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nist cybersecurity for business
Cyber Security

NIST Cybersecurity for Business Applications

Integrating NIST cybersecurity for business applications into existing management system processes requires specialized implementation.  This is of special concern for organizations involved in contracting with the Department of Defense (DoD) that are adopting NIST SP 800-171 to meet Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements.   A major issue in this integration, is that the NIST cybersecurity

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implementing iso 9001 2005
Quality News

Implementing ISO 9001:2015 Around Your Organization

Implementing ISO 9001:2015 properly can benefit an organization across the board if executed appropriately.  The first steps of an effective implementation process should include determining what the intended results of the program should be.  These quality objectives may include factors beyond meeting customer expectations and ensuring the quality of products and services.  For example, a

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BIS Considers Enforcement Policies
Export Compliance News

BIS Considers Enforcement Policies Changes

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) considers enforcement policies changes an instrument for combatting national security threats.  This was highlighted in remarks released from Matthew Axelrod, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement.  In recent presentations he outlined the changing focus of the United States export control system and the need for bolstering enforcement actions of

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challenges in adopting CMMC standards
Cyber Security

Challenges in Adopting CMMC Standards

Many small businesses owners have expressed concerns about the challenges in adopting CMMC standards.  While the Department of Defense (DoD) has been stressing the necessity for contractors to reach various levels of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) for years now, many businesses are at a loss as to how to implement an effective program despite

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Understanding Export Administration Regulations
Export Compliance News

Understanding Export Administration Regulations (EAR)

The Importance of Understanding Export Administration Regulations (EAR)  Understanding Export Administration Regulations is especially important for businesses today because of the prevalence and ease of conducting international trade in today’s world.  Many businesses learn too late the consequences of remaining ignorant of federal export control laws.  Unfortunately, ignorance is not a defense when a party

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Quality News

Quality Objectives – SMART Goals Provide Results

Achieving quality objectives is a goal when implementing and maintaining any ISO 9000 family quality management system (QMS).  To achieve goals however, an organization must first clearly delineate what those objectives are.  Establishing quality objectives is a requirement under the planning clause of ISO 9001:2015.  However, to obtain the greatest value, care should be taken

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Medical Equipment EMC Susceptibility
Product Testing News

Medical Equipment EMC Requirements from the FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has completed guidance for medical equipment Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) information to be submitted before an electrical medical device that is manufactured in the United States is marketed.  This guidance updates previous submission recommendations released in 2016.  Its intent is to provide clarification of what the FDA will consider in

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Emissions Test Failures
Product Testing News

Emissions Test Failures Cost Time and Money

EMI emission test failures for compliance testing are a major cause of product development delays because most products fail in their first trip to the lab.  Radiated Emissions is the most common problem for developmental electronic products and one that is often difficult to mitigate.  This holds true for both military and commercial products. Radiated

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IoT Device Cybersecurity
Cyber Security

IoT Device Cybersecurity Guidance for Industry

Internet of Things (IOT) cybersecurity is becoming an issue of increasing concern as these devices continue to secure a larger marketplace presence.  This is due to the fact that IoT solutions are a cost effective means of achieving integration of connected devices.  IoT include smart home products, wearable technology, health monitoring devices, alarm systems, and

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Controls on Marine Toxins
Export Compliance News

Controls on Marine Toxins to Go into Effect

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is placing controls on marine toxins in a unilateral effort to prevent biological threats to humans and the environment by way of accidental or deliberate release.  This control specifically addresses the export, reexport, or transfer of the biotoxins brevetoxin, gonyautoxin, nodularin, and palytoxin.  These toxins are generally found

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Economic Espionage by China
Cyber Security

Economic Espionage by China Threatens United States

Economic Espionage by China Continues in Every Sector in the United States Economic espionage efforts by China continue to pose a serious threat to the United States in both public and private sectors.  In the public sector hacking groups backed by the People’s Republic of China have infiltrated local and federal agencies.  These persistent attacks

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Export Compliance Program Management
Export Compliance News

Export Compliance Program Management ISO 37301

Export Compliance Program Management Effective export compliance program management poses challenges for organizations of all sizes and sectors.  U.S. export regulations such as the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are complex and under constant revision.  Compliance is further complicated for organizations that have multinational operations and must therefore

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using mil std 810
Product Testing News

Using MIL STD 810 in Product Development

Defining MIL-STD-810 MIL-STD-810H – Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests is a Department of Defense (DoD) test standard to evaluate the effects of environmental stresses on materiel that are likely to occur during all phases of service life.  Using MIL-STD-810 effectively in product development is of great importance to developers of military equipment. Over and

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service industry quality management
Quality News

Service Industry Quality Management ISO 9001-1:2015

Why Have a Quality Management System for Service Industry Businesses? At first glance a Quality Management System (QMS) might appear inappropriate for service industry businesses.  There would appear to be a lack of metrics to serve as inputs, as a large portion of the product is not physical.  Customer satisfaction however, is a very tangible

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Understanding CMMC Requirements
Cyber Security

Understanding CMMC Requirements for DoD Suppliers

Understanding CMMC Requirements is critical for businesses of all sizes in the defense industry.  This need is becoming more urgent as final release of CMMC 2.0 is expected to occur in 2023.  Failure to achieve an appropriate level of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification in a timely manner may impede an organization’s ability to participate in

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messaging app security
Cyber Security

Messaging App Security and Information Privacy

Many users take messaging app security for granted when sending text messages, voice messages, photos, and videos.  However, not all apps secure messaging data equally.  This is a concern for both organizations and individuals who wish to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of information transferred between authorized users. Elements of Messaging Security Messaging app

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