The SOC 2 compliance framework details how organizations should protect sensitive data from unauthorized access, security intrusions, or other vulnerabilities. Developed by the AICPA, SOC 2 focuses on the five Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
What is SOC 2 Compliance?
What does it mean to be SOC 2 compliant? SOC 2 refers to both the security framework and the audit that examines whether or not an organization is compliant with the SOC 2 requirements.
During a SOC 2 audit, an independent auditor like Auditwerx examines the relevant security systems, procedures and policies related to adhering to the Five Trust Services Criteria. Only a CPA can sign off on a SOC report – learn more here. SOC 2 reports are unique to each organization examined, therefore, it’s important to partner with an experienced audit firm.
What Are the SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria?
SOC 2 compliance reports are based on five key cybersecurity aspects as outlined by the AICPA.
- Security – This criterion must always be included in a SOC audit. Your organization must protect your information and systems against unauthorized access, disclosure, or damage.
- Availability – Your information and systems must be available for operation and use to meet the entity’s objectives.
- Processing Integrity – Your system processing must be complete, valid, accurate, authorized, and timely.
- Confidentiality – Confidential information must be properly protected.
- Privacy – Personal information is collected, used, retained, disclosed, or disposed according to entity objectives.
Each of the SOC 2 Five Trust Services Criteria includes predefined objectives that your auditor can help your organization understand. While every SOC 2 compliance audit includes the “security” criterion, management can choose which of the other categories should be included in an examination. Your Auditwerx team can help you determine which of the Trust Services Criteria best fit your organization’s objectives.
Who Does SOC 2 Apply To?
Any service organization that stores, processes, or transmits customer data will likely need to adhere to SOC 2 compliance. A successful SOC 2 audit demonstrates your organization’s dedication to security standards. Adhering to the SOC 2 requirements demonstrates your organization’s dedication to maintaining proper security controls.
Current and future clients will appreciate proof that your organization takes security seriously and helps you build trust while scaling your business. If your clients are clamoring for a SOC 2 audit, you’ll want to be able to let them know that your organization is trusted and secure.
Auditwerx is Your Experienced SOC 2 Partner
When it comes to SOC 2 compliance, look no further than the experienced team at Auditwerx. Our audit team can help guide your organization from your initial gap assessment to your final report. If you are ready to simplify SOC 2 reporting, contact Auditwerx today.
