Compliance Can’t Be Static: Why Modern Security Requires Active Management

There was a time – not too long ago – when a business could install a security system, check the compliance box and move on. Systems stayed in place for years. Updates were rare. Passwords were shared and never changed. If everything “worked,” it was considered good enough.

But not anymore.

Today’s threat landscape doesn’t allow for passive protection. Cybersecurity regulations, insurance carriers and evolving risk profiles demand more. A lot more.

At PSLA, we’re seeing this firsthand – across Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and nationwide. Clients come to us with “fully functional” systems that are anything but secure or compliant. Because here’s the truth:

Security compliance isn’t a one-time achievement. It’s a living, breathing process that requires ongoing attention.

The Set-It-and-Forget-It Mindset is Over

Let’s be clear: the old way of thinking – installing a camera system, setting up access control and walking away – isn’t just outdated. It’s dangerous.

Compliance standards in physical and cyber security are no longer just internal policies or IT checklists. They’re enforced by regulators, insurance providers and even clients, especially in industries like healthcare, education and critical infrastructure. And they’re changing fast.

We’ve had clients who installed a system five years ago that still “works.” But when we look under the hood, we find:

• Default admin passwords that haven’t been changed

• Outdated firmware on access control panels

• Open ports that expose systems to the internet

• Expired TLS Certificates

• No audit trail or accountability for user actions

All of these are compliance violations waiting to happen. And more importantly, they’re risk magnets.

Modern Compliance Requires Modern Management

In today’s world, staying compliant means actively managing your security ecosystem. That includes:

• Changing passwords regularly and ensuring strong credential practices

• Updating firmware on security devices, not just your office software

• Encrypting data streams from surveillance and access control systems

• Running vulnerability scans and acting on the results

• Documenting changes and controls for compliance audits

Security is no longer just about the tech you install – it’s about how you manage it over time.

That’s why PSLA has focused heavily on solutions like Cyber Covenant and Overarch – designed specifically to meet this new demand for continuous compliance.

Why This Shift is Happening Now

There are three major forces driving this shift:

1. Cybersecurity Regulations Are Catching Up
    Frameworks like CMMC, HIPAA and GDPR now hold businesses accountable not just for their networks – but for physical security systems connected to those networks. Your badge readers, cameras and control systems can all be entry points and regulators know it.
   

2. Insurance Requirements Are Tightening
    Cyber insurance underwriters are getting smarter. They're not just asking about firewalls – they’re asking about access logs, surveillance authentication and firmware updates. And if you can’t prove that you're maintaining your systems, good luck with a claim.
   

3. Attack Surfaces Are Expanding
    As we integrate more devices into our systems – IP cameras, smart locks, environmental sensors – the potential entry points for attackers multiply. An old device with outdated firmware is like leaving a side door unlocked.
   
   

Real-World Impacts of Non-Compliance

Let me give you an example. A client came to us after their access control system was breached. They hadn’t updated their firmware in years. The vendor had issued multiple critical patches – but because they had no process in place, those updates never made it onto the system.

A bad actor exploited a vulnerability, gained access to user credentials and disabled key doors remotely. No physical damage. No network breach. But massive disruption – and a significant insurance battle because they couldn’t demonstrate compliance with basic maintenance protocols.

We rebuilt their system from the ground up with Overarch, enabling automated updates, secure audit logs and user access management that actually reflects today’s threat landscape.

How PSLA Makes Compliance Simple

We get it – compliance can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer simple to deploy and easy to manage tools into everything we do:

With Cyber Covenant, we deliver:

• Managed detection and response, ensuring threats are identified in real time

• Monthly education and reporting, so your team understands and documents what matters

• Assistance with compliance checklists, whether you’re facing HIPAA, CMMC or vendor security reviews
  

With Overarch, we take it further:

• Centralized visibility into all your security systems

• Automated firmware and certificate updates

• User-friendly dashboards that show real-time compliance status

No more wondering what’s been done or who did it. You get clarity, continuity and confidence.

Bottom Line: Secure Systems Don’t Maintain Themselves

The tech you use might be compliant today – but what about tomorrow? Or six months from now?

The only way to ensure compliance is to treat security as an ongoing responsibility, not a box to check.

At PSLA, we’re helping clients shift from passive to proactive – because that’s where real protection begins.

So if you’re still holding on to a “set it and forget it” mindset, it’s time to evolve. Compliance isn’t static. Security systems can’t be, either.