6 Key Actions to Comply with Cybersecurity Regulations

NIS2, PCI DSS, GDPR, HIPAA or CMMC.... This long list of acronyms is a reminder that complying with cybersecurity regulations is crucial in today’s threat landscape to protect sensitive information and maintain trust in an organisation. Non-compliance not only exposes companies to security risks, but it can lead to significant financial penalties and reputational damage. Compliance also facilitates more agile audits. This article explores six key actions that any MSP can implement to help customers comply with cybersecurity regulations in 2025 and enhance their cyber threat defense strategy to ensure compliance with even the most stringent regulations. 

Continuous vulnerability management 

Proactively identifying and addressing vulnerabilities is one of the pillars of compliance. A continuous cycle of assessment and patching is critical to safeguard systems from emerging threats. For MSPs, this means using advanced scanning and analysis technologies to detect and correct security breaches in real time. In addition, implementing automated tools that perform regular scans and apply patches in a timely manner not only complies with regulations, but also strengthens organisations' cyber resilience. 

Strict access controls 

Ensuring that only authorised personnel have access to critical information is an essential component of any regulatory framework. Implementing principles such as least privilege and need to know significantly reduces exposure to data breaches. In addition, traceability through detailed access logs is key to complying with regulations such as PCI DSS and GDPR, and provides the visibility needed to audit who is accessing which data and when. 

Strong Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) 

The use of MFA has been established as one of the best practices for preventing unauthorized access. Stricter regulations, such as GDPR and CMMC, require credential protection through MFA. Implementing this technology ensures that, even if passwords are compromised, the data will remain protected. This adds an additional layer of security, making it harder for attackers to gain access. 

Intelligent network segmentation 

Dividing the network into smaller, isolated segments helps to contain attacks in the event of an intrusion. This technique, required by regulations such as PCI DSS, allows MSPs to reduce the risk of lateral movement within the network. Proper segmentation also facilitates the application of area-specific controls, ensuring that only authorised traffic can access each segment. By deploying this measure, monitoring capabilities are enhanced, and the attack surface is minimised. 

Data encryption 

Whether in transit or at rest, encryption is a mandatory practice under regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA. The use of up-to-date encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted, it cannot be used without proper decryption keys. For MSPs, it is essential to keep encryption standards up to date and ensure that all data transfers are properly protected, especially in remote or hybrid work environments. 

 Use of authorised software and systems 

Maintaining an accurate inventory of all technology assets and ensuring that only authorised software and systems are used is essential to comply with regulations such as NIS2 and CMMC. The use of unauthorised or outdated software can expose organisations to serious vulnerabilities, jeopardising both regulatory compliance and organisational security. MSPs must establish rigorous controls to prevent the installation of unauthorised software, ensuring that all systems are aligned with current regulations. In short, compliance with cybersecurity regulations not only protects organisations from penalties but also strengthens customer confidence and security across the infrastructure. For MSPs, implementing these six measures is crucial in guiding customers through the regulatory compliance maze so they can improve their cyber defenses.