Compliance refers to adhering to rules and regulations set by various entities, such as government bodies 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 a secure environment. While both aim to lower risk, they are not the same; compliance is about meeting regulations, while security is about safeguarding assets.

Compliance and security can complement each other, but they can also be at odds. For instance, compliance regulations may require certain measures that could hinder security efforts, such as privacy rights that limit monitoring. Conversely, implementing compliance measures can enhance security by mandating protections like firewalls and incident reporting, ultimately benefiting the organization's overall security posture.

Organizations often struggle with resource limitations, especially smaller ones that may lack dedicated compliance teams. Additionally, the need to document compliance can divert attention from security measures. Keeping up with varying regulations across different regions adds complexity, as organizations must navigate a landscape of compliance requirements to operate effectively and reach customers in areas with stricter laws.