Effective Data Security Compliance Standards: Why It Matters and How to Achieve It

In today's digital landscape, data security compliance standards are a cornerstone for building trust with customers. As a venue or organization, your reputation hinges on how well you safeguard customer data. Non-compliance isn’t just risky — it can erode trust, invite penalties, and disrupt operations. That’s why understanding a software vendor’s data security compliance standards matter now more than ever.

At Momentus Technologies, we take compliance seriously, not as a box-ticking exercise but as a commitment to protect our customers’ data and support their success. By aligning with rigorous certifications, we ensure that your sensitive information is secure at every level, giving you peace of mind and freeing you to focus on delivering exceptional event experiences. 

This blog dives into the essential aspects of data security compliance, showing how Momentus leads the way in proactive protection, streamlined operations, and customer trust. As a venue, here’s why it matters for your organization — and how we’re ensuring your data is safe with us, every step of the way. 

Why Data Security Compliance Standards Matters 

Data security compliance refers to adhering to standards and regulations designed to protect sensitive information. As a venue and event management software provider, Momentus handles extensive data on behalf of our customers. This responsibility obligates us to protect their information by following rigorous compliance standards. Compliance isn’t just a defensive strategy; it proactively reassures customers that their data is protected at every level. 

These regulations are especially important in global organizations like ours, which must comply with both local and international standards. Some certifications, like ISO 27001 and SOC 2, are internationally recognized benchmarks that assure customers worldwide of our commitment to data security. 

Navigating Global Data Security Compliance  

Achieving data security compliance on a global scale is no small feat. For instance, ISO 27001 is the world's best-known standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It sets an international standard, while the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) created the System and Organization Controls 2 (SOC 2) to provide a U.S.-based framework for managing data security. For many companies, including Momentus, aligning with these certifications provides wide-ranging coverage and global recognition. 

Additional industry-specific standards also come into play. For example, the Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX) certification is essential for meeting the unique needs of certain clients in the automotive industry. By aligning with these standards, we meet our contractual obligations and reinforce our commitment to data security at every level. 

Building an Enterprise-Wide Compliance Program 

Achieving and maintaining data security compliance standards isn’t a quick fix. At Momentus, we took a step back to overhaul our approach, shifting from a product-by-product compliance strategy to a unified enterprise-wide program. This comprehensive approach allows us to roll out policies, controls, and processes across all departments and products in a cohesive manner. 

Implementing these data security compliance standards required input from every team, including engineering, IT, and human resources. Each department was integral in establishing consistent policies and controls. We ensured, for instance, that our IT systems remain updated and synchronized. The scope and depth of these certifications encompass everything from software coding practices to human resources protocols, each step aiming to make our security airtight. 

Ensuring Customer Confidence through Compliance 

For venue managers and event professionals, data security compliance impacts more than just operations — it directly influences customer trust. Venue managers and event professionals, as data controllers, have signed agreements that mandate the secure processing of data, and Momentus, as a data processor, is obligated to meet these same high standards. We formalize these relationships through Data Protection Agreements (DPAs), which establish mutual expectations for data handling and compliance. 

With certifications and annual audits, our customers can feel confident that their venue and event data is safe in our hands. We even provide evidence of our compliance through regular audits, which include documentation reviews and direct assessments. In the case of non-compliance, there are serious implications to include financial penalties, underscoring the necessity of robust data security. 

Tools and Technologies for Achieving Data Security Compliance 

Technology is indispensable in managing and maintaining compliance. At Momentus, we rely on Vanta, a compliance management tool, which automates tracking and provides a centralized location for policies, testing, and evidence submission. By integrating systems like Microsoft Defender, AWS, and Paylocity, Vanta enables us to streamline compliance reporting, ultimately reducing audit costs and time. 

The use of technology also allows us to efficiently conduct audits. Instead of manually gathering evidence across departments, auditors can access Vanta directly to assess our compliance posture. This not only saves time but also minimizes disruptions to our teams, enhancing productivity. 

Challenges and Best Practices in Data Security Compliance 

Compliance requires navigating evolving regulations, emerging threats, and limited resources. Staying ahead of security challenges, particularly with the rise of AI governance, demands an adaptable and proactive approach. For instance, using AI responsibly in our products and security practices requires implementing governance frameworks that ensure compliance and protect against misuse. 

A few strategies have helped us overcome these challenges: 

• Proactive Monitoring: Regularly assessing our security measures helps us identify areas for improvement. 

• Continuous Training: Educating our team on the latest security practices ensures that everyone is prepared to address emerging threats. 

• Prioritizing Key Initiatives: By focusing on core compliance standards, we can create a compliance framework that is both effective and scalable. 

For venues looking to implement similar practices, a third-party risk management program is invaluable. This process involves evaluating vendors' compliance with contractual obligations and certifications, which is a critical part of managing data security in any venue. 

Looking Ahead: Future Trends in Data Security Compliance Standards 

Data security is a constantly evolving field, and AI will undoubtedly play a significant role in the future. AI’s potential to assist with compliance and security is vast, but it also introduces new challenges. We’re exploring AI governance solutions to monitor AI usage responsibly, allowing us to leverage its benefits without compromising data security. 

Compliance remains foundational to our mission of being a trusted partner in venue and event management. As technology advances, so do the ways we protect data and maintain trust. With a commitment to stringent compliance standards, Momentus is prepared to meet the challenges ahead, delivering not only data security but also peace of mind to our customers. 

By Ken Bell, Chief Information Security Officer at Momentus Technologies