5 steps to security: How to get SOC 2 certification and why you need it!

Information and data security has become a critical concern in today’s ever-changing corporate environment. A single security breach can have disastrous implications, both legally and financially, due to a lack of corporate compliance. Moreover, the loss of consumer trust and reputational impact are also problems.

That is why there are several standards and certifications that companies can rely on to show customers their commitment to information security. Among such certifications, the SOC report as the most recognizable, and especially for customer data – SOC 2 compliance checklist.

What is SOC 2?

Let’s start with a definition. A SOC 2 is a security certificate that describes the fundamental principles for safeguarding client data from unauthorized access, security events, and other business weaknesses.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants developed a SOC certification, and it is based on five trust service criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, privacy, and confidentiality.

How to get SOC 2 certification?

In most cases, external auditors issue a SOC 2 certification and assess compliance with one or more trust principles based on existing systems and processes. So, if you want to implement this certification, we describe 5 steps below which will serve as a checklist for Soc 2 compliance:

Step 1: Hire reliable external auditors

To star certification implementation, you need to hire auditors, for example, from Underdefense company, to independently and impartially assess your company’s security standards. They may offer a new viewpoint and assist in charting a course to guarantee your services match best practices and will continue to do so in the future. So, auditors come into play here, because the first step is to determine the gap between your present operational processes and SOC 2 criteria.

Auditors will ask your team a number of questions on security and privacy standards in order to determine what is working effectively and what needs to be improved.

Auditors will offer an overall picture of the present status of security and privacy based on this evaluation. Following that, it will be your company’s responsibility to determine how to change or add security elements to fulfill SOC 2 criteria.

Step 2: Selection of security criteria for the audit

In the SOC 2 compliance process, you can choose the pillars or criteria you want to focus on. These include:

• Security: Is your system physically and logically protected from unwanted access?
• Availability: Is your system ready to go as planned with your customers?
• Processing Integrity: How does your system deal with data, such as client information and personally identifiable information (PII)? Is it correct, up to date, and authoritative?
• Confidentiality: Do you preserve sensitive information as agreed upon with your clients?
• Privacy: Do you acquire, keep, distribute, or delete personally identifiable information in compliance with your privacy policy and generally accepted privacy principles (GAPP)?

In this sense, it is not enough to simply have a security practice. When working toward certification, it is important to ensure that each security measure is properly documented and to have a team that transparently evaluates the effectiveness of this infrastructure.

Step 3: Develop an action plan to meet SOC 2

To achieve SOC 2 compliant systems and procedures, it is critical to construct a thorough checklist for SOC 2 compliance after meeting with your auditor, for example, from Underdefense company. This multi-functional project might take many weeks and causes focus and hard work.

It is vital to closely adhere to SOC 2 compliant practices after they have been designed, as your company’s integrity is at stake. These protocols include anything from assuring progressive access to personal data to safeguarding private information inside your organization.

For example, if you’re employing a graphic designer, you’re unlikely to need to see confidential client data on your first day. Setting access levels guarantees that an employee cannot access client data unless it is directly relevant to their job. The system that uses it must satisfy the concept of information security, and it is critical that this system be followed exactly in every circumstance.

Step 4: Formal audit

In a few months, your auditor will conduct a formal audit to assess how SOC 2 compliant systems have been implemented and whether you have followed the proper processes to manage these systems.

As in the previous stages, they will ask you many questions about security and privacy. In order to show effective compliance with these rules, it is recommended that you provide evidence that you have followed the existing checks and balances.

At the end of the audit, if all processes are properly documented and followed, you will be determined to meet the selected criteria and receive SOC 2 certification.

Step 5: The road ahead

Obtaining certification does not imply the end of your career. Periodic yearly audits are necessary to keep certification in order to guarantee that security measures and documentation are compatible with the organization’s growth.

Why is it important to get SOC 2 certification?

SOC 2 audit provides a variety of major benefits for businesses, the most notable of which are:

• Enhances its security strategy;
• Companies that are SOC 2-compliant have tools and procedures in place to secure sensitive information, which builds confidence with customers who save their data with them.
• SOC 2 standards sometimes overlap with those of other recognized frameworks, such as ISO 27001 and HIPAA, allowing numerous compliance objectives to be fulfilled efficiently.
• Obtaining SOC 2 accreditation strengthens your brand’s reputation as a security-conscious organization and provides you with a significant competitive edge.
• SOC 2 compliance can help prevent data leaks and the financial and reputational harm they might cause.

While obtaining SOC 2 certification involves consistent effort and attention, the advantages greatly exceed the difficulties.

Your organization can secure personal information, establish consumer trust, and maintain a competitive edge in today’s market by investing in security and fulfilling recognized standards.

After all, SOC 2 certification is a strategic step toward data protection excellence and a demonstration of your company’s dedication in an era when security and trust are more vital than ever.