Essential Principles Behind ISO 27001: A Guide for Business Leaders

By |2024-09-04T18:47:42-04:00September 4th, 2024|article, Blog Archive, Cyber-Security|

Last year, the average total cost of a data breach in the United States rose well above $9 million. These breaches exposed the personal data of millions of individuals, disrupted business operations, and continue to threaten information integrity. In this dangerous digital wilderness, the principles behind ISO 27001 provide an essential framework for managing sensitive data. ISO 27001 refers to an international standard outlining requirements for an information security management system (ISMS). Rather than merely a technology initiative, the ISMS involves a business-led approach to keeping a company’s information safe and effectively managing risk. Organizations that achieve ISO 27001 certification

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Complying with CPRA: A Brief Overview for Business Leaders

By |2024-09-09T17:27:08-04:00August 29th, 2024|article, Blog Archive, Data Compliance, Privacy|

The California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) took effect in January 2023, replacing the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and providing consumers with unprecedented rights over their personal information. For businesses, complying with CPRA means upholding a new standard of transparency and accountability. This guide will help. NOTE: This overview is intended to provide a general understanding of how to achieve CPRA compliance. For specific legal advice, consult with a qualified attorney or privacy expert. First, know whether the law applies to your business. Businesses that collect or process personal information of California residents and meet one or more of the

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9 Best Practices to Prevent a HIPAA Breach and Preserve Patient Privacy

By |2024-08-21T19:34:58-04:00August 21st, 2024|article, Blog Archive, Data Compliance, Privacy|

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets a high bar for protecting sensitive patient data. While no method can guarantee complete safety, incorporating several key strategies will significantly reduce risks and help to prevent a HIPAA breach. Lay a Strong Foundation Preventing HIPAA data breaches begins with incorporating basic practices designed to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen the data environment. Regular risk assessments Typically, a risk assessment begins with an inventory of protected health information (PHI), as well as of the information systems that support this data. It also includes the processes, policies, and security controls that determine data

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Role of Data Privacy in Data Analysis Critical to Proactive Business Strategy

By |2024-08-26T14:41:32-04:00August 14th, 2024|article, Blog Archive, Privacy|

Data analytics has emerged as an essential component of business success, driving efficiency and innovation. On the one hand, today’s regulatory environment appears to place obstacles in the way of companies seeking to capitalize on the promise of big data. But savvy business leaders understand the critical role of data privacy in data analysis. At its core, data privacy involves proper treatment of sensitive data. This certainly entails keeping data secure. But it also necessitates respecting the right of individuals to control how their personal information is used and shared online. And it requires transparency about data handling practices. Maintaining

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Assessment for GDPR Compliance Crucial to Mitigate Risks to Protected Data

By |2024-08-07T14:16:34-04:00August 7th, 2024|article, Blog Archive, Data Compliance|

For the millions of companies globally that handle data of European residents, GDPR compliance mandates careful attention to data protection. One key aspect of this regulation requires that companies conduct an assessment for GDPR compliance known as the Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA). The DPIA process involves a risk assessment specifically tailored to strengthening data protection. Using the DPIA, the organization assesses the data protection risks involved in a project and proposes mitigation measures. This improves project design while helping to ensure compliance with GDPR and other privacy laws. How to Know if You Need an Assessment Under GDPR requirements,

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Understanding Access Control: The Keystone of Data Security

By |2024-08-26T14:41:43-04:00July 31st, 2024|article, Blog Archive, Cyber-Security, Safety and Cyber Security|

Last year saw a record number of data breaches, with millions of individuals and businesses affected. Hackers continually evolve their attack methods, while organizations struggle to keep pace with their data security strategies. Companies must pay particular attention to understanding access control if they are to safeguard valuable data assets. Fundamental to any successful cyber security strategy, access control determines who can access data and other digital resources and under what conditions. When implemented properly, it both reduces the likelihood of costly data breaches and helps the organization comply with strict data privacy standards. Types of Access Control Access control

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6-Step Plan for Data Incident Management Critical for Business Success

By |2024-07-24T18:33:21-04:00July 24th, 2024|article, Blog Archive, Cyber-Security, Safety and Cyber Security|

Cyber incidents will happen, even in highly secure organizations. Just ask the Department of Homeland Security and the Pentagon, which were both compromised in the SolarWinds attack in 2020. And in an increasingly regulated digital environment, the stakes keep getting higher. Plan for data incident management now and save headaches later. These steps will help. But first, know the signs that indicate a potential data incident, as early detection is key. These signs can include: Anomalies – Check out any unusual system activity, such as a surge in login attempts, system access from an unrecognized location, accounts locked or passwords

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Moving from GroupWise to Office 365: a Step-by-Step Guide

By |2024-07-12T17:19:28-04:00July 17th, 2024|article, Blog Archive, Email Migration|

GroupWise once played a dominant role in providing collaborative messaging services. However, after nearly 40 years, the platform has fallen behind more modern systems. Moving from GroupWise to Office 365 allows organizations to take advantage of increased storage, anywhere/anytime availability, powerful collaboration features, and much more. However, the migration process does present significant challenges, particularly for organizations that have used GroupWise for many years. For instance, large mailboxes, GroupWise personal archives, and poorly configured systems add layers of complexity. The following steps help to ensure a successful migration. Additionally, working with a seasoned GroupWise migration partner provides access to the

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Key PII Compliance Steps for Data Protection: Reduce Risk and Increase Customer Trust

By |2024-07-22T16:13:21-04:00July 11th, 2024|article, Blog Archive, Data Compliance|

In today’s business environment, organizations must pay special attention to the protection of personally identifiable information (PII). Regulatory compliance has become not simply a legal obligation but also an essential component of increasing public trust and mitigating risk. Thus, understanding key PII compliance steps for data protection is critical for business success. Step 1: Know the Laws and Regulations Failing to comply with privacy laws and industry-specific regulations can result in hefty fines, as well as loss of trust and damage to brand reputation. But you cannot comply with a regulation you do not understand. Consequently, ensuring PII compliance begins

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Services Provided Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Ease the Process for Public and Agencies

By |2024-07-03T17:17:21-04:00July 3rd, 2024|article, Blog Archive, eDiscovery|

The Freedom of Information Act, serves as a pivotal mechanism for the public to access records from any federal agency. It fosters transparency and accountability in the United States government, but it can also create headaches. Fortunately, services provided under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) ease the pain for requesters and agencies. Services Provided Under the Freedom of Information Act to Individual Requesters Since 1967, FOIA has proved instrumental in providing access to federal agency records while including certain exemptions to protect privacy, national security, and law enforcement interests. Numerous state laws have also come into play, giving similar

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Messaging Architects has been providing professional consulting services around unstructured data and information governance for over 12 years.  Our topnotch experienced project management and engineering team assists organizations to address information risk management strategies, eDiscovery processes, data security and information management policies.    Information is an organizations biggest asset but it can also be that organizations biggest risk.

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