And what you can do about it today
Many small and mid-sized businesses across Greater New Orleans and the Gulf Coast still think compliance is something only big corporations have to worry about.
The truth in 2025?
That mindset could be putting your business—and your reputation—at serious risk.
Why Compliance Should Be on Every Business Owner’s Radar
Government agencies like the HHS, FTC, and PCI Security Standards Council are ramping up enforcement, and they’re not just going after Fortune 500s anymore. If you handle personal health data, process credit card payments, or store consumer financial information, you’re squarely in the spotlight.
Noncompliance isn’t just a legal issue—it’s a business risk. We’ve seen fines, lawsuits, and even local companies lose customers after falling short on compliance.
The Big Three Regulations You Can’t Afford to Ignore
1. HIPAA
If your company touches Protected Health Information (PHI)—even in a secondary role—you’re subject to HIPAA rules. These now require:
- Encryption of all electronic PHI
- Ongoing risk assessments
- Staff training on data privacy
- A documented incident response plan
Case in point: A small medical clinic in 2024 was hit with a $1.5M fine for not encrypting patient data. Don’t let that be you.
2. PCI DSS
If you process credit card payments, PCI compliance is mandatory. Requirements include:
- Secure storage of cardholder data
- Network monitoring and testing
- Firewalls and encryption
- Controlled access to sensitive data
Noncompliance can result in fines of $5K–$100K per month. Many local businesses unknowingly fall out of compliance simply because no one’s monitoring their systems.
3. FTC Safeguards Rule
If you store consumer financial information, new FTC rules now require:
- A written information security plan
- A qualified individual in charge of security
- Regular risk assessments
- Use of multifactor authentication (MFA)
Penalties? Up to $100K per incident—plus $10K for individuals found responsible.
What Noncompliance Really Looks Like
Let’s get real.
One local practice suffered a ransomware attack last year due to outdated systems. Not only did they pay a six-figure fine, but they also lost patients—and their hard-earned trust. The aftermath?
Staff morale tanked, referrals dried up, and their Google reviews told the story.
How to Get Ahead of Compliance—Without Breaking the Bank
- Start with a Risk Assessment: Know where you stand. Identify gaps in security and compliance.
- Secure Your Systems: Firewalls, encryption, backups, MFA—make sure you’re covered.
- Educate Your Team: Everyone should know how to spot phishing, secure devices, and follow protocols.
- Have a Plan: A response plan can be the difference between a blip and a breakdown.
- Don’t DIY IT: Partner with a local team (like BridgeNet) that gets compliance and understands your business.
We’re Here to Help
At BridgeNet, we specialize in supporting Gulf Coast businesses with complex IT needs—but limited internal resources. We’re not just checking boxes—we’re building trust, protecting reputations, and giving business owners peace of mind.
Let’s talk about how we can simplify compliance for you—before it becomes a problem.
