Network security compliance is a key component of corporate risk management. It provides the foundation for the well-being of IT systems, while also supporting the due diligence and good faith responsibilities of board members, CIOs, CEOs and network managers. Unfortunately, continuous changes in regulatory compliance are making it difficult for everyone to keep up.
Today, individuals throughout the enterprise are engaged in security compliance. These individuals range from CIOs to internal auditors, legal departments, board members and C-level executives — and they also include network managers.
As data transporters, networks are the backbone of corporate security. They also offer tempting opportunities for virus and malware perpetrators to invade and compromise the network environment. Understanding this reality is what keeps network managers up at night — and so does the chain of continuous change to network security regulations.
Changing Security Regulations and the Struggle to Keep Up
Network security regulations can vary by country. But for companies operating in the U.S., the variance in guidelines has become even broader and more complex. This is because, historically, security compliance standards in the U.S. have been administered at the national level. Now, they’re not.
In March 2025, the Trump administration issued a directive that delegated corporate security guidelines and compliance to state and local governments. This multiplied security monitoring and compliance work for network managers whose companies operate in different states and localities, because all these states and localities could now have different security compliance standards and reporting.
With the federal government delegating security and compliance to states and localities, network managers are tasked with more security compliance workloads. These tasks already include ensuring compliance with regulations such as the European Union’s NIS2 Directive, which focuses on risk management, holds corporate board members accountable for security breaches and mandates the reporting of cyber incidents within 24 hours of occurrence.
Additionally, organizations must adhere to Japan’s Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI), which prioritizes personal data privacy and sensitive data. This is all in addition to the need to comply with the U.S. Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA) regulations, which require that organizations report cyber incidents within 72 hours of identification and report ransomware payments within 24 hours of making the payment.
Best Practices for Network Security Compliance
I’ve visited with IT auditors who acknowledge that it’s increasingly difficult for IT network managers to keep up with all the layers of regulatory compliance. Auditors say the standard practice in their IT network security audits is to flag the areas where network security compliance is weak or lacking and then give companies three to six months to get into compliance.
These auditors, along with IT practitioners, recommend the following best practices when implementing compliance measures:
1. Prioritize the most rigorous compliance standards
If you’re in a situation where you have multiple security and compliance requirements to satisfy from different jurisdictions or regulatory bodies, aim to satisfy the most stringent requirements first. These rigorous requirements often encompass or exceed the expectations of less demanding regulations, making it easier to achieve compliance across all entities without duplicating efforts. This enables you to meet the less rigorous requirements of other entities more easily.
2. Seek expert guidance for regulatory clarity
The jargon of regulatory requirements can be confusing and subject to interpretation. It’s best to check back with the regulatory agencies themselves and to use an attorney or auditing group that specializes in the industry sector your company is in if you need clarification. These experts can translate regulatory complexities into actionable steps and provide tailored advice that aligns with the nuances of the sector’s compliance standards.
3. Form a cross-functional security compliance team
Assemble a security compliance team that goes beyond IT and the networking group. Team members should include the following:
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Those who handle risk management, usually finance.
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An internal security or auditing committee.
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Major players with third-party vendors and business associates, such as the purchasing department, which deals with supply chain vendors.
4. Train employees to strengthen security awareness
Train employees on important security measures and compliance requirements, including annual refresher training. It’s also vital to demonstrate a company-wide commitment to security and compliance. Employees are an inadvertent but leading cause of cyber attacks, due to techniques that bad actors use, such as phishing. If employees are aware of and adhere to the company’s security policies and practices, the risk of internal contributions to security breaches decreases.
5. Choose vendors committed to security and compliance
Partner with security, compliance and cloud vendors that actively stay on top of the latest regulations, industry trends, and security and compliance requirements. These vendors should demonstrate a commitment to regularly update their products and services to meet evolving standards. If your vendor partners have already addressed security and compliance in their products, your organization can save time and effort, as you don’t have to do the entire thing yourself.
6. Engage regulators as valuable resources
Build relationships with regulatory agencies important to your organization. Most regulators are willing to clarify new regulations or to suggest resources, tools and best practices you can use to keep your network secure and compliant. Regulators also offer seminars and webinars that offer insights into emerging trends and requirements, so your organization can stay ahead.
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