What is ITAR?
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) control the export and import of defense-related articles. All manufacturers, exporters, and brokers of these items must be ITAR compliant. As more companies are requiring their suppliers to be ITAR compliant as well.
What is ITAR Compliance
Being ITAR compliant means that the company must register with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls if they’re selling goods or services on the USML, and abide by all ITAR laws. The company is telling us they’ll do this when signing up.
Companies need to know what is required of them, then prove that they possess the knowledge.
How Does the ITAR Affect My Business?
When it comes to ITAR compliance, you can’t just register with the DDTC and think that’s enough. You need to understand all of the regulations as well.
- The fines can be as high as $500,000 for each violation.
- Depending on the severity of the crime, fines can be up to $1 million and 10 years imprisonment.
ITAR Compliance and ITAR Regulations for Tech Organizations
The goal of ITAR is to control access to specific types of technology and their associated data. The responsibility falls on the manufacturer or exporter, as they need to make sure that they are meeting these requirements.
ITAR is also known as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, which are a set of rules for importing and exporting weapons.
- This is a military journal that covers anything related to the military.
- Military law deals with rules for military equipment designed to kill or defend against death.
- The company was founded because of how space-based technology can be applied to missile technology.
- This article discusses defense-related goods and services.
- It’s difficult to obtain a license and the regulations are not flexible.
2020 ITAR Declaration
In December of 2019, the Department of State amended ITAR. The amendment aims to better describe which articles warrant export and temporary import control on the USML.
Organizations can store ITAR data in the cloud as long as it meets certain criteria. The new amendment doesn’t count any transmission of this type if it is safe from being accessed by foreign entities and when there’s a reasonable expectation that access to such information will not be used to harm national security.
- Unclassified
- When I want to protect my data, I use end-to-end encryption.
- Cryptographically secured
ITAR Data Security Requirements
Now that you know the significance of ITAR Compliance and how to avoid penalties, it’s important to understand how to keep your data safe. Data security will have different requirements for every company but here are some best practices on securing ITAR-controlled data:
- Keep your information safe.
- Install and maintain a firewall to protect data from outside threats, avoid using vendor passwords.
- Make sure to assign an ID number for each person that has computer access.
- You don’t want to wait until a security breach happens before you start testing your systems and processes.
- If you are storing sensitive data, encrypt it to protect against security breaches.
- I found that I had to constantly monitor my network, and also test it. I realized that with the right amount of base pay plus commissions, it would be enough motivation for them.
- I make sure to put in strong security measures.
- Network security is a big issue for companies, so they often monitor and track all access to sensitive data.
- Develop a plan for monitoring and protecting against vulnerabilities.
- When it comes to ITAR-controlled data, there are a few things that companies can do in order to prevent the loss of this information.
This list is not exhaustive, but it’s meant to give you a place to start when securing sensitive data and also complying with ITAR. The measures on this list can help ensure that your company has access to the information they need while staying protected against loss or unauthorized access.
Experts Offer Their Opinions on ITAR Compliance
Here is a list of what experts have to say about ITAR compliance.
There is no such thing as being ITAR certified. You can only be registered for it and have a compliance program in place.
Companies that want to do business with the Department of Defense must register their company. This registration doesn’t mean they are out of the woods, though.
ITAR compliance checklists are lists that arms suppliers use to easily determine if they’re ITAR compliant, establish an identification system for their products and implement a successful program.
If you’re running a company subject to ITAR regulations, these tips will ensure that the latest amendments are followed.
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