Posts by Tim Mektrakarn
Unlocking Information Security for Small Businesses: A Guide to NIST IR 7621
In today’s digital age, safeguarding your small business’s information is as crucial as locking your doors at night. With cyber threats evolving at an alarming rate, protecting your data, assets, and reputation requires more than just hope—it demands action. Enter the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Interagency Report (IR) 7621, a beacon for…
Read MoreWhat is GRC in Cybersecurity?
GRC in cybersecurity stands for Governance, Risk, and Compliance. It is a framework that helps organizations manage their cybersecurity efforts efficiently. Governance focuses on keeping policies, processes, and roles consistent with the organization’s goals. Risk management involves identifying, addressing, and reducing cyber threats to minimize harm. Compliance focuses on adhering to laws, regulations, and industry…
Read MoreCMMC Scoping Guide: A Strategic Approach to Certification
Introduction Let’s dive into the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and uncover its critical role in bolstering cybersecurity across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). We’ll explore the concept of scoping, a foundational aspect of CMMC assessments that determines the reach and focus of an organization’s cybersecurity evaluation. This blog post aims to provide you with…
Read MoreHow to Become SOC 2 Compliant
Introduction With data being a company’s most important and valuable resource, security and privacy of customer data have become paramount. This is where SOC 2 certification steps in, playing a crucial role in ensuring that organizations manage customer data with the highest standards of security and privacy. Aimed primarily at service organizations storing customer data…
Read MoreHIPAA Compliance Automation: A Case Study for HealthTech Companies
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a critical benchmark for protecting patient data in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. As compliance requirements become more stringent, healthcare providers are turning towards automation as a viable solution to meet these demands. This article delves into the world of HIPAA compliance automation. We’ll guide you through…
Read MorevCISO Services: Your Key to Enhanced Cybersecurity
In today’s rapidly evolving cyber landscape, businesses face constant threats that can jeopardize their operations, reputation, and bottom line. The challenge of maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture is further compounded for organizations needing more resources to employ a full-time Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). This is where Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) services or…
Read MoreNIST CSF 2.0 Updates
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) introduced Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) in 2014 as a voluntary framework primarily intended for critical infrastructure organizations to manage and mitigate cybersecurity risk based on existing standards, guidelines, and practices. However, its adoption has spread across various sectors due to its flexibility and effectiveness. The release of NIST…
Read MoreBright Defense – Your Drata Partner
Introduction At Bright Defense, our mission is to defend the world from cybersecurity threats through continuous compliance. Our monthly engagement model delivers a cybersecurity program that meets compliance frameworks, including SOC 2, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and CMMC. Drata’s compliance automation platform is at the heart of our continuous compliance service model. As a Drata partner…
Read MoreElevating TPRM through Strategic Vendor Risk Assessment
The unfolding of the recent global pandemic has laid bare the intricate intricacies of today’s business ecosystems, spotlighting the indispensable role of Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) in the context of comprehensive vendor risk assessment. This era demands from businesses a dynamic approach to TPRM, where they actively engage in vendor risk assessments processes to evaluate,…
Read MoreFTC Safeguards Rule Updates Affecting Small Businesses in 2024
Introduction Welcome to our deep dive into the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Safeguards Rule, a cornerstone regulation that plays a pivotal role in the security of consumer data. In this era of digital transformation, safeguarding sensitive information has never been more critical. As CPAs who handle vast amounts of consumer data, understanding and implementing the…
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