Columbia Advisory Group Achieves ISO 9001:2015 Certification for the 7th Straight Year.

Dallas, TX – October 17, 2024 – Columbia Advisory Group (CAG), a leading provider of IT consulting, cybersecurity, and compliance services, is proud to announce that it has achieved the prestigious ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System (QMS) by DEKRA Certification, Inc. for the seventh consecutive year.

ISO 9001:2015 is an internationally recognized standard that ensures organizations meet the needs of customers through an effective quality management system. This certification demonstrates CAG’s ongoing commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality services and improving operational performance.
“Achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification for seven consecutive years reflects our unwavering dedication to quality and excellence,” said David McLaughlin, CEO of Columbia Advisory Group. “This certification from DEKRA underscores our commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction while reinforcing our position as a trusted partner in cybersecurity, IT services, and compliance.”
CAG’s Quality Management System includes processes that focus on delivering services that meet client needs, improving customer satisfaction, and maintaining high standards across its operations. The certification process involved a thorough audit of CAG’s procedures, ensuring alignment with ISO 9001:2015 criteria.
This achievement strengthens CAG’s standing as a trusted and reliable provider in IT consulting, cybersecurity, and compliance services across various industries, including education, healthcare, finance, and government sectors.

About Columbia Advisory Group

Columbia Advisory Group (CAG) provides expert IT consulting, cybersecurity, and compliance services to a diverse range of industries. The company’s comprehensive solutions help organizations manage their IT infrastructure, safeguard sensitive data, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. CAG’s client-centric approach and commitment to quality have positioned it as a leader in the IT services industry.

About DEKRA Certification, Inc.

DEKRA Certification, Inc. is one of the world’s leading providers of auditing and certification services, helping organizations achieve internationally recognized certifications in quality management, environmental management, health and safety, and more. With a global presence, DEKRA is committed to ensuring organizations meet the highest standards of performance and quality.

Media Contact:

Haley Rose
Chief Marketing Officer
Columbia Advisory Group
Phone: 512-657-0294
Email: hrose@columbiaadvisory.com
For more information about Columbia Advisory Group and its services, visit www.columbiaadvisory.com.

Strengthening Your Organization with Columbia Advisory Groups Effective Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Security Services

In today’s dynamic business environment, organizations face many challenges, from regulatory changes to emerging risks. Effective Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) practices are essential for navigating these complexities and ensuring long-term success. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of GRC and how it can benefit your organization.

What is GRC?

GRC stands for Governance, Risk, and Compliance. It is a structured approach to aligning IT with business objectives, managing risk, and meeting compliance requirements. By integrating these three components, organizations can create a cohesive strategy that enhances decision-making, reduces risks, and ensures regulatory compliance.

The Importance of GRC

  1. Enhanced Decision-Making: GRC practices provide a framework for making informed decisions that align with your organization’s strategic goals. By understanding risks and compliance requirements, leaders can make better choices that drive growth and stability.
  2. Risk Management: Effective GRC practices help identify, assess, and mitigate risks before they become significant issues. This proactive approach ensures that your organization is prepared for potential threats and can respond swiftly to minimize impact.
  3. Regulatory Compliance: Staying compliant with industry regulations is crucial to avoid penalties and maintain your organization’s reputation. GRC practices ensure that your organization meets all regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
  4. Operational Efficiency: By integrating governance, risk management, and compliance into a unified framework, organizations can streamline processes and improve operational efficiency. This holistic approach reduces redundancies and ensures that all departments are working towards common goals.

Key Components of GRC

  1. Governance: Governance involves establishing policies, procedures, and controls to guide your organization’s operations. It ensures that all activities align with your strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.
  2. Risk Management: Risk management involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could impact your organization. This includes everything from financial risks to cybersecurity threats.
  3. Compliance: Compliance ensures that your organization adheres to all relevant laws, regulations, and standards. This includes industry-specific regulations as well as broader legal requirements.

Leverage Columbia Advisory Groups GRC in Your Organization

  1. Develop a GRC Framework: Columbia Advisory Group starts by developing a comprehensive GRC framework that outlines your organization’s Security Program, Plan, and Risk Register. This framework will be tailored to your specific needs and industry requirements.
  2. Conduct Risk Assessments: Columbia Advisory Group will work with the client to assign roles and responsibilities for business, application, and system owners. Columbia Advisory Group will design risk assessments to assess potential threats and vulnerabilities. This information will be used to develop strategies for mitigating risks and improving your overall security posture.
  3. Ensure Continuous Monitoring: Columbia Advisory Group will conduct monthly external vulnerability scans and bi-annual internal vulnerability assessments to stay ahead of emerging risks. Annual security controls audits will identify deficiencies and provide recommendations for remediation. Tracking regulation and legislation will help Columbia Advisory Group prepare the organization for regulatory changes. This proactive approach allows you to respond quickly and effectively to any issues.
  4. Foster a Culture of Compliance: Columbia Advisory Group strives to encourage a culture of compliance within your organization. Weekly security meetings are used to discuss the current cybersecurity landscape and knowledge transfer. Columbia Advisory Group’s goal is to ensure that all employees understand the importance of GRC and their role in maintaining compliance.

Conclusion

Effective Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) practices are essential for navigating the complexities of today’s business environment. By integrating these components into a unified strategy, organizations can enhance decision-making, manage risks, and ensure regulatory compliance. Columbia Advisory Group can help implement GRC practices in your organization today to safeguard your future and achieve long-term success.

