6 Key Actions to Comply with Cybersecurity Regulations

NIS2, PCI DSS, GDPR, HIPAA or CMMC... this long list of acronyms reminds us that complying with cybersecurity regulations is crucial in today’s threat landscape to protect sensitive information and maintain trust in our organization. Moreover, non-compliance not only exposes companies to security risks, but can lead to significant financial penalties and reputational damage. Compliance also facilitates more agile audits. In this blogpost, we explore six key actions that any MSP can implement to help their customers comply with cybersecurity regulations in 2024 and enhance their cyber threat defense strategy to ensure compliance with the most stringent regulations.

1.Continuous vulnerability management

Proactively identifying and addressing vulnerabilities is one of the pillars of compliance. A continuous cycle of assessment and patching is critical to safeguard systems from emerging threats. For MSPs, this means using advanced scanning and analysis technologies to detect and correct security breaches in real time. In addition, implementing automated tools that perform regular scans and apply patches in a timely manner not only complies with regulations, but also strengthens organizations' cyber resilience.

2.Strict access controls

Ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to critical information is an essential component of any regulatory framework. Implementing principles such as least privilege and need to know significantly reduces exposure to data breaches. In addition, traceability through detailed access logs is key to complying with regulations such as PCI DSS and GDPR, and provides the visibility needed to audit who is accessing which data and when.

3.Strong Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

The use of MFA has become established as one of the best practices for preventing unauthorized access. Stricter regulations, such as GDPR and CMMC, require credential protection through MFA. Implementing this technology ensures that, even if passwords are compromised, the data will remain protected, adding an additional layer of security that makes it harder for attackers to gain access.

4.Intelligent network segmentation

Dividing the network into smaller, isolated segments helps to contain attacks in the event of an intrusion. This technique, required by regulations such as PCI DSS, allows MSPs to reduce the risk of lateral movement within the network. Proper segmentation also facilitates the application of area-specific controls, ensuring that only authorized traffic can access each segment. By deploying this measure, monitoring capabilities are enhanced, and the attack surface is minimized.

5.Data encryption

Whether in transit or at rest, encryption is a mandatory practice under regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA. The use of up-to-date encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted, it cannot be used without proper decryption keys. For MSPs, it is essential to keep encryption standards up to date and ensure that all data transfers are properly protected, especially in remote or hybrid work environments.

6.Use of authorized software and systems

Maintaining an accurate inventory of all technology assets and ensuring that only authorized software and systems are used is essential to comply with regulations such as NIS2 and CMMC. The use of unauthorized or outdated software can expose organizations to serious vulnerabilities, jeopardizing both regulatory compliance and organizational security. MSPs must establish rigorous controls to prevent the installation of unauthorized software, ensuring that all systems are aligned with current regulations. For more information, visit our Governance, Risk Management, and Complete Visibility page.

In short, compliance with cybersecurity regulations not only protects organizations from penalties, but also strengthens customer confidence and security across the infrastructure. For MSPs, implementing these six measures are crucial in guiding customers through the regulatory compliance maze so they can improve their cyber defenses.

Like to find out more about how to help your customers comply with key cybersecurity regulations? Check out our webinar, where we unveil advanced strategies and key tools to guarantee compliance and security.