COMPLIANCE MONITORING AND TESTING

 

 

COMPLIANCE MONITORING AND TESTING 

In the realm of compliance, maintaining vigilant oversight is crucial to ensure adherence to relevant regulations, laws, policies, and procedures. This oversight is crucial in specific areas and roles, as it helps us achieve our objectives.
 
Compliance monitoring play unique and integral roles in this oversight process.
 
In my role as a GRC analyst, I specialize in ensuring that food companies meet essential safety and nutrition labeling regulations. This involves rigorous compliance testing against standards set by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), particularly for agricultural products.
 
My key focus is verifying the accuracy of nutrient values on food labels through detailed laboratory analysis. This process is not just about meeting standards; it's about implementing a science-based system in Canada for reliable nutrient information.
 
I conduct thorough evaluations of nutrient amounts declared on nutrition Facts tables, comparing them against laboratory findings to ensure they meet established standards.
 
This includes a comprehensive risk assessment and compliance testing based on a statistically significant sample, addressing both nutrient variability and methodological differences in food analysis. The goal is to ensure accurate labeling for the industry and trustworthy information for consumers.
 
Additionally, as part of ongoing compliance monitoring, I utilize key risk indicators (KRIs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) to maintain continuous oversight. This is vital in various settings, including cloud-based organizations where aligning with standards like ISO/IEC 27001 is crucial. Automated tools help monitor server configurations and encryption standards, ensuring immediate identification of deviations.
 
challenge of adapting to regulatory changes in food safety and labeling:
 
Food safety and nutrition labeling regulations can change frequently, requiring the company to continuously update its practices and procedures to remain compliant. Keeping up with these changes, especially in different jurisdictions like Canada, can be challenging.
 
Whenever there are regulatory changes, we perform a thorough risk assessment and impact analysis to understand how these changes affect current operations and what modifications are needed.
 
 Regular reporting on compliance, including training adherence and escalation needs, is shared with stakeholders, highlighting the significance of risk awareness and management.
 
This comprehensive approach ensures both producers and consumers are safeguarded by stringent, science-backed compliance practices.

 

Reference: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ocynthia/ 

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TOP 4 CHALLENGES OF PCI DSS COMPLIANCE

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of technical and operational requirements designed to protect cardholder data.

Mandatory Requirements

The PCI-DSS standard comprises 246 mandatory requirements that all organizations must meet to achieve compliance. Failure to maintain compliance may result in fines and disqualification from processing payment cards during an audit.

The difference between "12 core requirements" provide a high-level framework for securing cardholder data, and the "246 mandatory requirements in PCI DSS is specific to technical and operational details for implementing security controls and processes.

Correct Scope Definition

Effective planning and execution of PCI compliance assessment require the advance definition of the scope. The scope should be neither too narrow, which can put payment card data at risk, nor too broad, which increases the total cost of the project.

Technical Nature of PCI-DSS

PCI-DSS is highly technical, involving the installation of security solutions, data encryption, protection against malware, and secure software development. When selecting a PCI DSS security consulting firm, it's important to choose one with extensive knowledge of security technologies.

Organizational Pressure and Competency Gap

There is often significant organizational pressure to achieve certification, which can lead to poor implementation and adherence to requirements. Additionally, a lack of qualified security assessors can result in a serious competency gap in fulfilling the PCI DSS requirements.

As a GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) analyst addressing the challenges of certification as PCI DSS compliance comes in various approach. 

Operational Disruption

When you implement changes for certification, this can disrupt the existing processes and operations and it requires a significant adjustments. 

Maintaining Compliance

Achieving certification is not a one-time event. Your organisation must continuously maintain compliance, which can be challenging with evolving standards and business changes. 

Complexity and Technicality

Certifications often involve complex and technical requirements that may be challenging for staff who lack specialized knowledge.

As a GRC analyst,  and a solver in  helping your company navigate these challenges:

Updating policies and procedures to meet certification standards, ensuring more practical polices that align with your organization's operational process. 

Utilize the SIEM system in real-time analysis, data aggregation from multiple sources, advance analytics, threat detection and incident response.

Deploy a network security tools that align with your enterprise network architecture, and we run patches and monitor regularly. 

Use GRC automated tool for documentation. 

Referencing: 

PCI DSS : https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/

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LAWS, REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS IN CYBERSECURITY

 

LAWS, REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS IN CYBERSECURITY

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): The GDPR is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the European Union. 

 

2. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): HIPAA is a federal law in the United States that sets standards for the protection of sensitive patient health information.

 

3. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS): The PCI DSS is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.

 

4. The Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA): Is a federal law in the United State that mandates information security program development, documentation, and implementation for federal agencies in order to safeguard sensitive data.

 

 5. ISO/IEC 27001: ISO/IEC 27001 ISO/IEC 27001: This international standard offers an information security management systems (ISMS) structure. Organizations can show their dedication to information security by earning a certification as compliant with this standard.

AWS Best Practices for Cybersecurity and GRC

 AWS Best Practices for Cybersecurity and GRC

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a leading cloud computing platform that provides a range of products and services for cybersecurity and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC). AWS

provides best practices and guidelines to help organizations improve their security posture and better protect against cyber threats in the cloud. Some key components of AWS's best practices

 Cybersecurity and GRC include:

Threat protection: AWS recommends implementing a comprehensive threat protection strategy to detect, respond to, and prevent security incidents. This includes the use of security technologies such as anti-malware, intrusion detection and prevention systems and firewalls.

