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. (more…)
Category: SOC 2
Navigate SOC 2 certification with expert resources. Explore SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria, gap assessments, implementation checklists, startup guides, and best practices to demonstrate security, availability, and confidentiality for your service organization
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What is the SOC 2 Certification Validity Period?
Overseen by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), SOC 2 evaluates the implementation of effective standards and controls for organizations outside the financial sector, including software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers. Since the SOC 2 certification validity period only lasts for a limited amount of time, those pursuing certification on a long-term basis will need to dedicate themselves to learning and maintaining these rules. (more…)
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Comprehensive SOC 2 Implementation Guide
Organizations looking to build trust among current and potential clients have a host of tools available to them—but one of the most effective is a SOC 2 audit. SOC 2 is an assessment framework overseen by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The SOC 2 audit is a robust evaluation process, whether Type 1 (short-term) or Type 2 (long-term). So, to guarantee success, organizations should turn to a SOC 2 implementation guide—like this one. (more…)
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Why Is SOC 2 Compliance Important?
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) publishes various audit and reporting guides designed to keep companies and their stakeholders safe. One that applies to most service organizations, including but not limited to cloud computing providers, is the SOC 2 framework. So, why is SOC 2 compliance important? Read on to learn why it matters, how it helps cloud organizations specifically, and how its criteria can help all companies. (more…)
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Top Security Monitoring Solutions for SOC 2 Compliance
Service organizations vary widely in nature, but all need to assure their clients’ trust. One significant hurdle to that effect is securing the networks upon which you and your customers rely. A SOC 2 audit, using the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts (AICPA) Trust Services Criteria (TSC), goes a long way toward earning that trust. Implementing network security monitoring solutions and techniques help ensure a successful SOC 2 audit report and optimize your cyberdefenses more broadly. (more…)
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What are the AICPA Trust Services Criteria?
Organizations that provide software and other services to businesses and individuals must ensure that all data entrusted to them by customers is secure. (more…)
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What is SOC 2 Common Criteria Mapping?
To help service organizations assure their clients of data safety, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has developed several System and Organization Controls (SOC) audits. There are three variations, but SOC 2 is the most common for evaluating whether a company’s security practices are up to par. (more…)
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How Long Does a SOC 2 Audit Take?
A SOC 2 audit aims to discover if an organization has secure and sufficient procedures and policies to protect vital corporate data. With the emphasis on data privacy these days, companies outsourcing their cloud infrastructure, colocation, data processing, and data hosting can generate a positive buzz if they can pass their SOC 2 audit with flying colors. (more…)
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What are SOC 2 Penetration Testing Requirements?
The best defense is a potent offense. That’s the thinking behind the “ethical hacking” cybersecurity practice known as penetration testing (pen-testing). To understand which vulnerabilities a cybercriminal could exploit and how, it’s best to test them out yourself — or with the help of an expert service provider. Pen-testing is ideal for ensuring all regulatory requirements are in place, such as those for SOC 2 compliance.
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Your Guide to SOC 2 Cloud Security
One of COVID-19’s direct impacts on businesses has been the acceleration toward cloud solutions. Cloud computing and data storage have skyrocketed — in fact, cloud spending increased 37% during the first months of the pandemic. In turn, this means more companies now need to focus on their cloud security practices, especially concerning regulatory compliance requirements. For example, service organizations need to comply with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) SOC guidelines and SOC cloud security requirements.