CISOs are not just the keepers of our data – they must be its custodians

For example, the European Parliament passed a Data Act in November, expected to go into force early next year, and the UK House of Lords is currently debating its own Data Protection and Information Bill. In the US, 12 states have already signed comprehensive privacy laws, and eight have them in process. On a federal level, the American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA) is making its way through Congress, gaining wide bipartisan support when it was first introduced in 2022.

As well as these regional standards, industry-specific frameworks like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and payment card industry (PCI) compliance standards exist.

These regulations serve the dual purpose of protecting individuals’ privacy and security while establishing ethical standards for responsible data handling. Companies must remain informed about existing legislation and proactively anticipate and adapt to forthcoming changes.

CISOs as custodians – proactive defenders of our data

Effective navigation of this intricate regulatory landscape extends beyond mere compliance: it necessitates strategic, ongoing commitment. While data owners may define policies, custodians are responsible for implementing and ensuring adherence to these policies.

The landscape of data custodianship in the digital age is one defined by constant evolution, where CISOs emerge as the linchpins of responsible information management. As organizations navigate the complexities of the regulatory and compliance landscape, understanding and embracing the essentials of data custodianship becomes paramount to fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and ethical data practices.

The proactive role of CISOs, positioned as natural custodians, is central to fortifying organizations against evolving cyber threats and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. By systematically integrating stringent measures aligned with prevailing industry standards, these CISOs exemplify the commitment required to uphold privacy and security imperatives. In the face of an ever-evolving regulatory panorama, such organizations demonstrate the resilience necessary to navigate complexities and ensure ethical data practices.

About Author

AndyC

Andy Curtis is an award-winning security consultant, researcher and public speaker. He has been working in the computer security industry since the early 1990s, having been employed by state and federal government, leading healthcare and banking providers across three continents. He has given talks about computer security for some of the world’s largest companies, worked with law enforcement agencies on investigations into hacking groups, and is a regular voice on TV and radio explaining IT security threats.

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