External Considerations

Security governance is shaped not only by internal policies but also by the influence of external regulations and stakeholders. Many industries face strict regulatory security requirements that influence how organizations manage sensitive data.

For instance, healthcare providers such as hospitals must adhere to HIPAA standards to protect patient health information. Similarly, sectors like energy, banking, and telecommunications are governed by industry-specific regulations. Even if you operate outside these highly regulated fields, you could still be required to comply with standards like the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), which mandates safeguards for credit card data in storage and transmission—impacting any retailer that accepts credit cards.

The regulatory environment spans local, regional, national, and even global levels. A key example of global regulation is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which outlines strict guidelines for the processing, use, and storage of customer data.

In addition, many jurisdictions enforce data sovereignty rules that determine where data must be stored and under what conditions. While the internet allows businesses to reach a global audience, it is vital to understand and comply with the diverse laws and regulations applicable in different regions.

Adhering to these external considerations is an integral part of a robust security governance strategy, ensuring comprehensive protection and compliance in an ever-evolving regulatory landscape.