What is SOC 2

SOC 2 is a compliance framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) for evaluating how organizations protect and manage customer information.

It is based on five Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy. SOC 2 examinations assess whether an organization's controls are suitably designed and, for Type II examinations, whether they operate effectively over a period of time.

Key Features

• Security Controls: Evaluates safeguards designed to protect systems and information from unauthorized access and threats.

• Availability: Assesses controls supporting reliable and available systems and services.

• Processing Integrity: Evaluates whether systems process information completely, accurately and as intended.

• Confidentiality: Addresses controls for protecting information designated as confidential.

• Privacy: Evaluates controls related to the collection, use, retention and disposal of personal information.

• Control Monitoring: Supports ongoing assessment of controls and their effectiveness.

• Independent Examination: SOC 2 reports are issued following an examination by an independent licensed CPA firm.

Benefits

• Strengthens Information Security: Encourages robust controls for protecting systems and customer information.

• Builds Customer Trust: Provides assurance about an organization's information protection practices.

• Supports Risk Management: Helps identify and address risks related to security and information handling.

• Improves Governance: Establishes a structured approach to evaluating internal controls.

• Supports Compliance Requirements: Helps organizations demonstrate that relevant controls are designed and operating effectively.

• Enhances Operational Reliability: Encourages controls that support secure and dependable service delivery.

Conclusion

SOC 2 provides a framework for evaluating controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy. By implementing and assessing appropriate controls, organizations can strengthen information protection, manage risks and provide customers with greater assurance about how their data is handled.