Data privacy and security have become critical concerns for organizations across industries in the digital era. As we continue to rely on technology to power our businesses, adhering to diverse regulations and standards is essential to protect sensitive information and maintain effective governance. This article will explore the vital role of frameworks such as CCPA, FedRAMP, HITRUST, NYDFS, CMMC, GDPR, ISO, PCI, COBIT, HIPAA, NIST, SOC 2, and COSO in shaping today’s cybersecurity landscape.

These frameworks collectively address various aspects of data privacy, information security, and corporate governance. They cover essential topics such as consumer privacy rights, federal risk management, healthcare information security, financial services cybersecurity, defense industry maturity models, European data protection, international security standards, payment card security, IT governance, U.S. healthcare data privacy, cybersecurity guidelines, and internal control and risk management.

Organizations complying with these frameworks showcase their commitment to data security, privacy, and operational excellence. As business leaders, we must understand and prioritize these frameworks’ requirements, ensuring that our organizations remain at the forefront of data protection and governance. In doing so, we safeguard our customers and partners and contribute to building a more secure and privacy-conscious digital ecosystem.

Here is the list of most actual frameworks with requirements and verification process description:

CCPA:

To pass a CCPA audit, organizations must:

  • Implement policies and procedures to address consumer rights
  • Maintain records of personal information collection, usage, and sharing
  • Train employees on CCPA compliance
  • Monitor and assess third-party compliance

Verification: No specific institution conducts CCPA audits, but the California Attorney General’s Office enforces the law and can investigate violations. Maintain compliance through regular internal audits and updates.

FedRAMP:

To pass a FedRAMP audit, organizations must:

  • Implement required security controls based on NIST SP 800-53
  • Document security policies, procedures, and plans
  • Conduct a security assessment by a Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO)

Verification: The FedRAMP Program Management Office (PMO) oversees the process, and 3PAOs perform assessments. Maintain compliance through continuous monitoring and annual reassessments.

HITRUST:

To pass a HITRUST audit, organizations must:

  • Implement the required security controls based on the HITRUST CSF
  • Conduct a self-assessment or validated assessment with a HITRUST CSF Assessor
  • Address any deficiencies and implement corrective actions

Verification: HITRUST, in collaboration with approved CSF Assessors, verifies compliance. Maintain compliance through annual assessments and updates based on changes in the CSF.

NYDFS:

To pass an NYDFS audit, organizations must:

  • Implement a comprehensive cybersecurity program
  • Establish written cybersecurity policies and procedures
  • Conduct periodic risk assessments and vulnerability testing
  • Train employees on cybersecurity awareness

Verification: The New York Department of Financial Services oversees compliance. Maintain compliance through regular internal audits, risk assessments, and updates.

CMMC:

To pass a CMMC audit, organizations must:

  • Implement the required practices and processes based on the CMMC level desired
  • Undergo a CMMC assessment by a Certified CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO)
  • Address any deficiencies and implement corrective actions

Verification: The CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB) oversees the process, and C3PAOs perform assessments. Maintain compliance through periodic reassessments based on contract requirements.

GDPR:

To pass a GDPR audit, organizations must:

  • Implement policies and procedures to address data subject rights
  • Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for high-risk processing activities
  • Appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) if required
  • Maintain records of processing activities

Verification: Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) in each EU member state enforce GDPR. Maintain compliance through regular internal audits, DPIAs, and updates.

ISO (e.g., ISO 27001):

To pass an ISO 27001 audit, organizations must:

  • Implement an Information Security Management System (ISMS)
  • Define the scope, context, and risk assessment methodology
  • Implement required security controls based on ISO 27002
  • Conduct internal audits and management reviews

Verification: Accredited certification bodies perform ISO 27001 audits. Maintain compliance through regular internal audits, management reviews, and updates.

PCI:

To pass a PCI audit, organizations must:

  • Implement the required security controls based on the PCI DSS
  • Complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) or undergo an audit by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA)
  • Conduct regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests

Verification: The PCI Security Standards Council oversees compliance, and QSAs perform audits. Maintain compliance through annual SAQs or audits, and regular vulnerability scans.

COBIT:

To pass a COBIT audit, organizations must:

  • Implement COBIT processes and practices
  • Align IT goals with business objectives
  • Establish a governance and management framework for IT resources

Verification: There is no specific institution that conducts COBIT audits, but organizations can engage external auditors to assess their COBIT compliance. Maintain compliance through regular internal audits, management reviews, and updates based on changes in the COBIT framework.

HIPAA:

To pass a HIPAA audit, organizations must:

  • Implement the required administrative, physical, and technical safeguards for ePHI
  • Conduct regular risk assessments
  • Train employees on HIPAA requirements and best practices
  • Establish policies and procedures for addressing security incidents and breaches

Verification: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces HIPAA and conducts audits. Maintain compliance through regular internal audits, risk assessments, and updates.

NIST (e.g., NIST Cybersecurity Framework):

To pass a NIST audit, organizations must:

  • Implement the required security controls based on the applicable NIST framework (e.g., NIST SP 800-53 or NIST Cybersecurity Framework)
  • Conduct regular risk assessments
  • Establish policies and procedures for addressing security incidents and breaches

Verification: No specific institution conducts NIST audits, but organizations can engage external auditors to assess their NIST compliance. Maintain compliance through regular internal audits, risk assessments, and updates based on changes in the NIST framework.

SOC 2:

To pass a SOC 2 audit, organizations must:

  • Implement the required security controls based on the applicable Trust Services Criteria (security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy)
  • Engage a certified public accounting (CPA) firm to conduct a SOC 2 audit
  • Address any deficiencies and implement corrective actions

Verification: AICPA oversees the SOC 2 process, and CPA firms perform audits. Maintain compliance through annual audits and regular updates based on changes in the Trust Services Criteria.

COSO:

To pass a COSO audit, organizations must:

  • Implement the COSO framework for internal control, including the five components (control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication, and monitoring activities)
  • Align the organization’s objectives with the COSO framework
  • Establish an effective system of internal control and risk management

Verification: There is no specific institution that conducts COSO audits, but organizations can engage external auditors to assess their COSO compliance. Maintain compliance through regular internal audits, management reviews, and updates based on changes in the COSO framework.

iForels’ zero-code solution offers a streamlined approach to address the complexities of various data privacy and security frameworks. By simplifying the process of building and managing AI-driven applications, iForels empowers enterprises to effectively navigate the challenges posed by these regulations and standards. With iForels, organizations can focus on unlocking their full potential and driving innovation while maintaining a strong commitment to data security, privacy, and compliance.