Minnesota’s New Privacy Law & the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Cybersecurity Audit: What Every Business Needs to Know

Two major privacy changes are on the horizon, and they could affect your business sooner than you think. Minnesota has introduced a new privacy law that gives people more control over their personal information. At the same time, California’s well-known privacy law, the CCPA, will soon require certain businesses to pass an independent cybersecurity audit every year, starting between 2027 and 2029.

If you picture this as a quick form to fill out, think again. These audits will be detailed and thorough, checking how well you protect data in everyday practice  not just on paper.

What Is the CCPA Cybersecurity Audit?

The upcoming CCPA audit is different from most routine checks. It’s not something your own team can sign off on. An independent, qualified professional who doesn’t work for your company will review your processes and safeguards.

The audit will cover 18 key areas of security, including things like:

• How you control access to sensitive information

• How you train employees on security best practices

• How you respond when incidents happen

• How you find and fix security weaknesses
  

And it’s not enough to say, “We have these protections.” You’ll need documented proof, reports, and records that show your security measures are in place and actively working.

Why Start Preparing Now?

The first audits might still be a few years away, but getting ready takes time. Think of it like training for a marathon  you can’t start the week before the race and expect great results.

Businesses that start early will avoid expensive last-minute fixes, have smoother and faster audit experiences, and reduce stress for their teams. They will also be better positioned for similar laws that are likely to appear in other states.

Waiting until the deadline often leads to rushed projects, higher costs, and operational disruption. Starting early means you can make improvements steadily and with less pressure.

Turning a Challenge Into an Opportunity

While it’s easy to view this as just another compliance requirement, it’s also a chance to build trust and stand out from competitors. Imagine being able to confidently tell customers, partners, and investors:

"Our cybersecurity practices are reviewed by independent experts every year — and we pass with flying colors."

That kind of transparency builds credibility and can become a real selling point for your business. It tells people you’re serious about protecting their data, which in turn strengthens your relationships and reputation.

How LockThreat Helps Businesses Stay Audit-Ready

Preparing for an annual audit doesn’t have to mean stress and chaos. LockThreat is designed to help businesses stay ready all year long, not just in the weeks leading up to the audit.

With LockThreat, you can:

• See exactly what’s required for all 18 audit areas

• Identify strengths and weaknesses with clear gap checks

• Use ready-made templates for documents auditors expect to see

• Track your progress so you always know where you stand

• Receive reminders to keep everything up to date

Think of it as having a compliance coach that keeps you prepared, organized, and confident every single day.

Making Evidence Collection Simple

One of the hardest parts of an audit is gathering proof. Without a system, it can mean hours or even days of digging through emails, files, and spreadsheets. LockThreat solves this by collecting and organizing your evidence automatically from the tools you already use.

When audit time comes, you’ll have everything in one place, ready to go. This not only saves time but also ensures that your evidence is complete and consistent.

Benefits That Go Beyond the Audit

Strong cybersecurity habits don’t just help you pass an audit they also make your business stronger. With the right systems in place, you can spot problems earlier, react faster to incidents, and protect your brand’s reputation.

It’s about more than avoiding fines. It’s about keeping your business running smoothly, protecting the trust of your customers, and showing the market that you take data protection seriously.

Three Simple Steps to Get Started

If you want to be ready well ahead of time, here’s a simple plan you can start today:

1. Review your current practices and compare them with the 18 areas the CCPA audit will check.

2. Start organizing your proof — collect documents, training records, and reports that show what you’re doing now.

3. Set regular check-ins so you’re always ready, not just once a year.
   

The Bottom Line

Minnesota’s privacy law and California’s new audit requirement signal a clear shift: greater accountability, more transparency, and higher expectations for protecting personal data.

Businesses that prepare early will not only avoid the last-minute scramble but will also gain a competitive edge. They’ll be seen as trustworthy, responsible, and ahead of the curve.

Ready to make your business CCPA-audit ready?  

Talk to our team today and see how LockThreat can help you prepare, build trust, and turn compliance into an advantage. Book your free consultation now and take the first step toward being ready long before the first audit arrives.

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