A SOC 2 certification is proof that a third party audited your business’s security and data controls. Completing a SOC 2 audit shows potential future and current clients that your business has solid controls of their security in place. SOC 2 certifications are given after a third-party auditor confirms that there are effective controls over your business’s data and security. The benefits of a SOC 2 audit are clear, but there are some questions you might still need answered like what type of audit do I need and how do I choose a SOC 2 auditor for my business?
All SOC 2 Audits involve the security criteria, but if it is relevant to your business you can have confidentiality, process integrity, and availability tested as well.
Type 1 or Type 2?
There are two types of SOC 2 audits, a SOC 2 Type 1 tests your controls at a particular point in time, while a SOC 2 Type 2 audit tests your controls over a period of time.
The most common period of time for an audit is 12 months, but other factors may point you to a shorter period of time. The most common period for a Type 2 Audit is 12 months with a minimum of 6 months.
Do I Actually Need A SOC 2 Certification?
Organizations will often choose to conduct a SOC 2 Audit when a potential client requests them to. Some clients will only do business with a SOC-certified organization so that they know that their information is secure. Not completing the certification could result in losing out on potential clients or customers.
Obtaining a SOC 2 certification is also a great way to boost brand trust and as a selling point for gaining new customers. Having the certification on your company’s website shows potential customers or clients that their data will be secure if they choose to do business with you.
Tips for Success
- Establish solid and repeatable logical access and change management procedures and controls. These areas typically have more room for human error or lack of oversight.
- Begin implementing solid security practices now before your audit begins. The further in advance you prepare for your audit, the more likely you are to pass.
- Confirming that your controls are working 90 days before the audit is a good idea and confirming the timing with your auditor so that you do not duplicate any work.
How To Choose A SOC 2 Auditor That’s Right For You
Choosing the right SOC auditor is a daunting process, but a fantastic auditor can be a useful partner. Here are some important questions to consider when choosing the right auditor for your business:
- Have they audited other businesses of the same size and security level? Your auditor must know the levels of security needed for your business’s size and security needs of that size of business.
- What is the auditor’s quality review process and how many layers of review do they have? This impacts the time your audit will take to complete. It’s important to find an auditor that is thorough and of high quality while also being efficient and working on y
- our timetable.
- Will the auditor be providing recommendations for improvement of your security? If you are a newer or smaller company a great auditor will suggest areas of improvement or technologies to consider as your security develops.
The heavy lifting of the SOC 2 audit process happens before your first audit. The preparation is a necessary investment to gain the level of trust and security for your customers that the SOC 2 certification provides.
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