Security | Threat Detection | Cyberattacks | DevSecOps | Compliance

Have you ever stopped to consider all of the components that comprise a working automobile? Even a cursory examination reveals more parts than might be considered when we turn the ignition key. However, many of these components are useless when detached from the full product. A steering wheel without a car is not exactly an efficient mode of transportation.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 has passed through the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs and is now on its way to Congress, set to become law by Q4 2024. With the CMMC becoming official law, its full implementation in defense contracts will occur through a phased approach over three years starting in 2025.

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.

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.

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.

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.