Columbia Advisory Group Selected as E&I Cooperative Partner for Cyber Security and Compliance

Dallas, TX – September 23, 2024 – Columbia Advisory Group (CAG), a leading provider of IT consulting and cybersecurity services, is proud to announce its selection as the preferred Cyber Security and Compliance partner for the E&I Cooperative Services, the largest member-owned, non-profit purchasing cooperative serving the needs of education.

The partnership enables CAG to deliver comprehensive cybersecurity and compliance solutions to E&I’s vast network of over 5,000 educational institutions. These services include risk assessments, compliance management, data protection, network security, and more, providing a robust and proactive approach to safeguarding educational data and infrastructure.
“We are honored to be chosen by E&I Cooperative Services as their trusted partner in cybersecurity and compliance,” said David McLaughlin, CEO of Columbia Advisory Group. “This collaboration allows us to extend our expertise to a wider range of educational institutions, ensuring that they have access to the highest level of protection against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.”
E&I Cooperative Services’ selection of CAG highlights the growing demand for advanced cybersecurity measures within the education sector. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, institutions face challenges in protecting sensitive data and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. CAG’s solutions are designed to address these challenges effectively, offering scalable and customizable services to meet the unique needs of each institution.

About Columbia Advisory Group

Columbia Advisory Group (CAG) is a leading provider of IT consulting, cybersecurity, and compliance services. With a team of experienced professionals, CAG helps organizations manage technology, protect data, and ensure regulatory compliance. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including education, healthcare, finance, and government.

About E&I Cooperative Services

E&I Cooperative Services is the only member-owned, non-profit purchasing cooperative focused exclusively on serving the needs of the education community. With a mission to deliver cost-saving solutions, E&I connects educational institutions with top-quality products and services, enhancing operational efficiency across the board.

Media Contact:

Haley Rose
CMO
Columbia Advisory Group
hrose@columbiaadvisory.com
For more information about Columbia Advisory Group and its services, visit www.columbiaadvisory.com.

GLBA audit findings will affect an institution’s participation in Title III and Title IV programs

On December 9, 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (F.T.C.) issued final regulations (Final Rule) to amend the Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information (Safeguards Rule), an essential component of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act’s (GLBA) requirements for protecting consumers’ privacy and personal information. Changes to the Safeguards Rule were effective on June 9, 2023.
The regulations use the terms “customer” and “customer information.” For an institution’s compliance with GLBA, customer information is obtained from providing a financial service to a student (past or present). Institutions or servicers offer a financial service when they, among other things, administer or aid in administering the Title IV programs, make institutional loans, including income share agreements, or certify or service a private education loan on behalf of a student.
The Department of Education conducts compliance audits, including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA). GLBA audit findings will affect an institution’s participation in Title III and IV programs as any other determination of non-compliance. Failure to comply with GLBA will require resolution through a Corrective Action Plan (C.A.P.).
To reduce risk, an institution’s written information security program must include the following nine elements: Columbia Advisory Groups Governance, Risk, Compliance, and vCISO Security Services are equipped to handle all 9 Elements:
Element 1: Designates a qualified individual responsible for overseeing and implementing the institution’s information security program and enforcing the information security program
Element 2: Provides for the information security program to be based on a risk assessment that identifies reasonably foreseeable internal and external risks to the security, confidentiality, and integrity of customer information that could result in the unauthorized disclosure, misuse, alteration, destruction, or other compromise of such information, and assesses the sufficiency of any safeguards in place to control these risks
Element 3: Provides for the design and implementation of safeguards to control the risks the institution or servicer identifies through its risk assessment.
Element 4: Provides for the institution or servicer to regularly test or otherwise monitor the effectiveness of the safeguards it has implemented.
Element 5: Provides for implementing policies and procedures to ensure that personnel can enact the information security program.
Element 6: Addresses how the institution or servicer will oversee its information system service providers.
Element 7: Provides for the evaluation and adjustment of its information security program in light of the results of the required testing and monitoring; any material changes to its operations or business arrangements; the results of the required risk assessments; or any other circumstances that it knows or has reason to know may have a material impact the information security program.
Element 8: For an institution or servicer maintaining student information on 5,000 or more consumers, establishing an incident response plan should be addressed.
Element 9: An institution or servicer maintaining student information on 5,000 or more consumers addresses the requirement for its Qualified Individual to report regularly and at least annually to those with control over the institution on the institution’s information security program
For additional information, please review the final regulation:
Please let us know your questions, comments, or concerns. We would be more than happy to set up a meeting to discuss how Columbia Advisory Group. Security Services addresses each element.

About Columbia Advisory Group

Founded in Dallas in 2012, Columbia Advisory Group LLC (CAG) is an established IT consulting firm renowned for delivering cost-effective, meaningful, and practical IT solutions that solve complex business problems. Our seasoned teams offer comprehensive insight across diverse regulatory and economic environments, providing unbiased, straightforward analysis and recommendations. We pride ourselves on our deep understanding of IT while remaining software and hardware-agnostic. Regardless of your organization’s growth trajectory or economic landscape, we at CAG are adept at adapting to your unique needs and complexity, offering tailored solutions to drive your success.

Contact us at info@columbiaadvisory.com.