Cloud security firm CipherCloud has launched a reference site covering international data compliance regulations. The Global Compliance Resource Center outlines privacy and data protection laws for 83 countries worldwide, and highlights special considerations relevant to doing business in each nation.

“The resource center provides an invaluable starting point for enterprises that are grappling with compliance issues associated with data that crosses national boundaries,” CipherCloud explained in a press announcement.

Users can select one of the 83 countries on a map and get a brief report that includes information on that country’s national data protection authority, as well as data protection, data transfer, and data breach notification requirements. Each report assigns an overall data privacy protection ranking (“strong,” “moderate” or “limited”) and provides each nation’s legal definition of “personal data” and “sensitive personal data.”

The site also contains additional resources, including the company’s 106 page “Global Guide to Data Protection Laws” that outlines privacy and compliance laws in more than 83 countries. The site also details regional regulations, such as individual state breach notification laws in the US, as well as those affecting industry verticals, including financial services, payment transactions and healthcare.

“Data in the cloud inevitably crosses borders, forcing enterprises to comply with a maze of regulations around the world,” said Willy Leichter, global director of cloud security with CipherCloud. “We created this resource center to help global businesses understand what laws apply as they design security strategies to protect their sensitive data and stay up to date with the latest regulations.”