Like every state, Oklahoma faces unique cybersecurity challenges as its reliance on digital infrastructure continues to grow. The risks are now affecting everyone, from small businesses in Tulsa to critical systems in Oklahoma City. Are you prepared to protect your business with advanced security and managed IT services from Oklahoma?
This blog will take you through everything you need to know about Oklahoma’s specific cyber risks.
What Oklahoma IT Compliance Regulations Do You Need to Follow?
IT compliance means following specific legal standards to protect digital information. For Oklahoma businesses, several key regulations are particularly important depending on your industry and the type of data you handle. Here are the most important ones to be aware of and understand:
HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is mandatory for any business handling patient health information. This includes medical providers of all types, as well as insurance companies and anyone working with electronic health records.
HIPAA compliance requires specific security measures to protect personal health information from unauthorized access or use.
GLBA
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act applies to financial institutions and requires them to protect customer financial data through comprehensive security plans and risk assessments. This IT compliance regulation includes physical and electronic security measures, as well as employee training and oversight.
SOX
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act was enacted in response to corporate scandals and aims to protect investors by ensuring accurate financial reporting. It requires public companies to have internal controls in place to prevent fraudulent activities, as well as regular audits and documentation of financial processes.
PCI DSS
If your business processes credit card payments, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard is a must. It outlines rules for securing payment systems to prevent fraud and theft of credit card information. Compliance with PCI DSS will protect your customers, maintain trust in your business, and avoid costly penalties for non-compliance.
Oklahoma Data Breach Notification Act
This state-specific law mandates that companies must promptly notify affected individuals and the state attorney general if a data breach occurs. It also requires companies to provide free credit monitoring services for affected individuals and imposes penalties for non-compliance.
We recommend local managed IT services from Oklahoma to ensure compliance with this law.
CMMC
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is for businesses working with the Department of Defense. It establishes specific cybersecurity practices to protect federal contract information.
The Authority to Operate (ATO) Process
If your business provides services to the State of Oklahoma or handles state data, you need an Authority to Operate order (ATO). This order, signed by the state’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), certifies that your security policies meet the minimum standards set by the OMES Oklahoma Cyber Command.
The process to get an ATO involves the following steps:
- Assessment: A state security analyst sends you a security assessment to complete. Oklahoma Cyber Command may accept industry-standard certifications like StateRAMP or FedRAMP in place of its own assessment.
- Review: The analyst reviews your responses. If any issues are found, they will work with you to resolve them before moving forward.
- Approval: A security engineer reviews the completed assessment. Once approved, the CISO signs the ATO.
- Issuance: The analyst issues the official ATO to your company, granting you the authority to handle state data.
An ATO must be renewed annually. For expired ATOs, the process involves either submitting a new assessment or providing a formal attestation that your security has not weakened.
What Do These Regulations Require?
Complying with these regulations isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about implementing professional and advanced cybersecurity measures. A foundational element for compliance and security is a cybersecurity risk assessment, which is not often offered through managed IT services in Oklahoma. iTology is one of the few companies that run this type of assessment, and we ensure it’s a detailed report—your security is at stake, after all.
This assessment systematically identifies vulnerabilities in your hardware, software, and processes. It helps quantify risks, allowing you to prioritize and address the most critical threats first. Moreso, a thorough risk assessment is essential for protecting sensitive data, ensuring business continuity, and avoiding the financial and reputational damage of a cyberattack.
Rely on iTology’s Managed IT Services in Oklahoma
Navigating Oklahoma’s complex web of IT compliance can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. At iTology, we specialize in helping local businesses meet and exceed regulatory requirements.
Our team provides comprehensive cybersecurity risk assessments and managed IT services in Oklahoma to safeguard your business from evolving threats. We’ll ensure your IT infrastructure is secure, compliant, and ready for whatever comes next. Contact us today to get started.
