IT Compliance Has Changed Everything—Except the Stakes

I recently reflected on what has changed in Information Technology since I began my IT journey in 1988 as a data systems officer for the United States Marine Corps. My answer to myself was, “everything.” Since “everything” is too broad a topic to write about, I decided to focus on IT compliance—a concept that existed in a much simpler form in 1988 compared to today’s far more complex compliance landscape, particularly for highly regulated industries like banking and financial services.

Today, the U.S. government defines IT compliance as “the strict adherence to legal, regulatory, and security standards (e.g., FISMA, HIPAA, NIST) designed to manage, store, and protect data.” It requires organizations to follow prescribed rules to secure infrastructure, ensure data privacy, maintain operational integrity, and demonstrate accountability to avoid legal and regulatory penalties. In practical terms, this means adopting a structured framework of policies, procedures, and controls that ensure an organization’s data, systems, and users comply with applicable laws and standards—an expectation that financial institutions know well.

None of these modern regulations and standards existed in 1988. However, two years earlier, in 1986, Congress passed the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). This landmark legislation prohibited:

1. Unauthorized access to or misuse of protected computers
2. Using a computer to commit fraud
3. Altering, damaging, or destroying protected information
4. Trafficking in computer passwords.

The CFAA was the first federal anti-hacking law and laid the groundwork for today’s regulatory environment. Since then, the law has been amended, and numerous additional regulations and supervisory expectations—particularly those impacting financial institutions—have been introduced.

These newer laws and regulations have significantly increased the complexity of IT compliance. Rapid technological change—including AI adoption, zero trust identity architectures, continuous monitoring expectations, and overlapping federal, state, and international requirements—has made compliance an ongoing operational challenge rather than a periodic exercise. For banks and financial institutions, this complexity is amplified by examiner scrutiny, audit requirements, and the need to demonstrate consistent, defensible controls.

The good news is that automated tools and established frameworks, such as those developed by NIST, exist to help organizations manage these demands. NIST frameworks are closely aligned with regulatory expectations, making it easier for institutions to meet compliance requirements by following well-defined, risk-based guidelines.

In summary, much has changed since 1988, and one thing is clear: IT compliance will not get simpler—it will only grow more complex. The encouraging reality is that frameworks and automated tools will continue to evolve alongside regulations, helping organizations—especially those in banking and financial services—adapt, manage risk, and maintain trust in an increasingly digital world.

At Intraprise, we approach IT compliance with the understanding that it is no longer a static checklist, but a continuously evolving discipline that directly impacts operational resilience, regulatory confidence, and institutional trust. With deep roots in cybersecurity and secure software development, we help banks and financial institutions translate complex regulatory requirements into practical, defensible controls—supported by automation, proven frameworks, and real-world expertise. As compliance expectations continue to expand, our focus remains on helping institutions stay ahead of risk while maintaining clarity, consistency, and confidence in their compliance posture.

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