Understanding SOC 2 Certification

In an increasingly digital world, assuring clients of the security and reliability of your IT infrastructure is essential. One of the most widely accepted means of demonstrating this assurance is through SOC 2 certification, a framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Type 1 vs Type 2: What's the Difference?

The SOC 2 certification process comes in two types: Type 1 and Type 2.

• SOC2 Type 1 Provides a snapshot of a company's security systems and configurations at a specific date. It assesses the design of the controls and their appropriateness for achieving desired outcome.
• SOC2 Type 2 Involves a more extended analysis of the company's overall security program. It evaluates both the design and the execution of all security safeguards over a certain period, typically six months to a year or longer.

Given the long-term insights provided by Type 2, it offers optimal assurance to clients about the safety of their data. Thus, while Type 2 certification may take longer and require more resources than Type 1, it is generally recommended for companies seeking the most impactful insights. Type 1 audits can be conducted periodically as part of ongoing Type 2 preparations.

Trust Service Criteria: The Backbone of SOC 2

Both SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 reports measure a company’s security through the lens of AICPA’s Trust Services Criteria (TSC). These are the five major TSC categories:

Security Measures how well a company protects systems against unauthorized access.

Availability Assesses the extent to which companies facilitate access to systems needed by clientele, including business continuity measures.

Processing Integrity Evaluates the upkeep of all promised services’ functionality, including timeliness, accuracy, completeness, and integrity of authorization protocols.

Confidentiality Measures the ability of companies to safeguard all information classified as protected.

Privacy Assesses the ability of companies to safeguard all personal information and personally identifiable information (PII).

For a company to achieve SOC 2 certification, it needs to meet all these criteria.

Achieving and Maintaining SOC 2 Compliance

Getting SOC 2 certified is a straightforward process when working with a qualified SOC 2 compliance partner. The process usually takes between six months to a year, depending on the type of SOC 2 report (Type 1 or Type 2), the complexity of the company's IT and cybersecurity infrastructures, and the number, kind, and location of users. Certification is just the beginning. Maintaining SOC 2compliance requires continuous effort to ensure that the systems and processes remain secure and reliable. Regular audits are necessary to ensure ongoing compliance and to identify areas for improvement. Here are some strategies to help maintain SOC 2 compliance:

Regular Internal Audits: Conduct regular internal audits to assess the effectiveness of your security controls. Identify vulnerabilities and address them promptly.

Continuous Monitoring: Monitor system activity continuously to detect any unauthorized access or changes to the system. Use automated tools to help track and alert of any suspicious activity.

Staff Training: Regularly train your staff on security protocols and the importance of compliance. Make sure they are aware of their roles and responsibilities in maintaining SOC 2 compliance.

Policy Updates: Regularly update your policies and procedures in line with the latest regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Planning: Have a robust disaster recovery and business continuity plan in place. This ensures that your systems and data remain accessible and secure, even in the event of a disaster.

Vendor Management: If you use third-party vendors, ensure that they also comply with SOC 2 requirements. Incorporate SOC 2 compliance in your vendor management policies and procedures.

Summary.

In summary, SOC 2 certification offers a valuable way for organisations to demonstrate their commitment to security and trustworthiness. While the certification process can be resource-intensive and time-consuming, the benefits of improved security and increased client trust can make it a worthwhile investment for many organisations. Whether you're just starting on your journey towards SOC 2 certification, or looking to improve and maintain your current compliance, remember that the journey towards security and trust is a continuous one, requiring ongoing commitment and vigilance.

(Note: The information in this blog post is up-to-date as of November 2023. Please consult with a qualified SOC 2 compliance partner or professional for the most accurate and current information.)