IT Security and Regulatory Compliance

Importance of Regulations

• IT security professionals must be aware of regulations related to their organization and the type of data collected.
• Regulations may cover not just stored data but also application log files.
• There may be mandates for retaining certain information for extended periods, e.g., emails.

Key Regulations

• Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX):
  • Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act of 2002.
  • Focuses on financial data protection and availability.
  • Broad impact across organizations.
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA):
  • Mandates protection of healthcare information.
  • Concerns data storage, transfer, and third-party disclosure.

Legal Requirements for IT Security

• Formal processes and procedures are required for reporting illegal activities.
• IT security teams handle legal holds to ensure data is available for legal proceedings.
• Security breach disclosures must comply with jurisdictional rules.

Cloud Computing Challenges

• Cloud computing allows global application deployment and data storage.
• Legal guidelines may dictate where data must be stored, particularly data from citizens of certain countries.

Industry-Specific Security Considerations

• Public Utilities/Electrical Power:
  • Strict access requirements; often use air-gapped technologies.
• Medical:
  • Information needs to be secure yet accessible; extensive use of encryption.

Organizational Scope and Security

• Local/Regional Focus:
  • Data usually pertains to specific geographic areas.
• National Level:
  • Increased need for confidentiality; involves federal government and national defense.
  • May require advanced encryption and data protection.
• Global Companies:
  • Complex security concerns due to different international laws on data protection.