Building Trust with Cloud Compliance Solutions

Cloud computing is generally considered to be a safe bet when it comes to system security. Cloud platforms often come with sophisticated security features like access control, user authentication, encryption, and more.

However, they can be challenging when it comes to regulatory compliance. Not every solution is built with the specific cloud restrictions and requirements of various regulatory bodies in mind. Fortunately, cloud compliance solutions are designed to enhance data security and help organizations adhere to regulatory requirements.

What is Cloud Compliance?

Cloud compliance is adherence to the local, national and international regulations and industry standards that cover storing, processing and transmitting data in the cloud. These regulations and standards protect sensitive information and ensure the privacy, integrity and availability of data. Complying with these regulations helps organizations reduce the risk of data breaches and any fines or reputational damage that may come along with a breach.

The Importance of Cloud Regulatory Compliance and Data Security

Cloud security standards and regulations are complex and ever-changing, and meeting them can take significant time and resources. However, non-compliance carries the risk of fines, legal action, reputation damage and loss of customer trust. Companies must prioritize cloud compliance and data security to ensure sensitive information stays safe while preserving their reputation and upholding customer trust.

Compliance Standards

Depending on the industry and the type of data being stored and processed, cloud compliance standards can vary. Some key standards affecting many organizations include:

PCI DSS

If your company stores, processes, transmits or handles credit card data using cloud services, your provider must be Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant. Compliant cloud providers must protect credit card data from unauthorized access or breaches with robust security measures such as regular security audits and strict access controls.

HIPAA

Most people have heard of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the national law creating regulations to define and protect sensitive healthcare information. HIPPA regulations apply to organizations that handle electronic protected health information (ePHI). 

Organizations that use cloud services to store or process ePHI must ensure their cloud provider meets HIPAA compliance requirements, which include implementing safeguards, conducting risk assessments and controlling data access to protect sensitive healthcare information from unauthorized access or disclosure.

Other Cloud Compliance Standards

In addition to the standards above, your company may be required to comply with other regulations, depending on the industry and the geographic regions you operate in. 

The EU-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework protects the personal data of individuals in the European Union (EU) by requiring transparency from companies that use it.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (AICPA) Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements No. 18 (SSAE 18) is a cloud compliance standard for third-party data centers. Data centers get certified by completing examinations and providing supporting documentation of organizational and IT controls to protect mission-critical IT infrastructure.

Additional cloud compliance standards include the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for organizations that handle the personal data of European Union citizens, the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) for government agencies and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards for various industries. 

Cloud Compliance Solutions for Your Organization

With changing regulations and so many moving parts, maintaining cloud compliance can be challenging for any IT department. Fortunately, there are cloud compliance solutions that can help you navigate the complexities of regulatory compliance to ensure you meet all requirements. 

OneNeck IT Solutions offers comprehensive cloud compliance solutions to help organizations comply with regulations. OneNeck’s ReliaCloud meets HIPAA/HITECH, U.S.-EU Privacy Shield and Type 2 SSAE 18 (SOC 1) compliance requirements and others, freeing up your IT resources. 

Don’t face overwhelming compliance requirements on your own. By partnering with OneNeck, you have experts on your side so you can focus on what you do best—managing your business. Learn more about OneNeck cloud compliance solutions here.

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