IT Services in Santa Clara: Differences Between Security and Compliance

According to IT services experts in Santa Clara, IT compliance frameworks address how businesses share, store, and receive information. However, they don't address the security needs of the company. Both need to work together to be effective.

IT Compliance Frameworks

IT compliance frameworks define the security requirements for how data is stored, received, and transmitted within a specific industry. For example, in the U.S., HIPAA requirements for securing a patient's personal medical information are mandatory for anyone handling this data. This includes insurance companies, doctors' offices, and their vendors.To become compliant with a particular framework, a company has to define risks, set standards, develop policies, and document their efforts. Compliance happens when the organization meets the minimum requirements defined by the framework.

IT Security Is Different

A company's IT security focuses on technical systems, processes, and tools that protect and defend key digital assets. Compliance isn't a major concern for IT security, though it is a major business requirement.Security goes beyond compliance measures. It can include physical controls that limit access to IT equipment and network access. Standardized tools and procedures can make security easier to manage. This standardization may not meet compliance needs.

Three Areas of Concern for IT Security

IT security focuses on three key components: users, devices, and network.According to IT support experts in Santa Clara, users pose the highest risk to any company. Simple human errors can open up your entire network to hackers and malware. Training users to identify potential security risks is one of the more effective ways to prevent infiltration from the outside.The number of devices that access a typical network has skyrocketed in recent years. That's because more and more companies are allowing employees to use personal devices on the network. According to IT services experts in Santa Clara, each connection poses a risk. Limiting access and requiring routine scans are two options for risk mitigation.Your company's network allows you to send data around the world in seconds. If it gets hacked, all your data becomes vulnerable. A data breach can expose your company's digital assets, your employees' personal information, and your clients' sensitive data to the world.

An Ideal Combination

Combining both security requirements and compliance requirements is critical for reducing risk. The security team puts controls in place to secure key digital assets, then the compliance team can come behind to verify they are working properly. This keeps the company both secure and compliant while mitigating the risk of a breach.If you need help securing your digital assets, don't hesitate to contact us at Riverfy. Our IT services experts in Santa Clara are ready to help you!.