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Compliance In Cybersecurity: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead of Regulations

CyberEnterprise
July 10, 2025

What is cybersecurity compliance?

Cybersecurity compliance refers to meeting required regulations and standards that protect sensitive data, maintain security, and prevent cyber threats. For IT professionals and organizations, cybersecurity compliance means following industry-specific rules—like PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, and CCPA—to avoid penalties and reduce risk. Understanding these cybersecurity certification paths and compliance requirements is vital for your career and safeguarding business operations.

Why is compliance important in cybersecurity?

With cyberattacks, privacy breaches, and regulatory fines on the rise, compliance is now a crucial part of any cybersecurity roadmap. Laws and frameworks—such as NIST, PCI DSS, and HIPAA—were created to address security, privacy, and risk management in different industries. Meeting these standards not only protects your clients and business but also ensures you keep up with top-paying cybersecurity certifications and industry trends.

Real-world examples of cybersecurity regulations

  • PCI DSS: Protects credit card data in the global finance industry by enforcing strong encryption standards.

  • HIPAA: Secures patient health information (PHI) in healthcare by requiring encrypted, confidential transmission between providers and insurers.

  • FISMA: Sets requirements for U.S. federal agencies to protect national security data.

  • GDPR: European law governing how consumer data must be stored, processed, and transferred—even impacting U.S. companies.

  • CCPA: California’s privacy law mandating consumer data protection and disclosure.

 

These regulations are at the core of cybersecurity certification programs and most cybersecurity job titles depend on understanding them.

What are security controls?

Security controls are specific actions required by cybersecurity regulations to protect data and systems. Examples include regular system backups, data encryption, and access control policies. For instance:

  • NIST 800-53: Outlines common controls such as separation of duties, least privilege access, and continuous monitoring.

  • PCI DSS: Has over 50 controls.

  • HIPAA: Requires 100+ security measures.

  • FISMA: Consists of more than 1,000 controls.

Mastering these controls is critical to preparing for cyber security certification exams and advancing in roles like SOC analyst, cybersecurity analyst, or systems administrator.

Why separate cybersecurity from IT infrastructure?

Due to regulatory requirements, organizations split IT into cybersecurity and IT infrastructure teams—a key point in the NICE cybersecurity workforce framework. Cybersecurity focuses on implementing and auditing security controls, often from a dedicated security operations center (SOC), while IT infrastructure handles systems administration. Teams collaborate to ensure compliance but maintain separation for security and auditing integrity.

Example workflow:

  1. Cybersecurity determines compliance requirements.

  2. IT infrastructure implements changes (e.g., data backup).

  3. Cybersecurity audits the process, ensures controls are met, and reports to regulators.

 

Continuous monitoring, penetration testing, and SIEM systems (like Splunk or IBM QRadar) are tools that help maintain compliance and security in real time.

Essential skills for cybersecurity teams and careers

To excel in compliance and security roles, professionals need both managerial and technical skills. Here’s how top CompTIA certifications map to crucial compliance skills:

  • CompTIA Security+: Covers privacy, cloud security, and policy management in regulated environments.

  • CompTIA CySA+: Includes compliance monitoring and reporting, vital for continuous adherence to standards.

  • CompTIA PenTest+: Focuses on vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and PCI DSS compliance.

  • CompTIA SecurityX (Formerly CASP+): Integrates compliance within enterprise network architecture.

Tip: Building a certification portfolio with Security+, CySA+, and CASP+ is a proven cybersecurity certification path that opens high-paying, in-demand roles.

How can you stay compliant in cybersecurity?

To stay compliant:

  • Understand required regulations: Identify which laws (PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, etc.) apply to your industry.

  • Implement security controls: Use frameworks like NIST 800-53 to guide system backups, encryption, and access policies.

  • Obtain relevant certifications: Earn credentials such as Security+, CySA+, or PenTest+ for knowledge and credibility.

  • Monitor continuously: Use SIEM tools and analytics for real-time compliance and threat detection.

  • Document and report: Audit your systems regularly and report findings to regulatory agencies.

Start your compliance journey today

Successful cybersecurity careers now require a strong focus on compliance and the right IT certifications. As regulations continue to grow, certification paths like CompTIA Security+, CySA+, and SecurityX will help you advance, earn more, and keep organizations secure.

Ready to upskill? Explore the CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway and get certified today! Stay informed, compliant, and ahead in your cybersecurity career.