Understanding IT Compliance: What You and Your Business Need to Know

Compliance is not just a box to tick. For businesses across the UK, IT compliance is a vital part of day-to-day operations. From protecting sensitive data to following regulatory frameworks, understanding your obligations is essential for avoiding penalties and building trust with clients, partners and regulators.

At Fitzrovia IT, we work with organisations across all sectors to help them stay compliant, secure and prepared. In this post, we break down the key IT compliance areas you and your organisation need to know about.

What is IT Compliance?

IT compliance means following the laws, regulations and standards that apply to how your organisation manages its information technology systems. This includes how you store data, protect systems, control access, respond to incidents and more.

Compliance is not just about ticking legal boxes. It demonstrates your commitment to data security and operational integrity and significantly reduces the risk of cyber attacks, data breaches, reputational damage, or legal action.

Key Compliance Regulations to Be Aware Of and What You Need to Do

DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act)

DORA applies to financial institutions and their ICT (information and communications technology) service providers operating within the EU. It aims to improve the sector’s ability to withstand, respond to, and recover from digital disruptions.

To be DORA compliant, organisations must:

• Implement an ICT Risk Management Framework: This includes regular assessments, continuous monitoring, and clear oversight responsibilities (source).
• Incident Reporting: Major ICT-related incidents must be classified and reported to regulators promptly (source).
• Resilience Testing: Annual internal testing and advanced threat-led penetration tests (TLPT) at least every three years (source).
• Third-party Risk Management: Contracts must include strict terms covering service delivery, security obligations, exit strategies, and performance monitoring (source).
• Governance and Accountability: Top management must oversee ICT risk and resilience strategy.
• Continuity Plans: Business continuity and disaster recovery plans must be tested and maintained.
• Identity and Access Management: Ensure user traceability and access control (source).
• Cybersecurity Awareness: Regular staff training is essential.

Penalties for non-compliance: Can reach up to 2% of global annual turnover.

ISO/IEC 27001

ISO 27001 is the international standard for information security management systems (ISMS). While not legally mandatory, it’s widely recognised and can demonstrate robust data protection practices to clients and stakeholders.

To comply with ISO 27001, organisations must:

• Conduct continuous risk assessments to identify threats and vulnerabilities.
• Implement a broad suite of security controls to mitigate identified risks.
• Establish a continuous improvement process for managing and evolving security policies.

Benefits:

• Stronger data protection practices

• Greater internal accountability and awareness

Organisations can seek ISO 27001 certification through accredited bodies following a successful audit.

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

GDPR applies to any organisation handling personal data of EU and UK residents. It ensures that personal information is processed fairly, lawfully, and transparently.

Key requirements include:

• Gaining lawful consent before processing personal data
• Providing individuals with access to their data and the ability to correct or delete it
• Reporting personal data breaches within 72 hours
• Appointing a Data Protection Officer (DPO) where required
• Conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)

Consequences of non-compliance:

• Fines of up to 4% of global annual turnover.

PECR (Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations)

PECR complements the UK GDPR and sets out specific rules for electronic communications.

Key areas covered:

• Marketing Communications: Rules on when you can send marketing emails, texts, calls or faxes.
• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Clear consent must be obtained for placing cookies or similar technologies.
• Communications Security: Measures must be taken to protect data during electronic transmission.
• Traffic and Location Data: Specific rules on handling metadata related to communications.

Important to Note:

• You must tell users clearly what you’re doing with their data.
• Consent for cookies must be specific and informed (e.g., no pre-ticked boxes).

Need Help With IT Compliance?

Understanding your responsibilities is the first step. Taking action is the next.

At Fitzrovia IT, we provide expert guidance tailored to your sector and risk profile. Whether you’re looking to achieve ISO 27001 certification, prepare for DORA compliance, or just improve your GDPR practices, our team is ready to help.

Get in touch today to book a compliance consultation or IT health check.