background preloader

Stephen90147

Facebook Twitter

Stephen James

Security Industry Writer. I like to share information related to the InfoSec industry. I am an avid reader of VISTA InfoSec’s blog. ( ( I keep my self updating by watching videos of their YouTube channel.( (

Do we need a CPA firm for SOC Attestation? Emerging technology and growing trends of outsourcing critical business operations to third-parties have greatly exposed businesses to Cyber Security threats and Compliance Risks.

Do we need a CPA firm for SOC Attestation?

With this, global regulatory bodies have started placing great emphasis on Cyber Security and Compliance for businesses. The AICPA Attestation Standards require CPA firms to enter the Cyber Security space for auditing and helping businesses establish strong and effective internal controls over financial and non-financial reporting of Service Organizations. Having said that, in today’s article we have explained why a Service Organization needs a CPA firm for SOC Attestation. What is GDPR Data Flow Mapping? Data Privacy laws around the world have levied stringent obligations on the way businesses are required to handle sensitive data.

What is GDPR Data Flow Mapping?

Non-compliance to these obligations will have severe consequences and penalties, especially in case of a security breach. Organizations looking to achieve GDPR compliance need to map their data flow to assess privacy risks. GDPR Data Mapping is the process of determining the type of data processed and the way they are processed. This helps determine the risk exposure of your company and systems or applications that are highly exposed to threats.

Conducting a data flow map is an essential part of your Article 30 documentation and the first step into the journey of achieving compliance. Youtube. A Detailed Guide To PCI Compliance Levels. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) outlines a set of requirements to help merchants secure payment card data against data breaches and card fraud.

A Detailed Guide To PCI Compliance Levels

But, the requirements may not necessarily apply to all merchants equally. Why is PCI DSS Training Important? Credit cards and debit cards provide great convenience to consumers when shopping both online and offline.

Why is PCI DSS Training Important?

But with this, so has the payment security challenges increased for retailers. Despite a lot of measures taken for ensuring secure payment processing at every step, sensitive cardholder data are often exposed to risk. Criminals have for long been keeping in pace with the evolving advanced technology used as security measures for protecting payment data. Why Should Merchants Hire QSA Company? How to detect phishing emails? What are the Best Practices for Securing E-commerce Business? E-commerce businesses have exponentially flourished over the past decade.

With the boom in the industry, so has the level of risk in context to data breach/ theft spiked over the years. It is therefore imperative for e-commerce businesses to ensure safety and protect consumer data. E-Commerce businesses are expected to create a safe environment for customers providing their payment information to make purchases online.

Simple steps to prevent your email from getting hacked.

The Ultimiate Guide To PCI DSS Scoping and Segmentation. PCI DSS Security Standards have for long been a hot topic of discussion in the industry.

The Ultimiate Guide To PCI DSS Scoping and Segmentation

It may seem quite confusing and intimidating, as many organizations fail to understand its requirements and area of application. Organizations are struggling to understand the application of PCI DSS controls and identify systems that need to be secured. However, in this document, we have put together a detailed guide that shall help you understand the ins and outs of PCI DSS Security Standards and Compliance for your business. This document will work as a guide for organizations to identify systems that need to be included “in-scope” for PCI DSS.

Further, the document helps understand how segmentation can help reduce the number of systems that require PCI DSS controls. CCPA Compliance Guide For Businesses In California. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is the first of its kind Privacy Act in the country established to secure consumer data.

CCPA Compliance Guide For Businesses In California

Similar to the GDPR Regulation, the Act which was passed in the year 2018 is a statutory requirement that the organizations operating or running a business in California need to comply with if they fall in the scope of the regulation. With the Act coming to effect, the law makes it harder for businesses to collect and deal with consumer’s personal information than ever before. While the CCPA took effect on January 1, 2020, the enforcement of the Act including the imposition of penalties came into effect only in June. A Guide to NESA’s Audit & Compliance Process - VISTA InfoSec Blog. VISTA InfoSec Celebrating Glorious 16th Anniversary - VISTA InfoSec Blog.

We are thrilled to announce that VISTA InfoSec has crossed another major milestone in its humble journey as a reputed global Information Security Consulting firm in the Cyber Security Industry.

VISTA InfoSec Celebrating Glorious 16th Anniversary - VISTA InfoSec Blog

Today, we have completed 16 years of establishment in the industry globally. Our official 16th Anniversary kicked off today on the 1st of December 2020 after all these years of helping national and international clients in their Cyber Security, Regulatory, and Compliance efforts. As VISTA InfoSec celebrates its past, it also looks forward to the future. Celebrating this milestone anniversary, we also look towards a bright future for VISTA InfoSec. Things are only getting better at VISTA InfoSec as we expand our operations globally to other parts of the world. What began as a small firm has risen up today, standing tall amongst the business leads of the time. As we celebrate this milestone, we have a sincere appreciation and are profoundly thankful to all who made this possible. PCI SAQ - What is it and to whom it applies? PCI SAQ - What is it and to whom it applies?

