Information Security & Data Protection Compliance
Secure Your Business with ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Compliance
At AQC, we specialize in Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) consultancy, helping businesses achieve compliance with ISO/IEC 27001:2022. Our expertise extends to ensuring alignment with global data protection regulations, including:
- GDPR (EU 2016/679)
- DPDP Act (India, 2023)
- HIPAA (USA, 1996)
- DISHA (India - Proposed Healthcare Security Law)
Why Choose ISO/IEC 27001:2022?
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is an internationally recognized standard for information security, cybersecurity, and privacy protection. Implementing this framework helps organizations:
- Protect confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.
- Manage security risks effectively.
- Ensure regulatory compliance with multiple data protection laws.
- Enhance trust and credibility with clients and stakeholders.
Regulatory Compliance & Alignment
1. GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation (EU 2016/679)
The GDPR mandates strict personal data protection for EU citizens. Our ISO 27001-based consultancy ensures:
- Data processing accountability & risk assessments.
- Privacy by design & data encryption implementation.
- Data subject rights management & breach notification compliance.
2. DPDP Act – Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (India)
The DPDP Act governs personal data protection in India. Our services include:
- Mapping ISO 27001 controls to DPDP compliance.
- Ensuring lawful data processing & consent management.
- Implementing data breach response plans as per regulatory requirements.
3. HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (USA, 1996)
For organizations handling healthcare data, HIPAA compliance is crucial. Our expertise covers:
- PHI (Protected Health Information) risk assessments.
- Security & privacy rule compliance using ISO 27001 frameworks.
- Incident management & breach notification protocols.
4. DISHA – Digital Information Security in Healthcare Act (India - Proposed)
DISHA aims to regulate electronic health data security. Our consultancy prepares you for:
- Robust health data governance frameworks.
- Alignment with international standards (ISO 27001 & HIPAA).
- Healthcare cybersecurity best practices.
How We Help
- Gap Analysis & Risk Assessment – Identifying vulnerabilities & compliance gaps.
- ISMS Implementation – Customized security frameworks tailored to your business needs.
- Regulatory Compliance Audits – Ensuring adherence to GDPR, DPDP, HIPAA, and DISHA.
- Training & Awareness Programs – Empowering your teams with security best practices.
- Ongoing Compliance Support – Continuous monitoring & policy updates.
Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing (VAPT) Services
Strengthen Your Cybersecurity with VAPT
At AQC, we provide comprehensive Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing (VAPT) services to identify, analyse, and mitigate security risks before they can be exploited. Our expert team helps businesses enhance their security posture by proactively detecting vulnerabilities and addressing them effectively.
What is VAPT?
VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing) is a combination of two essential cybersecurity processes:
- Vulnerability Assessment (VA): Systematic scanning to identify security flaws and misconfigurations.
- Penetration Testing (PT): Simulating real-world cyberattacks to evaluate security defences and exploit vulnerabilities.
- By conducting VAPT, organizations can prevent data breaches, strengthen compliance, and ensure a robust security framework.
Our VAPT Services
We offer tailored VAPT solutions based on industry best practices and international standards such as OWASP, NIST, and ISO 27001.
1. Web Application Security Testing
- Identifies security flaws in web apps, APIs, and portals.
- Detects SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, and authentication flaws.
- Ensures secure coding practices and compliance with GDPR, OWASP, etc.
2. Network Security Assessment
- Evaluates internal and external network security.
- Identifies misconfigurations, weak passwords, and access control flaws.
- Prevents unauthorized access and lateral movement attacks.
3. Mobile Application Security Testing
- Security assessment for Android & iOS applications.
- Detects data leakage, insecure storage, and encryption flaws.
- Ensures compliance with GDPR, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001.
4. Cloud Security Assessment
- Identifies misconfigurations in AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
- Ensures data encryption, IAM security, and secure storage.
- Helps businesses comply with cloud security best practices.
5. API & IoT Security Testing
- Detects vulnerabilities in APIs, IoT devices, and smart systems.
- Prevents unauthorized access and data leakage.
- Ensures secure authentication and encryption protocols.
6. Compliance & Regulatory Assessments
- PCI DSS, GDPR, HIPAA, DPDP, and ISO 27001 compliance testing.
- Security audits to meet industry and government regulations.
Why Choose AQC for VAPT?
Certified Security Experts – Team with CEH, CISSP, OSCP certifications.
Real-World Attack Simulation – Advanced penetration testing techniques.
Actionable Security Reports – Detailed findings with remediation guidance.
Continuous Support & Remediation – Helping businesses fix vulnerabilities effectively.
Industry-Specific Testing – Tailored solutions for finance, healthcare, retail, and IT sectors.
Digital data protection regulations vary widely across different countries and regions. Here’s an overview of key regulations in major jurisdictions:
1. European Union (EU) – General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Effective Date: May 25, 2018
Key Features:
- Requires businesses to obtain explicit consent before collecting personal data.
- Individuals have the right to access, correct, and delete their data (Right to be Forgotten).
- Companies must report data breaches within 72 hours.
- Applies to any organization processing the data of EU citizens, regardless of location.
- Heavy penalties for non-compliance (up to €20 million or 4% of global revenue).
2. United States – Sectoral Approach
No single federal law; multiple sector-specific laws apply:
-
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) – Protects healthcare data.
- Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) – Protects children’s data (under 13).
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) – Provides GDPR-like rights to California residents.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act – Enforces data privacy through consumer protection laws.