Identity and access management: AWS recommends implementing strong identity and access management practices, including multi-factor authentication, role-based access control, and the regular review of user privileges.

Data protection: AWS recommends implementing comprehensive data protection measures, including encryption, data backup and recovery, and secure data disposal.

Compliance: AWS recommends implementing a robust compliance program to ensure that organizations meet regulatory and legal requirements related to data privacy and security.

Network security: AWS recommends implementing best practices for network security, including network segmentation, the use of Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs), and the regular review of security configurations.

 Continuous monitoring: AWS recommends continuous monitoring of information systems and networks to detect security incidents and vulnerabilities in real-time.

Awareness and training: AWS recommends ongoing awareness and training for personnel to help them understand the importance of cybersecurity and to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities.

The cybersecurity and GRC best practices offered by AWS give enterprises a thorough framework to strengthen their security posture and increase their defenses against online attacks. To make sure that security procedures are in line with the most recent recommendations and industry best practices, it is crucial for businesses to examine and update them on a regular basis.

BEST PRACTICES CYBERSECURITY AND GRC PROFESSIONAL.

Each panel of the umbrella is uniquely represented by the logos of NIST, ISACA, ISO, ISC2, SANS, CIS, Microsoft, AWS, and Google.This metaphorically shows how organizations collectively contribute to protecting against the digital threats represented by the stormy background.

The significance of implementing best practices in IT management and cybersecurity, NIST, ISACA, ISO, ISC2, SANS, CIS, Microsoft, AWS, and Google are just a few of the organizations that provide distinctive viewpoints and frameworks: The National Institute of Standards and Technology, or NIST: is a recognized authority on cybersecurity risk management. Among its many comprehensive frameworks and standards is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.

NIST CSF: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover, Govern. 

Information Systems Audit and Control Association, or ISACA:

Is well-known for its COBIT framework, which is a thorough framework for overseeing and managing corporate IT environments. It places a strong emphasis on risk management, regulatory compliance, and coordinating IT strategy with business objectives.

COBIT framework: framework components, Risk management, Compliance , business objectives, Domain and processes ,Maturity models, Benefits.

The International Organization for Standardization, or ISO: Provides a set of guidelines for information security management systems (ISMS) that help businesses safeguard their information and assets.

ISC2 (International Information System Security Certification Consortium):

As a major body for cybersecurity certifications, ISC2 emphasizes the importance of education and certification in ensuring that IT professionals are well-equipped with best practices in the sector. SANS Institute:

SANS is well-known for its cybersecurity research and training initiatives. It highlights the value of practical experience and staying current with security trends and methods. The Center for Internet Security, or CIS:

Provides essential security controls and standards with an emphasis on doable steps that businesses may take to strengthen their cyber defenses.

Security Controls: Doable steps, Prioritization ,Continuous, Industry Collaboration, Compliance & Standards Google, Microsoft, and AWS (Amazon Web Services): These businesses, which are significant providers of cloud services, stress the value of following best practices for cloud security. They offer extensive resources and tools to ensure secure cloud computing environments.

 Core Concept of P2PE:

Before proceeding, it's crucial to understand that PCI is fundamentally about rigorous assessment. Conducting thorough evaluations based on the Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs), including SAQ A, SAQ B, and SAQ C-VT.

Fraud-Prevention Protocol: At its core, P2PE is a fraud-prevention system that protects data transmission when a payment is being made. It safeguards the data as it passes through several systems by encrypting the cardholder's credit card information immediately.

PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance: By using a PCI-validated P2PE solution, you can be sure that your business complies with PCI DSS, a set of security requirements for credit card merchants.

Documentation is a continual process throughout the assessment.

Real Life Experience:

You can own this for interview purpose:

Before proceeding, it's crucial to understand that PCI DSS is fundamentally about rigorous assessment. My role involves conducting thorough evaluations based on the Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs), including SAQ A, SAQ B, and SAQ C-VT.

In our team, the responsibilities are distributed to enhance efficiency and focus; thus, I don't personally handle all the SAQs. Each member is assigned specific SAQs to manage.

Prior to initiating any assessment, I undertake a comprehensive scoping exercise. This initial step is vital as it allows me to identify the control owners and establish a collaborative relationship with key departments including the network, firewall, system administration, and data analysis teams.

During the scoping call, I introduce myself and clarify my assignment to conduct a thorough assessment of their network. I request the team to provide an overview of their network architecture, specifically seeking to understand the journey of data from the moment a card is swiped at a Point of Sale (POS) terminal. It's imperative to ascertain the path the data takes through the merchant's network, ensuring it's adequately segregated in accordance with PCI DSS mandates to restrict access to cardholder information. I also inquire about the tokenization process and how transactions are routed to the issuing bank for authorization.

Documentation is a continual process throughout the assessment. As I gather insights and understandings, I meticulously record all findings. Once the initial assessment phase is complete, I proceed to collect evidence, aligning each requirement in the link below, with the relevant aspect of the assessment.

Currently focusing on SAQ P2PE. This SAQ is unique as it implies that the merchant neither stores nor processes cardholder information in their system; they merely receive a receipt.

Following evidence collection, I commence validation. After concluding the assessment, I present the Attestation of Compliance (AOC) to the senior management. This document is a testament to our adherence to relevant standards, affirming our readiness for business and financial trustworthiness.

Referencing:

https://docs-prv.pcisecuritystandards.org/SAQ%20(Assessment)/SAQ%20AOC/PCI-DSS-v4-0-AOC-for-SAQ-P2PE-r1.pdf