Cybersecurity compliance is the process of adhering to laws, regulations, and standards that govern how organizations must protect digital systems, networks, and data. It often involves implementing security controls, conducting risk assessments, and maintaining an incident response plan.

Requirements vary by industry and may cover specific data types like protected health information (PHI) or apply to sectors under regulations such as HIPAA, FISMA, or PCI DSS. Compliance helps reduce exposure to cyberthreats and avoid penalties for noncompliance.

Cybersecurity compliance requirements vary by region and industry, but several key standards are widely recognized. In the U.S., regulations like HIPAA and FISMA set strict rules for protecting health and federal data.

In the EU, DORA and GDPR govern financial services and personal data privacy. Other global standards such as PCI DSS, ISO 27001, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), SOC 2, and SOX also play critical roles in shaping security compliance frameworks.

A cybersecurity risk assessment is a critical component of your enterprise risk management. Cybersecurity risk assessments help organizations identify vulnerabilities across systems, networks, and applications.

It provides the foundation for implementing appropriate security controls, reducing exposure to cyberthreats, and supporting compliance with regulations like HIPAA, FISMA, and PCI DSS.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a U.S. government agency responsible for generating cybersecurity guidelines and standards to protect sensitive data and information systems.

Frameworks like NIST SP 800-53 and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) help organizations manage risk through security controls, incident response planning, and continuous monitoring. NIST compliance is often required under federal regulations like FISMA, and supports broader efforts to protect against cyberattacks and ensure the security of sensitive data.

Regulations like HIPAA in the U.S. require that providers protect health information by ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

This includes maintaining access controls, incident response plans, and risk management procedures to safeguard PHI from breaches or unauthorized use.

Noncompliance with cybersecurity requirements such as the U.S. Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) can lead to significant risks, including data breaches, regulatory penalties, financial penalties, and loss of public trust.

Without proper risk assessment, security controls, and an incident response plan, organizations are more vulnerable to cyberthreats. For providers handling PHI or federal systems, noncompliance can also disrupt operations and result in the revocation of contracts or certifications.