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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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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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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Your Business Checklist for SOX 404 Compliance: A Guide for Information Technology Leaders

By |2024-05-24T17:02:25-04:00May 15th, 2024|article, Cyber-Security, Data Compliance|

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) of 2002 applies to all publicly traded companies and mandates strict controls around financial data. Section 404 of SOX can prove particularly complex, and in today’s digital landscape, addressing these requirements necessitates substantial IT involvement. This business checklist for SOX 404 compliance will help ease the process. SOX requires that companies establish internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR). However, it stops short of outlining specific practices. Thus, several frameworks have emerged over time to help companies organize their compliance efforts. These frameworks tend to include several key elements of particular importance to IT efforts: Risk assessment

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5 Important Ways GDPR-compliant Software Helps US Businesses

By |2024-04-22T16:09:45-04:00April 17th, 2024|article, Blog Archive, Data Compliance|

For the average US company, GDPR may seem half a world away and irrelevant. However, this “shot heard round the world” introduced an era of data privacy with far-reaching implications. Whether or not your business targets European Union (EU) residents, GDPR-compliant software helps US businesses in several unexpected ways. GDPR-compliant software addresses key areas that include the following: Data protection principles – Software solutions should have a specific purpose for the data they collect. They should collect only necessary data and use the data solely for the stated purpose, removing it when no longer needed. User rights – The software

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What is the Role of Cyber Security in Protecting Personal Data?

By |2024-04-03T09:13:21-04:00March 19th, 2024|article, Blog Archive, Cyber-Security, Data Compliance|

Businesses and public organizations depend on big data to provide personalized services, to innovate, and to guide business strategy. But they also have a legal and ethical responsibility to keep sensitive data safe. Business leaders cannot afford to underestimate or under-resource the role of cyber security in protecting personal data. The average business or municipal organization manages an astonishing amount of personal data. This includes health, financial, and employment data, of course. It also includes names, biometrics, Social Security numbers, contact information, and other identifiers. While individuals surrender personal information as a matter of course when transacting business, they expect

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Navigating the Labyrinth: Top 6 Compliance Mistakes Organizations Make

By |2025-05-12T09:43:09-04:00February 28th, 2024|Blog Archive, Data Compliance, Information Governance and Management, Technology|

In today’s complex regulatory landscape, staying compliant feels like negotiating a maze. One wrong turn can lead to hefty fines, reputational damage, and legal repercussions. However, when companies understand common compliance mistakes and take proactive steps, compliance becomes an organic part of doing business. 1. Ignorance is Not Bliss: Failing to Keep Up with Regulations GDPR took effect in 2018, initiating a cascade of regulations across the globe. New privacy laws and industry regulations appear on the scene every year, and governing bodies regularly make adjustments. If organizations neglect to stay on top of regulatory changes, they may mistakenly assume

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Why Companies Hate Data Compliance and How to Ease the Pain

By |2024-04-03T09:24:44-04:00February 7th, 2024|Data Compliance, Information Governance and Management|

No one wakes up in the morning thinking, “Wow, I just love regulatory compliance.” Multiple governments and industries each impose separate, complex, and sometimes conflicting regulations. And these data compliance regulations continue to evolve. Consequently, keeping track of the changing landscape can feel like playing a high-stakes game of Whac-a-Mole. Not playing the compliance game opens businesses up to a host of costly penalties, however, from fines to lawsuits and reputational damage. Consequently, businesses continue to invest in staff and equipment and pour time and resources into documentation, testing, and reporting. Meanwhile, data silos hinder efforts, and outdated technology struggles

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Prepare Now for Data Privacy Law Changes in 2024

By |2024-04-02T11:23:11-04:00December 6th, 2023|Data Compliance, Information Governance and Management, Privacy|

The privacy legislation trend shows no signs of slowing down. At least a dozen states have now enacted privacy laws, in addition to global laws already in place. And more states will inevitably pass privacy legislation in the coming year. Organizations should plan carefully to prepare for data privacy law changes in 2024 and beyond. New State Privacy Laws Taking Effect in 2024 Each year, a handful of states enact sweeping privacy legislation, and 2024 is no exception. The following new privacy laws will take effect in the coming months: Montana Consumer Data Privacy Act (MTCDPA) – This law goes

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Data Ethics and Responsibility Build Trust, Efficiency, and Competitive Advantage

By |2024-04-02T11:18:49-04:00November 21st, 2023|Data Compliance, Information Governance and Management, Privacy|

Data ethics and responsibility refer to the practice of using data in a fair, transparent, accountable, and trustworthy manner. Treating data responsibly extends far beyond simply achieving regulatory compliance. It involves carefully considering the impact of data on individuals and society. While it brings important business benefits, it requires strategy. For example, a university conducting social research on issues surrounding indigenous peoples has a responsibility to respect the cultural values of the indigenous community. This will involve first obtaining informed consent from the community and individuals involved. It also requires taking steps to ensure fairness and cultural accuracy in data

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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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