Compliance can be one of the most frustrating aspects of business, but it’s also one of the most important. Staying compliant protects you from cyber threats, loss of clientele, hits to your reputation, sizable fines, and even criminal charges in some cases.
If your business deals with technology imports and exports, you have a particular responsibility to maintain compliance with requirements like ITAR. This blog will help you understand ITAR regulations, how they relate to technology transfers, and what you can do to stay compliant.
How Can I Maintain ITAR Compliance?
There is no single solution to staying ITAR compliant, and recommendations will vary from business to business. However, these tips can act as a good start to following ITAR regulations.
Perform Regular Compliance Evaluations
To know what adjustments need to be made in your compliance and which regulations apply to your operations, regular audits should be performed. This will help you identify gaps in your compliance with ITAR and what you can do to remedy them, as well as allow you to quickly adapt to changes in standards and your operations.
Launch Compliance Software
Luckily, there are tools available (often through IT firms with compliance service) to help you stay in line with regulations. Special software can help you implement programs and track your compliance and technology transfer information. This helps you stay organized and be prepared to present the necessary records and information to verify your ITAR compliance.
Follow Cybersecurity Best Practices
Robust cybersecurity is absolutely necessary for secure technology transfers. An IT team specializing in ITAR regulations will help you take specific measures to meet your needs, but these basic procedures will help you get started on securing your systems.
- Maintain a secure network with firewalls, virus scanners, endpoint protection, etc.
- Implement access controls and require users to practice proper password hygiene.
- Encrypt data and messages as they move through your systems.
- Set up 24/7 network monitoring to track access and eradicate threats quickly.
Educate Employees
Make sure your team understands ITAR regulations, why they’re important, and their role in maintaining compliance. Hold training sessions and consider inviting an expert to explain ITAR and field questions. With a solid understanding of the reasoning behind procedures, your employees will likely be more able and willing to follow them.
Get Expert Help
Staying compliant is a stressful job. ITAR regulations are complex, and frequent updates to the rules themselves or to your systems and procedures make it difficult to keep up. Additionally, violations (accidental or not) often result in fines or criminal charges.
Partnering with an IT company that specializes in ITAR compliance is a wise option for avoiding confusion and staying on track. IT professionals have a working knowledge of and experience with ITAR, so they can help you understand what regulations apply to your business and provide solutions for following them, removing a huge weight from your shoulders.
Transfer Securely With Brightline
Navigating ITAR regulations can be a huge headache, and you deserve to spend your time focusing on the core operations of your business instead of compliance. With Brightline IT, you can leave reviewing your current procedures, developing a plan for staying compliant, conducting training for your employees, and more, to us.
If you’re worried about ITAR compliance and technology transfers, we’ve got your back. Send us a message, and we’ll get in touch to start working on your compliance needs.
