows:

• Integrity and confidentiality
• Storage limitation
• Accountability
• Purpose limitation
• Data minimization
• Accuracy
• Lawfulness, fairness, and transparency

The GDPR may not apply to U.S. organizations, but it applies to companies that handle business with EU firms. The guidelines also set good business standards.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

HIPAA is a United States regulation that ensures patient health information is protected. It is guided by the Privacy Rule, the Security Rule, and the Breach Notification Rule. Organizations may be audited regularly to ensure they are following HIPAA standards.

Payment Card Industry Security Standard (PCI DSS)

This global standard applies to companies that process credit cards. It includes 12 requirements companies must follow to ensure compliance. Organizations are audited annually to determine if they fulfill PCI DSS requirements.

Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP)

This U.S. government program ensures cloud service providers stay compliant with security standards. It does not apply to private sector companies, but it outlines best practices that will help these companies gain customer trust.

ISO 27001:2022

The ISO standard is enforced by both the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It establishes guidelines for the handling of Information Security Management Systems and ensures sensitive information remains private. Companies must be certified to ISO standards every three years.

If you require recertification in 2024, you must complete the process by April. It will take 12 to 18 months to complete the certification.

SOC 2

This set of auditing standards was developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It evaluates a cloud service provider's efficiency in keeping information secure, private, and accessible to authorized parties. Providers are audited annually. Audits last 3-12 months depending on the audit type.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

These guidelines were developed by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). They outline the best practices for dealing with cybersecurity risks. They cover data protection, risk management, access control, and incident response. They also help organizations become compliant with other standards, such as HIPAA, ISO 27001, and PCI-DSS.

How to Achieve and Maintain Cloud Compliance

Despite the many regulations and tools that are designed to make the cloud more secure, organizations continue to face challenges. Various technologies and cloud platforms are introduced with architecture comprised of several components that present unknown variables. Regulations are also murky as some are designed for on-premises environments presenting challenges with cloud adaptability.

Fortunately, there are cloud compliance tools and practices that keep environments secure. Here are a few to consider.

• Compliance Tools: A Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) tool scans the cloud environment to ensure it is compliant with current regulations. Some tools will also mediate issues they identify to bring the environment back to compliant status.

• Choose a Compliant Cloud Server: Choose a cloud server that is in line with your industry's regulations and standards.

• Conduct Risk Assessments: Assess your system regularly to identify threats and vulnerabilities. Perform the required updates as needed.

• Get Your Team Onboard: Make your employees aware of compliance requirements. Ensure they follow the recommended practices when handling sensitive data. Document policies and procedures to ensure everyone is on the same page.

• Implement Security Controls: Security controls like encryption, data backup, zero trust, and principles of least privilege will keep your system safe and prevent breaches.

• Follow a Shared Responsibility Model: A shared responsibility model means both the cloud provider and the customer are responsible for a system's security. The provider oversees the security of the cloud's infrastructure while the customer must secure applications and data within the cloud environment. The model helps organizations understand their responsibilities when using cloud services.

• Seek External Guidance: Consider seeking guidance from an external consultant who is familiar with current compliance guidelines. They can help your company prepare for audits.

Cloud compliance is essential in today's digital landscape. It protects organization and client information. It helps companies maintain a transparent image that breeds trust and loyalty.

Regulations are always changing. Companies must remain updated on the rules that apply to their industry. They must be aware of the latest standards to avoid fines and maintain a stellar reputation.