Updates on Cloud Compliance and Regulations to Watch in 2024

There is a danger in the virtual world. Cybersecurity risks are present everywhere. Companies look forward to gathering data so they can utilize it for marketing purposes.

Regulating compliance is fortunately possible. They establish standards for a range of internet technologies, such as cloud computing. They guarantee data availability, confidentiality, and integrity.

The start of a new year means that companies need to stay informed about both new and current compliance and regulation updates to make sure their businesses don't break any rules. Here are a few to be aware of.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

The European Union (EU) regulation that governs data protection is called the GDPR. It is governed by the following seven principles:

• Integrity and confidentiality
• Storage limitation
• Accountability
• Purpose limitation
• Data minimization
• Accuracy
• Lawfulness, fairness, and transparency

Organizations in the United States may not be subject to the GDPR, but businesses doing business with EU firms are. The guidelines establish sound business practices as well.

Payment Card Industry Security Standard (PCI DSS)

This international standard is applicable to credit card processing businesses. To ensure compliance, companies need to adhere to 12 requirements. Every year, audits are conducted on organizations to make sure they comply with PCI DSS regulations.

ISO 27001:2022

The ISO standard is enforced by both the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It guarantees the privacy of sensitive data and creates standards for managing information security management systems. Organizations are required to obtain ISO certification every three years.

SOC 2

This set of auditing standards was developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It assesses how well a cloud service provider protects data and ensures that only authorized parties can access it. Every year, providers are audited. Depending on the type of audit, audits can last anywhere from three to twelve months.

How to Achieve and Maintain Cloud Compliance

Despite the plethora of laws and instruments aimed at enhancing cloud security, enterprises still encounter difficulties. Numerous cloud platforms and technologies are introduced, each with an architecture made up of multiple components that present unknown variables. Rules are also unclear because some of them are written for on-premises settings, which makes them difficult to adapt to cloud environments.

Thankfully, there are procedures and tools for cloud compliance that maintain environmental security. Here are some things to think about.

• Compliance Tools: An instrument called Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) checks the cloud environment to make sure it complies with the most recent laws. Additionally, some tools will mediate problems they find in order to restore compliance to the environment.
• Choose a Compliant Cloud Server: Choose a cloud server that is in line with your industry’s regulations and standards.
• Conduct Risk Assessments: Assess your system regularly to identify threats and vulnerabilities. Perform the required updates as needed.
• Get Your Team Onboard: Educate your staff on the need for compliance. Make sure they handle sensitive data according to the advised procedures. Put policies and procedures in writing to make sure that everyone is in agreement.
• Implement Security Controls: Security controls like encryption, data backup, zero trust, and principles of least privilege will keep your system safe and prevent breaches.
• Follow a Shared Responsibility Model: In a shared responsibility model, the customer and the cloud provider share accountability for the security of the system. While the customer is responsible for protecting apps and data within the cloud environment, the provider manages the security of the cloud's infrastructure. The model aids in the understanding of an organization's obligations when utilizing cloud services.
• Seek External Guidance: Think about consulting an outside consultant who is knowledgeable about the most recent compliance guidelines for advice. They can aid in the audit preparation of your business.

Rules are subject to constant modification. Businesses need to stay informed about the regulations governing their sector. For them to stay out of trouble and keep their excellent reputation, they have to know the most recent standards.