Companies often underestimate the complexity and rigor associated with third-party assessments (audits) such as SOC 1, SOC 2, ISO 27001, and PCI. There is a misconception that the audit firm performing the assessment will manage the entire workload with little effort from the service organization or auditee. While it is the audit firm’s role to […]
In today’s rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, staying informed about newly discovered vulnerabilities is more critical than ever. Threat actors are constantly seeking exploits, and organizations must be vigilant to mitigate risks before they become full-blown security incidents. One of the best ways to stay ahead of cyber threats is by keeping up-to-date with Common Vulnerabilities […]
In today’s dynamic business environment, Internal Audit (IA) plays a crucial role in ensuring organizational success. By systematically evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes, IA provides invaluable insights that help organizations achieve their objectives. Below I will highlight some of the main benefits that I have seen in my […]
for small and medium-sized organizations For small and medium-sized organizations (aka SMBs) without a dedicated Information Security or Enterprise risk function, deciding where to allocate limited time and resources to enhance information security can be challenging. The information security threat landscape evolves constantly. Organizations face contractual obligations with customers and third parties. Companies are also […]
In the rapidly evolving field of information security and privacy management, ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27701 play crucial roles. While ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (ISO 27001) sets the standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), ISO/IEC 27701:2019 (ISO 27701) extends these principles to the Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). This article will provide a brief overview of […]
NIST CSF Updates – What You Need to Know As companies across the globe continue to transfer resources to in-house or cloud computer information systems, cybersecurity risks have also grown. In response to these concerns, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently released an updated cybersecurity framework for its growing global audience. This article […]
The cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. With the rise of new technologies, shifting regulations, and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, staying informed is crucial for individuals and organizations alike. Here are the things to look for as we move forward in 2025. 1. Increased Regulation and Compliance In 2024, we are witnessing […]
As cybersecurity threats continue to grow in complexity, traditional security measures like firewalls are no longer enough. Organizations are increasingly turning to Virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs) to navigate these challenges with expertise and flexibility. In our recent webinar, “Beyond Firewalls: The Rise of vCISO and the Future of Cybersecurity,” AARC-360’s Founder & CEO Neil Gonsalves, alongside […]
As businesses increasingly rely on electronic payments, safeguarding sensitive payment card data is more critical than ever. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) provides a set of security standards designed to protect this data. Compliance with PCI DSS is mandatory for any organization that handles payment card data, and depending on the […]
If you are an organization in the business of payment collections, your company may not be set up to accept credit cards as a form of payment. Thus, the inquiry from a current or potential client may be whether you are “PCI” compliant. The quick answer might be “No. We don’t need to be, because […]