We live in an era where regulatory bodies and the general public expect all businesses using IT to be IT-compliant. Compliance means that these businesses must commit to keeping all data they receive from their customers and clients safe. Simply put, compliance pertains to the various rules and regulations set by regulatory bodies, the government, or an industry organization with the aim of protecting a subset of internet users. It is, therefore, important for you to partner with an IT services provider in Atlanta that will walk you through the process of ensuring that you are IT-compliant.
What is the Difference between IT Compliance and IT Security?
It is common to find these two terms being used interchangeably. However, IT compliance and IT security do not mean one and the same thing. IT security relates to the practice of protecting the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of a firm’s critical resource. On the other hand, IT compliance is a requirement placed by a third party, which can either be the government or a regulatory body, on the firm to ensure that the firm operates according to some set standards.
Both IT security and compliance are important. Firms that fail to be IT-compliant risk facing a myriad of punitive measures from the government or the regulatory body. Small to medium businesses (SMBs) might not be in a position to hire expert IT staff who will keep abreast with regulatory requirements. In your case, consider using an IT services provider in Atlanta that specializes in offering IT compliance services.
Notable Examples of Compliance Measures
Some notable examples of compliance measures include:
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) – This requires all business entities handling sensitive health information to protect the privacy and security of their clients. An example of HIPAA requirement includes the access control to workstations.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – The ADA requires that all websites be designed in such a way that they can be accessed with ease by people with disabilities.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) privacy and security guidelines – These guidelines serve to protect consumers’ privacy as they transact over the internet.
Ignorance of the law is not a defense. You can avoid breaking the law and failing to meet the IT compliance threshold by partnering with a skilled IT services provider in Atlanta. At MIS Solutions, Inc., we help businesses meet all the IT compliance requirements. Contact us now and let us discuss how we can help your business stay compliant.