Many businesses and schools don’t realize they’re required to meet IT compliance standards—or they underestimate just how critical compliance is to their success and security. If you’re in the finance, education, or energy industries, or any organization handling sensitive personal data, IT compliance isn’t optional – it’s essential to adhering to industry regulations and avoiding costly penalties. Think IT compliance doesn’t apply to your business or school? Think again. In this blog, we’ll explain what IT compliance is, the difference between IT compliance and security compliance, and why it’s so important.
What is IT Compliance?
The term IT compliance is frequently heard in relation to running an organization and making sure that it keeps within the regulations of a third party or a specific client. It is essentially a process that companies go through in order to keep within these predetermined guidelines or boundaries. The main goal of IT compliance is to satisfy the minimum requirements when it comes to security implementation and risk reduction.
IT Compliance vs IT Security
There is a blurry line between IT compliance and IT security, with many people confusing one for the other. While both aim to ensure the security of your business or school in the digital environment, the level of commitment involved can be very different.
With IT security, the implementing body will go to great lengths to keep the assets of the organization as protected as can be. They will utilize the most cutting-edge technology solutions to safeguard against any and all possible online threats known to man. In other words, IT security aims to follow best practices for the protection of the system or network.
IT compliance, on the other hand, simply aims to satisfy the minimum requirements of a third party, like the government or a contracting agent. Such third parties might have their own set of regulations that a company will have to fulfill in order to continue with operations. Such fulfillment of these regulations is what IT compliance is all about.
The Importance of IT Compliance in Cybersecurity
Although it does not necessarily guarantee that your company will be completely safe from online mishaps, IT compliance is a must. For starters, you won’t be able to continue operating if you fail to comply with even one small regulation.
Much more importantly, complying with IT rules and guidelines greatly reduces the risk that you – your employees, staff and/or students – face online. Of course, it is the third party such as FINRA or SEC for investment firms or CIPA and COPPA for schools that determines the standards of risk reduction. If you feel that the security procedures that they require are not enough to completely protect you online, you are free to implement even more advanced security measures that meet your needs.
In many cases, though, the simple act of IT compliance will already put you in a much safer place. We work with our clients to recommend strategies to create your own compliance program that will effectively manage online risks and avert online attacks that could potentially lead to a dangerous data breach.
How an IT Managed Service Provider Can Help
Many companies, particularly those that are not directly operating in the IT industry, are not well-versed when it comes to IT compliance and such matters. In this case, the best move would be to partner with a reliable managed service provider (MSP) that can take care of all the hard work and technical stuff for you.
Spera Partners will guarantee that you comply with all the IT requirements that apply to your industry and region. We can also design and implement your own IT compliance program to further protect you from online dangers. Furthermore, we will train your employees on the best practices for ensuring IT compliance and protecting your network and data.
Conclusion
Too often, organizations overlook IT compliance until they experience a costly data breach or regulatory penalty—by then, the damage is already done. Don’t let your business or school face unnecessary risks. Our team can handle your IT compliance needs, providing robust cybersecurity solutions that protect your operations and reduce the worry of online threats. IT compliance isn’t just about meeting requirements – it’s about securing your future. Schedule a call with us today or request a complimentary consultation to get started.
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