Compliance
Turning Compliance Into a Manageable Process
Compliance frameworks exist to reduce risk, protect sensitive data, and establish consistent security practices. Connekted helps organizations understand, align with, and maintain compliance requirements without unnecessary complexity.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification
What CMMC Is
CMMC is a cybersecurity framework created by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure companies in the defense supply chain properly protect sensitive government data, including Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
Background & History
CMMC was introduced in 2020 after repeated cyber incidents showed that weak security at contractors and suppliers posed national security risks. It builds on NIST 800-171, adding maturity levels and assessment requirements to standardize cybersecurity expectations across all DoD contractors.
Why It Matters
Organizations that do not meet required CMMC levels may be ineligible to bid on or retain DoD contracts. Even subcontractors can fall under CMMC requirements.
Industries That Commonly Need CMMC
- Manufacturing
- Aerospace & defense suppliers
- Engineering firms
- Government contractors and subcontractors
- Technology vendors supporting DoD work
HIPAA
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
What HIPAA Is
HIPAA is a U.S. federal law that establishes standards for protecting protected health information (PHI), including electronic health records.
Background & History
HIPAA was enacted in 1996 to improve healthcare portability and efficiency. As healthcare digitized, HIPAA expanded to include the Security Rule, which defines administrative, physical, and technical safeguards for electronic patient data.
Why It Matters
HIPAA violations can result in significant fines, legal exposure, and reputational damage, but more importantly, they protect patient privacy and trust.
Industries That Commonly Need HIPAA
- Medical practices
- Home healthcare agencies
- Behavioral health providers
- Medical billing companies
- Healthcare technology vendors
NIST CSF
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
What NIST Is
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is a voluntary framework that helps organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risk using a structured approach.
Background & History
Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST CSF was released in 2014 following a U.S. executive order to improve national cybersecurity resilience. It is organized around five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover.
Why It Matters
NIST is widely respected, flexible, and often used as a baseline for cybersecurity programs—even when compliance is not legally mandated.
Industries That Commonly Use NIST
- Professional services
- Manufacturing
- Financial services
- Healthcare
- Any organization seeking structured cybersecurity maturity
GLBA
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act
What GLBA Is
GLBA is a U.S. federal law that requires financial institutions to protect consumer financial information and clearly explain how that data is safeguarded.
Background & History
Passed in 1999, GLBA modernized financial regulations while introducing the Safeguards Rule, which mandates administrative, technical, and physical protections for customer data.
Why It Matters
GLBA focuses on preventing data breaches that expose sensitive financial information and maintaining consumer trust in financial institutions.
Industries That Commonly Need GLBA
- Banks and credit unions
- Mortgage lenders and brokers
- Wealth management firms
- Accounting and tax firms
- Financial service providers
PCI-DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
What PCI Is
PCI-DSS is a security standard designed to protect credit and debit card data during processing, storage, and transmission.
Background & History
Introduced in 2004 by major credit card brands (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), PCI was created to reduce credit card fraud and data breaches.
Why It Matters
Failure to comply can lead to fines, increased processing fees, or loss of the ability to accept card payments.
Industries That Commonly Need CMMC
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Healthcare practices
- Professional services
- Any business that processes card payments