IT compliance standards are evolving rapidly, with new regulations and auditor expectations emerging every year. Organizations in the US need to ensure their IT infrastructure and security policies align with the latest requirements — or risk negative consequences like fines, reputational damage or loss of customer trust.
Many factors are driving the changes in compliance, from advancing technologies to increasing threats. As we emerge into 2024, businesses should focus on these key trends when it comes to IT compliance:
With cybercrimes costing billions yearly, auditors want stricter customer data safety to limit threats. Organizations need proper data access controls, database/file encryption, clear info deletion policies and plans to communicate and control harm from breaches.
Data retention policies will need to demonstrate compliance with evolving privacy regulations. Likewise, auditors will validate incident response plans with defined communication protocols and damage control procedures in the event of data breaches.
For years, organizations in the US have been in constant threat of different kinds of ransomware attacks. Audits now check for security patch monitoring, advanced email filters, staff training to spot risks, tighter network access rules and ways to trace issues. These tools fight complex threats that target systems and employees.
To round out key protections against these external threats, perimeter protection through next-generation firewalls, intrusion prevention and stringent access controls should be implemented by every organization.
With over 90% of enterprises now adopting some form of cloud across IaaS, PaaS and SaaS, organizations that leverage these environments face multiplying regulations. These include emerging data privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA that impose strict data control, locality and access requirements.
The use of cloud computing also introduces security duties between vendors and clients and dangers from third parties. As you shift to the cloud, you must evaluate encryption, access management and private setups to maintain compliance.
Frameworks like HIPAA and Washington state privacy laws undergo hundreds of updates annually in response to escalating threats. Tracking these changes already strains IT teams undertaking digital transformation projects.
Expert partners, like Net-Tech, have become vital for interpretation and implementation of new controls, as a lot of SMBs still fail audits due to expanding regulations. Specialized skills and automation technologies are imperative for continuous compliance monitoring now essential to avoid penalties. Businesses should leverage reliable resources in this space.
Net-Tech delivers comprehensive IT compliance management through the Total Care Cloud IT subscription program. The program is designed around unique organizational needs — not a one-size-fits-all model. With us, you get:
Unlike traditional MSPs or separate compliance standards consultants, Net-Tech aligns compliance outcomes directly with strategic priorities. The combined technology enables clients to redirect resources from management overhead into pushing organizational growth and innovation.
Don't get caught playing catch-up each audit cycle. Contact Net-Tech today to schedule a consultation and Total Care Cloud demo tailored for your organization. Our team of experts makes IT compliance a source of confidence, not frustration, allowing you to set the pace in our rapidly evolving digital economy.