As a small business owner, you know how important it is to protect your assets and follow the rules. But do you understand the difference between security and compliance? They are not the same thing, even though they are often used together.
Security and compliance are both essential for running a successful business in the digital age. They have the same goal of managing risks and securing data, but they are different in how they do it.
In this article, we will break down the differences and similarities between IT security and compliance. Additionally, we will highlight the importance of aligning them for operating in the digital world.
What is IT Security?
IT Security involves safeguarding your company's digital assets from unauthorized access, breaches, and cyber-attacks.
The goal is to protect your data from different angles. This is done by implementing security measures for identity, devices, emails, documents, applications, vulnerabilities, and networks.
Common IT security measures include using multi-factor authentication, encoding data, setting up a firewall block unauthorized access, regularly saving copies of information (backups), using antivirus software, creating data loss prevention policies, training employees on security, constantly checking for problems, and staying informed about new threats.
IT security takes the unique technological needs of your business and finds solutions to keep your data safe.
Think of it as building a Lego castle, where inside you keep a valuable treasure – your small business. Security would be all the building blocks that make a sturdy fortress to keep out any intruders.
The consequences of inadequate security can be devastating for a small business faced with a data breach, leading to loss of revenue, reputational loss, and possible business shutdown. 60% of small businesses go out of business withing six months after an attack!
What is Compliance?
Compliance means meeting third-party requirements to ensure a business follows set standards or rules.
The aim is to show clients, partners, and regulators that your business follows rules to protect data and consumers' rights. This is done through a third-party assessment that proves adherence to guidelines and frameworks. Examples of common compliance frameworks that apply to SMBs are SOC 2, NIST 800-171, ISO 27001, and HIPAA.
In the scenario of your Lego Castle, compliance would be an audit to make sure that you followed the instructions booklet to the T: your bricks are the right brand and material -- not knock-offs, and you did not leave any holes or weak structures on the walls.
With compliance, you can’t just say your business is securing data and protecting privacy, you need to follow the rules set forth in the chosen framework and provide the evidence to a 3rd party auditor to prove your business’s security.
The process can be lengthy and involves implementing security controls, policies, and procedures across the entire organization, as well as providing evidence (proof).
Failure to comply with security frameworks could cost your business in fines, penalties, or lawsuits, not to mention a damaged reputation amongst clients and stakeholders.
By adhering to compliance, you show commitment to protecting your business by thoroughly investigating any issues.
Key Differences Between IT Security and Compliance for Startups
IT security and compliance both have the same objectives: to manage cyber risk and secure sensitive data and systems. They are both essential for any organization that uses technology to store, process, or transmit information.
However, they have different motivators, focus and methods, scope, outcomes, and responsibilities.
Why Align Security and Compliance?
Compliance requires meeting specific security benchmarks, but it doesn’t guarantee a fully secure environment. For instance, a compliance framework might mandate MFA but not specify the strength of the implementation. A robust IT security strategy goes beyond compliance, employing advanced tools like password-less MFA to fortify protection.
By aligning security and compliance, your small business can:
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Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach.
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Balance technical and regulatory requirements.
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Build trust with stakeholders and customers.
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Prepare for audits without compromising operational efficiency.
Need Help Managing Security and Compliance?
Simplify Security and Compliance for Your Startup
Need help navigating security and compliance? BEMO’s services make it easy for small businesses and startups to safeguard their data and achieve compliance:
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Not ready for compliance yet? Start with BEMO’s Security as a Service for small businesses to secure your Microsoft 365 environment. Our customizable security packages adapt to your business needs and maturity.
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Ready for compliance? Opt for our Managed Compliance for small businesses and startups. We’ll handle everything, from deploying compliance automation tools to creating policy handbooks and coordinating audits.
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Migrating to the cloud? Enjoy free cloud migration as part of our Compliance as a Service (CaaS) offerings.
Achieving compliance is a journey, but with BEMO’s support, you’ll find the fastest way to get compliant while strengthening your security foundation.
Don’t let security and compliance challenges hold you back. Whether you’re protecting against cyber threats or meeting compliance frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, or CMMC, we simplify the process. Contact us to learn how our services can align your security and compliance efforts, helping your business thrive!
Free Compliance Brief
Check out how BEMO takes care of your compliance journey, whether you need to achieve a framework attestation or you need to maintain it over time. Click here to download the brief.
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