Compliance and Data Security with Managed IT Services

June 26, 2024

The Right Partner with the Right Skills

Understanding and meeting the standards for compliance and data protection is complicated, requiring specialized knowledge, continuous attention, and strong plans. BitSight reports that the known vulnerabilities exploited by cybercriminals almost doubled between 2021 and 2022. Collaborating with an experienced managed IT services provider allows companies to concentrate on their primary activities and ensure that their data protection and compliance requirements are handled.

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Understanding Regulatory Requirements and Compliance Standards

Regulatory standards are designed to protect sensitive information and maintain the integrity of data across various industries. Businesses must comply with standards such as NIST, HIPAA, and CJIS to avoid hefty fines and reputational damage. Understanding these compliance requirements is the first step toward creating a secure data environment. It involves identifying the relevant regulations for your industry, comprehending their stipulations, and implementing measures to meet them. An experienced managed IT services provider can offer guidance and established procedures to ensure that all compliance requirements are met.

Implementing Secure Data Management Practices

Effective data management is crucial for compliance and data security. Secure data management practices involve the systematic handling of data throughout its lifecycle – from collection and storage to access and disposal. Key practices include:

• Data Classification: Categorizing data based on its sensitivity and regulatory requirements.
• Access Controls: Implementing strict access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can access sensitive information.
• Data Minimization: Collecting only the data necessary for business operations and regulatory compliance.
• Regular Audits: Conducting regular audits to ensure data management practices align with compliance requirements.

Leveraging Managed IT Services for Compliance Audits and Monitoring

Managed IT services provide a proactive approach to compliance audits and monitoring. They also have access to resources with specialized skill sets. According to ISC2’s 2023 Cyber Workforce Study, 67% of organizations have a shortage of needed cybersecurity staff, and 92% have a skills gap in cybersecurity. Managed IT services can also offer continuous oversight of IT systems, ensuring they meet regulatory standards. Benefits of utilizing managed IT services for compliance include:

• Expertise: Access to IT professionals who specialize in regulatory standards and compliance requirements.
• Continuous Monitoring: Ongoing surveillance of IT infrastructure to detect and address compliance issues promptly.
• Automated Reporting: Generation of compliance reports to demonstrate adherence to regulatory standards during audits.

Ensuring Data Protection and Encryption Measures

Data protection is a cornerstone of both compliance and data security. Encryption is a critical component of data protection, transforming data into a secure format that can only be accessed by authorized users. Managed IT services can help implement and maintain encryption standards, ensuring data remains secure during transmission and storage. Additional data protection measures include:

• Firewalls and Antivirus Software: Protecting data from external threats.
• Data Backup Solutions: Ensuring data is regularly backed up and can be restored in case of loss.
• Incident Response Plans: Establishing procedures to respond to data breaches and minimize their impact.

How managed IT services can help you navigate zero trust.

Integrating Cybersecurity into Managed IT Solutions

Cybersecurity integration within managed IT solutions is essential for a comprehensive approach to data security. Managed IT services can provide a unified security strategy that encompasses various aspects of cybersecurity, such as:

• Threat Detection and Response: Identifying and responding to cybersecurity threats in real-time.
• Security Training: Educating employees on best practices for maintaining data security and recognizing potential threats.
• Advanced Security Technologies: Implementing industry-leading technologies to enhance threat detection and prevention.

Take Action

Partnering with an experienced managed IT services provider can free up your staff to focus on core business activities while ensuring compliance with cybersecurity standards. At Dewpoint, our team takes pride in “Making IT Personal” by diligently working to exceed client expectations.

For more information on how managed IT services can help your business meet compliance requirements and data security, schedule a meeting with Dewpoint’s experts today

Dewpoint, an award-winning, Michigan-based technology firm, has been helping businesses prepare for, stay ahead of, and respond to IT challenges for over 27 years. From IT security to infrastructure management to automation, cloud migration, and beyond, Dewpoint has long been a trusted technology resource for businesses.

Sources

1. Bitsight
2. ISC2