SOC2 Attestation or ISO 27001 Certification - Which one is better. When it comes to Information Security, companies struggle with the decision between selecting the SOC 2 attestation or ISO 27001 Certification, both the audits provide a competitive advantage in today’s Information security landscape. However, to understand which audit is required for your organization, one needs to understand the similarities and differences between the two audits. While both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 Certification are excellent compliance efforts for organizations to undertake, it is important to understand which audit can be utilized to gain advantages over the market competition and to achieve compliance with a regulatory requirement. For this reason, we have today drawn out a comparative study between SOC 2 examination and ISO 27001 certification for an organization’s better understanding.

Everything You Need To Know About COSO Framework - VISTA InfoSec Blog. The 2013 COSO Framework is a model designed to evaluate the internal controls and processes of an organization.

Everything You Need To Know About COSO Framework - VISTA InfoSec Blog

The Framework is widely adopted globally by a large number of organizations to ensure the effectiveness of its organization’s internal controls. It provides an insight into the industry’s best practice and offers a benchmark for evaluating the operational effectiveness and efficiency and reliability of financial reporting. The COSO framework outlines how you can use it to build strong, and effective internal control systems for your organization.

In today’s article, we have focused on the 17 principles of the COSO Framework that details a set of standards, processes, and structures that provide the basis for organizations to implement effective internal controls across the organization. But, before we move on to learning about the principles, let us first understand a bit more about the COSO Framework. PCI SAQ - What is it and to whom it applies? What is the impact of GDPR Compliance in Canada for Canadian Business. SOC2 Compliance and the Cloud. Key Additions And Amendments Introduced Under The CPRA Act - VISTA InfoSec Blog. Webinar On Step By Step Approach To PDPA Compliance. Key elements to consider in a PCI DSS Card Data Discovery Process - VISTA InfoSec Blog. Over the past few years, the industry has witnessed several incidents of high profile data breaches.

Key elements to consider in a PCI DSS Card Data Discovery Process - VISTA InfoSec Blog

Incidents like these serve as a reminder for businesses to prioritize data security and strengthen their business environment. Addressing the concern of data security, the Payment Card Industry Security Standard Council (PCI SSC) issued guidelines under Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) for securely processing, storing, transmitting payment card data. Why should Process Integrity be a part of your SOC2 Audit? - VISTA InfoSec Blog. An organization pursuing SOC 2 Compliance is required to comply with the applicable criteria listed under the AICPA’s SOC2 Trust Services Criteria.

Why should Process Integrity be a part of your SOC2 Audit? - VISTA InfoSec Blog

The 5 Trust Service Criteria based on which the auditor assesses the organization is Security, Availability, Confidentiality, Process Integrity & Privacy. While the Security criteria are mandatory, the other four Trust Services Criteria are optional. Organizations may opt to include Process Integrity in their audit if they wish to provide assurance to their clients that there no errors in their process of data input, processing procedures and the data output. Complying with SOC2 Audit, Process Integrity criteria will demonstrate that the organization’s system processing is complete, valid, accurate, and authorized to meet its customer’s objectives. In today’s article, we have discussed why including Process Integrity in SOC2 Audit would be beneficial for an organization. Achieve SOC 2 Compliance In 90 Days.. Is it Possible ?? .. How ?

PCI DSS Compliance For Remote Access During COVID-19 Pandemic - VISTA InfoSec Blog. A brief introduction to HIPAA Compliance - VISTA InfoSec Blog. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 which is popularly known as HIPAA, is a series of regulatory standards that outlines certain rules with regards to the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI).

Brief Introduction to HIPAA Compliance

Who can attest a SOC1 / SOC2 Report? GDPR Compliance Consulting Services - VISTA InfoSec. SOC 1 vs. SOC 2: Which SOC Report Do I need? - Vistainfosec. Which SOC Report Do I Need? As a service organization, you are familiar with audit requests from clients who are required to meet specific compliance and audit requirements. You have most likely been asked whether your organization is SOC 1 Compliant or SOC 2 Compliant. Clients frequently ask questions as to what is the differences between a SOC 1 and SOC 2? Which SOC report should they get? Do they need both? Webinar : PA DSS and PCI SSF How they match & How they map. SOC 1 vs. SOC 2: Which SOC Report Do I need? - Vistainfosec.

Watch Webinar on PCI PIN, PCI Cryptography and Key Management..

6 Essential key elements to consider in a PCI DSS Card Discovery Process. Having SOC 2 audit will help put you ahead of your competitors. SOC 2 consulting & Audit. Take Advantage of GDPR in the Retail Sector.