SOC 2

Achieving SOC 2 Type 2 Certification is a complex process that follows these overarching steps:

• Choose the right SOC framework for your needs
• Determine the scope (or Type) of report you need
• Implement Trust Services Criteria controls
• Execute your SOC 2 compliance audit and report

All service organizations thrive on providing customers with security assurance across all information technology infrastructure and deliveries—especially regarding clients’ data.

To help service organizations improve their governance and decision-making models, the COSO framework internal controls provide thought leadership expertise across industries and business environments. Using these controls, your organization can successfully manage security risks as the complexity of your business environment evolves. Read on to learn more.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) oversees several assurance frameworks for service organizations, including those designed for software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers. When customers want proof that their data is protected, a SOC 2 Type 2 certification provides clear, independent assurance.

By evaluating how security controls operate over time, SOC 2 Type 2 certification helps SaaS companies build customer trust, reduce the impact of security incidents, and simplify ongoing compliance requirements.

Service organizations looking to assure stakeholders about the effectiveness of their security controls can do so by reporting on SOC 2 compliance. When optimizing identity and access management (IAM) controls, the SOC 2 compliance password requirements will help you meet and surpass the standards necessary for maintaining data security. Read on to learn how.

Service organizations looking to build out secure IT infrastructure can rely on SOC reports to audit their security controls. Besides strengthening and optimizing your security posture, SOC compliance also provides security assurance to your stakeholders. Read our guide to learn more about SOC reports, especially SOC 2 vs SOC 3, and how they can help you. 

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) oversees several audit protocols to ensure trust in organizations. Many of these concern financial operations exclusively; others touch on information technology and cybersecurity components. Two of AICPA’s most widely applicable assessments are SOC 2 and SOC for Cybersecurity. Read on for a comparative look at SOC for Cybersecurity vs SOC 2 to determine if one or both may be apt for your organization.

Service organizations that outsource certain services must protect stakeholder information from cybersecurity risks. One of the best methods to demonstrate your ability to do so is adhering to AICPA standards and guidance (commonly assessed via SOC audits). Organizations may wonder which of the standards and assessments best suits their needs: SSAE 16 SOC 1 vs. SOC 2 or other standards? Read on to learn more about the various AICPA attestations.

Why do you need SOC 2 for providing SaaS services? SOC reports and audits can help service organizations assure clients and customers of robust, secure internal controls for managing outsourced services and associated data. Read on to learn how SOC 2 compliance can help you build trust assurance for your clients.

System and Organizations Controls (SOC) reporting comes in multiple varieties, with each kind applying to different industries or intended for different audiences. SOC 2 is primarily aimed at Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) providers and similar service organizations. Although SOC 2 compliance provides a comprehensive framework for security, data integrity, user privacy, and more, there are some issues that can only be identified with a SOC 2 gap assessment.