IT compliance involves adhering to regulatory frameworks and industry standards designed to protect sensitive data and ensure the secure operation of information systems. Key examples include HIPAA, which mandates the safeguarding of protected health information (PHI) in healthcare; ISO/IEC 27001, a globally recognized standard for establishing and maintaining an Information Security Management System (ISMS); SOC 2, which evaluates a service organization’s controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy; and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), a European Union regulation that governs how organizations collect, store, and process personal data of EU citizens. Each framework has its own unique set of requirements, but all emphasize risk management, data protection, accountability, and transparency. Achieving compliance not only helps organizations avoid legal and financial penalties but also strengthens customer trust and demonstrates a commitment to responsible data stewardship.

HIPAA compliance, as defined by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)—specifically 45 CFR Parts 160, 162, and 164—outlines strict requirements for protecting the privacy and security of protected health information (PHI). These regulations establish the Privacy Rule, which governs how PHI can be used and disclosed; the Security Rule, which mandates administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic PHI (ePHI); and the Breach Notification Rule, which requires covered entities and business associates to report breaches of unsecured PHI. Key requirements include risk assessments, employee training, access controls, encryption, audit controls, and the implementation of policies and procedures to manage and respond to security incidents. Organizations that handle PHI must also enter into Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) to ensure third parties comply with HIPAA regulations. Compliance with these CFR mandates is essential to protect patient data and avoid substantial civil and criminal penalties.

ISO/IEC 27001 compliance is based on implementing and maintaining an Information Security Management System (ISMS) in accordance with the standard’s core requirements and controls, particularly those outlined in Annex A. Annex A contains a comprehensive list of 93 controls organized into four themes: Organizational Controls, People Controls, Physical Controls, and Technological Controls (as updated in ISO/IEC 27001:2022). These controls address areas such as information security policies, asset management, access control, cryptography, operations security, incident response, and supplier relationships. Organizations must conduct a risk assessment to determine which controls are applicable and then implement and document them accordingly. Compliance also requires leadership commitment, internal audits, continuous improvement practices, and regular management reviews. While Annex A provides the controls, organizations must also demonstrate alignment with the clauses 4–10 of the standard, which cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement of the ISMS. Together, these requirements form a risk-based approach to managing and protecting sensitive information.

SOC 2 compliance is centered around meeting the criteria defined in the Trust Services Criteria (TSC), which are established by the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants). The five core principles of SOC 2 are Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy, with Security being the only required category for all SOC 2 reports. Each principle includes a set of Common Criteria (CC Series)—such as CC1 through CC9—that outline control objectives related to risk management, control environment, access controls, change management, system operations, and incident response. For example, CC6 deals specifically with logical and physical access controls, while CC7 focuses on system operations and incident management. Organizations must implement internal controls that align with these criteria and undergo an independent audit to demonstrate that their systems and processes are effectively designed (Type I) and operating over time (Type II). SOC 2 compliance is especially critical for SaaS providers and other service organizations handling customer data, as it verifies their commitment to data security and operational integrity.

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliance is built around a set of strict requirements and principles that govern how organizations collect, process, store, and protect the personal data of individuals within the European Union. Although GDPR does not prescribe specific “controls” in the same way as frameworks like ISO 27001, it mandates a risk-based approach to data protection through clearly defined obligations. Key requirements include obtaining lawful consent, maintaining data minimization, ensuring accuracy, and providing data subjects with rights such as access, rectification, and erasure. Organizations must implement technical and organizational measures (TOMs)—such as encryption, access controls, and regular data protection impact assessments (DPIAs)—to safeguard data throughout its lifecycle. Additional controls include maintaining records of processing activities, appointing a Data Protection Officer (DPO) when applicable, and reporting personal data breaches to supervisory authorities within 72 hours. Compliance with GDPR is not only a legal obligation but also a commitment to transparency, accountability, and respect for individual privacy rights.

Our in-house CISSP-certified experts are here to be your trusted compliance partners, offering deep expertise across key frameworks like SOC 2, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and GDPR. We don’t just check boxes—we help you build a solid, scalable security foundation tailored to your business needs. From gap assessments and risk analysis to control implementation and audit readiness, our team delivers customized solutions that align with your unique goals. Whether you’re just starting your compliance journey or looking to strengthen your existing program, we ensure you’re on the right track with practical guidance, clear roadmaps, and ongoing support—so you can meet requirements with confidence and stay ahead of evolving regulatory demands.