State laws (e.g., CCPA, Virginia’s VCDPA, Colorado Privacy Act) impose stricter data privacy rules.
3. United Kingdom (UK) – UK GDPR & Data Protection Act 2018
- Similar to GDPR, but adapted post-Brexit.
- UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) enforces compliance.
- Extraterritorial effect – Applies to organizations processing UK residents' data.
4. China – Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL)
Effective Date: November 1, 2021
Key Features:
-
- Requires clear consent before collecting personal data.
- Stricter cross-border data transfer rules.
- Businesses must conduct data impact assessments.
- Severe penalties for non-compliance.
Works alongside Cybersecurity Law (CSL) and Data Security Law (DSL).
5. India – Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) 2023
Key Features:
-
- Defines personal data and data fiduciaries.
- Allows consent-based processing with exceptions.
- Establishes Data Protection Board for enforcement.
- Companies must notify breaches promptly.
6. Canada – Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
- Applies to private sector organizations handling personal data.
- Requires informed consent before collecting personal data.
- New Bill C-27 (pending) aims to introduce stricter data privacy rights.
7. Australia – Privacy Act 1988 (Amended)
- Covers handling of personal data by government and businesses.
- Introduces the Consumer Data Right (CDR) for data portability.
- Proposed reforms may bring Australia closer to GDPR-level protection.
8. Brazil – General Data Protection Law (LGPD)
- Inspired by GDPR.
- Grants individuals data access, correction, and deletion rights.
- Companies must report data breaches.
- Enforced by Brazilian Data Protection Authority (ANPD).
9. Japan – Act on Protection of Personal Information (APPI)
- Strengthened in 2022 to align with GDPR standards.
- Requires businesses to protect personal data.
- Data transfers outside Japan require adequate protection.
10. Russia – Federal Law on Personal Data
- Requires data localization – Companies must store Russian citizens' data within Russia.
- Limits cross-border transfers of personal data.
- Strict government oversight and penalties.
Global Trends in Data Protection Laws
- GDPR as a model: Many countries align their laws with GDPR.
- Stricter cross-border data transfer rules (e.g., China, Russia).
- Stronger consumer rights (e.g., right to data deletion, portability).
- Higher penalties for non-compliance.
Here’s a comparison table of different data protection regulations for easy reference:
| Regulation |
Jurisdiction
|
Key Focus
|
Applies to
|
Consent Requirement
|
Data Subject Rights
|
Data Breach Notification
|
Cross-Border Data Transfer
|
Penalties for Non-Compliance
|
| GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) |
EU & EEA |
Personal data protection & privacy |
Any entity processing EU citizens' data |
Explicit & informed consent required |
Access, correction, erasure, portability |
Within 72 hours |
Restricted unless adequate safeguards exist |
Up to €20M or 4% of global revenue |
| UK GDPR |
United Kingdom |
Similar to EU GDPR but post-Brexit |
Any entity processing UK citizens' data |
Explicit & informed consent required |
Similar to GDPR |
Within 72 hours |
Restricted unless approved mechanisms are used |
Up to £17.5M or 4% of global revenue |
| DPDP Act 2023 (Digital Personal Data Protection Act) |
India |
Digital personal data protection |
Any entity processing Indian citizens' data |
Notice-based consent required, with exceptions |
Access, correction, grievance redressal |
To be defined by rules |
Restricted with conditions |
Up to ₹250 Cr (≈$30M) |
| HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) |
USA |
Healthcare data protection |
Healthcare providers, insurers, & business associates |
Consent needed for data sharing, with exceptions |
Access, correction, disclosure accounting |
No fixed timeline but "without unreasonable delay" |
Limited to specific safeguards |
Up to $1.9M per violation |
| DISHA (Digital Information Security in Healthcare Act - Proposed) |
India |
Healthcare data protection |
Healthcare providers, insurers & digital health services |
Explicit consent required |
Access, correction, deletion |
To be defined |
Restricted with exceptions for health emergencies |
Criminal liability & heavy fines |
| PIPL (Personal Information Protection Law) |
China |
Personal data protection & security |
Any entity processing Chinese citizens' data |
Explicit & informed consent required |
Access, correction, erasure |
Immediate notification |
Strict restrictions; requires approval |
Up to 5% of annual revenue |
| CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) |
California, USA |
Consumer data protection |
Businesses handling California residents' data |
Opt-out for data selling |
Access, deletion, opt-out |
No strict timeline |
Restricted unless safeguards exist |
Up to $7,500 per violation |
| LGPD (Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados - Brazil) |
Brazil |
Personal data protection |
Any entity processing Brazilian citizens' data |
Explicit consent required |
Access, correction, deletion, portability |
Within a reasonable time |
Restricted unless safeguards exist |
Up to 2% of revenue (max R$50M) |
| PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) |
Canada |
Consumer data protection |
Private-sector businesses |
Consent required |
Access, correction |
As soon as feasible |
Limited restrictions |
Up to $100,000 per violation |
| Russia’s Personal Data Law |
Russia |
Data localization & protection |
Any entity processing Russian citizens' data |
Explicit consent required |
Access, correction, deletion |
Within 72 hours |
Data must be stored within Russia |
Heavy fines & business restrictions |
Key Takeaways:
- GDPR is the most comprehensive regulation, influencing many global laws.
- DPDP Act & DISHA aim to enhance India’s data privacy framework.
- HIPAA & DISHA focus specifically on healthcare data protection.
- PIPL (China) & Russia’s law enforce strict data localization rules.
- CCPA & PIPEDA provide consumer-focused rights in the USA & Canada.
