Across the globe regulatory frameworks for cyber security are becoming stricter and more complex. As digital infrastructure grows and cyber threats escalate, governments are tightening enforcement, introducing new standards, and expecting organisations to demonstrate robust cyber resilience.

Whether it’s GDPR, DORA or NIS2 across the EU, the UK’s evolving data protection and cyber resilience legislation, or new laws emerging across Africa like Nigeria’s NDPR or South Africa’s POPIA, the regulatory momentum is clear: cyber security is now a boardroom priority. Failure to comply not only invites regulatory penalties but undermines trust, reputation, and operational continuity.

Compliance challenges in different regions

Organisations face distinct but overlapping challenges in managing compliance.

In the EU, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) remains the benchmark, demanding stringent data handling, breach reporting, and accountability processes. Beyond GDPR, many organisations now face the Network and Information Systems Directive (NIS2), which extends obligations across critical sectors and supply chains, with tougher penalties and greater board responsibility.

In the UK, post-Brexit divergence is underway. The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill aims to streamline aspects of GDPR while maintaining international adequacy. However, UK businesses must also prepare for incoming legislation like the Cyber Governance Code of Practice and tighter expectations around supply chain security, reflecting the government’s broader cyber resilience agenda.

Meanwhile, in Africa, many nations are rapidly developing their own compliance frameworks. South Africa’s POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) enforces similar principles to GDPR but includes distinct provisions around local processing and cross-border data sharing. Nigeria’s NDPR also aligns broadly with international standards but enforcement varies, and many organisations lack the resources to fully comply. As digital economies grow, regulators are beginning to take a more assertive stance—especially in sectors like banking, telecoms, and public services.

Despite regional differences, the underlying challenges are consistent: staying current with regulatory expectations, managing cyber risk proactively, and demonstrating compliance to regulators, customers, and partners.

The consequences of non-compliance

The financial cost of non-compliance can be steep. For example, under GDPR organisations face fines of up to €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover—whichever is higher. High-profile fines have been issued to organisations across industries for poor data protection, delayed breach notifications, or insufficient access controls.

In the UK, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has shown increased enforcement activity. Even in cases without confirmed breaches, such as the 2024 Sellafield case, failure to implement adequate cyber security controls has led to large penalties.

In Africa, while fines are currently lower, the reputational impact and operational disruption caused by investigations and sanctions can be just as damaging. Additionally, as regulatory frameworks mature, enforcement is expected to become more aggressive, particularly in financial services, telecoms, and energy.

But the costs don’t stop at fines. Data breaches resulting from compliance failures can lead to direct losses from fraud, legal claims from affected individuals, spiralling forensic costs, and prolonged business disruption. The IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024 highlights that recovery now averages over $4.5 million per incident globally, with even higher costs in regulated sectors.

Reputation loss is often the most lasting damage. Customers, investors, and partners are increasingly scrutinising data protection and cyber risk governance. A single compliance misstep can erode trust and trigger long-term commercial fallout—particularly in industries that rely on confidential data or international trade.

How Integrity360 supports compliance across regions

Integrity360’s Compliance, Risk and Assurance services are designed to help organisations wherever they are to meet their cyber security obligations with confidence and clarity. Integrity360 has the expertise and coverage to support you locally.

One of Integrity360’s core strengths lies in our regional presence. With established offices and teams across Europe, the UK, South Africa and beyond we provide on-the-ground support tailored to your local regulatory and business context. Our local experts are fluent in national frameworks, sector-specific obligations, and the nuances of cross-border data protection—ensuring that compliance strategies are not only technically sound but also culturally and legally aligned.

We start with a comprehensive risk and compliance assessment tailored to your regulatory environment and industry. From there, our consultants develop a clear, actionable roadmap that addresses immediate compliance gaps and sets a course for long-term cyber resilience. Whether you're looking to align with ISO/IEC 27001, pass a PCI DSS audit, prepare for NIS2, or validate your readiness under DORA or local African frameworks, Integrity360 delivers relevant, region-specific guidance.

Our virtual CISO (vCISO) and advisory services can provide continuous support, giving you access to high-level cyber security leadership without the overhead of permanent hires. These services are particularly valuable in markets where skilled compliance professionals are in short supply, helping businesses maintain strategic direction, prepare for audits, and engage confidently with regulators.

Integrity360 also delivers testing and assurance services, including penetration testing, third-party risk assessments, and incident response readiness evaluations. These services ensure your controls are not just theoretical—they’re actively tested, evidenced, and aligned with compliance reporting requirements.

Whether your business operates in a single jurisdiction or across multiple countries, our regional delivery model ensures consistent quality and regulatory alignment. Our teams collaborate across borders to support multinational compliance programmes, while our local consultants provide insight into specific legal, cultural and operational needs.

Take action today

Non-compliance in cyber security doesn’t just cost money—it costs reputation, customers, and future opportunity. With regulations tightening across the EU, UK, and Africa, now is the time to assess your compliance posture and put sustainable controls in place.

Contact Integrity360 today to schedule a cyber risk and compliance review, and discover how our Compliance, Risk and Assurance services can help your organisation meet its obligations and build a more resilient future.