Compliance refers to adhering to rules and regulations set by various entities, such as government organizations and industry standards, aimed at reducing legal and financial risks. Security, on the other hand, focuses on preventing and responding to cyber threats, protecting data, and maintaining the integrity of an organization's assets. While both aim to lower risk, they are not the same; compliance is about meeting regulatory requirements, while security is about safeguarding the organization.

Organizations can achieve a balance by implementing compliance measures that also strengthen security. For instance, regulations may require firewalls or incident reporting, which inherently improve security. Additionally, enhancing visibility into risk areas can simplify compliance documentation and bolster security efforts, allowing both compliance and security to support each other effectively.

Organizations, especially smaller ones, may struggle with limited resources to dedicate to compliance efforts. Proving compliance can divert attention from cybersecurity measures, and certain regulations may complicate monitoring for suspicious activities. Additionally, the need for thorough documentation can be tedious and time-consuming, particularly if compliance must be demonstrated retroactively.