The Challenges of Compliance with International Operations

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When operating within a global framework, a security professional runs into a multitude of jurisdictions and requirements, and many times they might be in contention with one other or not clearly applicable.

These requirements can include the location of the users and the type of data they enter into systems, the laws governing the organization that owns the application and any regulatory requirements they may have, as well as the appropriate laws and regulations for the jurisdiction housing the IT resources and where the data is actually stored, which might be multiple jurisdictions as well.

Compliance with international operations can pose several serious complications for organizations. These complications can arise due to the differences in laws, regulations, and standards across multiple jurisdictions.

One of the main complications is the requirement for different certifications. Certifications are essential in ensuring that an organization is following the necessary guidelines and standards set by different regulatory bodies. However, the requirement for different certifications in different countries or regions can be costly and time-consuming for organizations. For example, an organization operating in multiple countries may need to obtain different certifications to comply with local regulations, such as GDPR in Europe or HIPAA in the United States.

Another serious complication is the challenge of complying with multiple jurisdictions. Laws and regulations differ from country to country, and this can cause confusion and difficulties for organizations trying to adhere to the regulations. Companies must ensure that they comply with all relevant regulations, and this can require extensive legal and compliance expertise.

Different capabilities required by different countries can also be a significant challenge for organizations. For instance, some countries may require organizations to store data locally, which may not be practical or feasible for organizations operating globally. In such cases, organizations may need to build new infrastructure to comply with local regulations.

Lastly, different operational procedures can also be a significant challenge for organizations. This can include differences in data protection laws, data access rights, and reporting requirements. Organizations operating in multiple countries must ensure that their operational procedures comply with all relevant regulations.

In summary, the complications that an organization faces from the perspective of compliance with international operations can be serious and complex, including the need for different certifications, complying with multiple jurisdictions, different capabilities, and different operational procedures.