The world of security and compliance standards can be overwhelming with numerous acronyms and frameworks to navigate. This article explains the various cybersecurity compliance standards to help organizations understand which ones apply to their operations.
PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)
PCI-DSS is a framework designed to secure credit card processing. Organizations that accept, process, store, or transmit cardholder data must comply with this standard. Non-compliance risks include losing payment processing capabilities and facing significant fines.
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
Enacted in 1996, HIPAA is a U.S. standard that protects medical information. It applies to:
- Healthcare organizations
- Insurance providers
- Healthcare providers
- Business associates handling protected health information
Non-compliance results in substantial penalties and reputational damage.
SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2)
Developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), SOC 2 addresses cloud-based customer data management across five trust principles:
- Security - Protection against unauthorized access
- Availability - System accessibility as agreed upon
- Processing Integrity - Complete, valid, and accurate processing
- Confidentiality - Protection of confidential information
- Privacy - Personal information handling according to privacy notice
SOC 2 is commonly used for SaaS applications and cloud service providers.
NIST 800-171
This federal standard protects Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in nonfederal systems. It primarily applies to:
- Government contractors
- Grant recipients
- Organizations conducting federal business
ISO 27001
ISO 27001 is an international specification for information security management systems. Organizations achieve accredited certification to demonstrate their commitment to data integrity to stakeholders, customers, and partners.
FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program)
FedRAMP is a government-wide U.S. program that standardizes security assessment for cloud services used by federal agencies. Requirements include:
- Rigorous security controls
- Third-party assessment organization (3PAO) evaluation
- Continuous monitoring
- Authorization to operate (ATO) from federal agencies
NIST 800-53
This federal publication catalogs security and privacy controls for government information systems. It is applicable to organizations interacting with federal IT systems and serves as the foundation for FedRAMP requirements.
CSA STAR (Cloud Security Alliance's Security, Trust & Assurance Registry)
CSA STAR is a three-tiered cloud security assurance program that incorporates:
- Level 1: Self-Assessment - Organization completes security questionnaire
- Level 2: Third-Party Audit - Independent assessment and certification
- Level 3: Continuous Monitoring - Ongoing security verification
Choosing the Right Standard
Organizations should identify which standards align with their industry and operations. Key considerations include:
- Industry sector (healthcare, finance, government)
- Types of data handled (payment cards, medical records, federal information)
- Customer requirements and contractual obligations
- Geographic locations and applicable regulations
Consulting with security professionals can provide valuable guidance in navigating these compliance requirements and determining which frameworks apply to your organization.