What is SOC 2? Perplexed and baffled about the term being used? Are you nodding your head in yes? Well, we have got you covered as we have decided to take the plunge into this tricky term to make our readers understand it completely.
Before we deep dive into the SOC 2 important journey, we would like to elaborate on the definition of SOC 2 compliance.
So, let’s get a wing to this impressive section.
SOC 2 Compliance
SOC 2 stands for Service Organization Control Type 2 is a cybersecurity compliance framework founded and developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
How does SOC 2 compliance do wonders? Well, when you employ SOC 2 compliance, you ensure that the client data is processed and stored in the proper layers of protection. For instance, it checks with third-party service providers in order to ensure data security.
Hopefully, the term is cleared. Now, let’s check what are the basic 5 important factors we should cover before we start our SOC 2 journey.
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TechXpark is providing instant help with respect to implementing SOC 2 compliance.
5 Crucial Configuration Changes to Employ for SOC 2 Compliance
Do you want to store your client’s data in a way that even a simple malware attack couldn’t harm it? Definitely, yes. Before you start your SOC 2 journey, it is important to keep these points under your belt:
Yes, you must adhere to the compliance constraints which require you to make the crucial configuration changes. The SOC 2 compliance checklist includes the following points:
1. Password Policy in SOC 2:
Now, as technological advancement is witnessed, it is easier to secure data online with fancy yet authentic channels. For instance, password requirements in SOC 2 would be like:
Passwords will be at least 12-16 characters long and include both lowercase and uppercase letters, special characters, and numbers. Gingerly, passwords should be changed within 90 days or less and even won’t be reused for 6 months.
Note: The accounts will be locked out after five or more failed login attempts.
2. Logical Database Separation:
Reworking on database architecture is essentially required if you’re operating an overgrown proof of concept in order to ensure security and logical data separation from various clients.
SOC 2 Logical and Physical Access Controls (CC6)
These distinct controls are used to monitor as well as restrict access to the crucially sensitive data and the confidential information stored on networks/devices on which they are stored, processed, and transmitted.
3. Data Masking in Database Security:
What is data masking in database security? It involves a methodology of creating a structured but inauthentic version of the organization’s data so that it can be used for software testing and user training. The purpose behind doing so is to secure the actual data.
Similarly, when specific IDs or URLs of sensitive data records are to be protected, certain FAKE yet realistic codes/keys are used to secure random transactions.
4. Geographical Redundancy
It is imperative to know that SOC 2 tests the platform availability to configure multiple hosting locations and test failures.
Geographical Redundancy in Cloud Computing
It means replicating data between two or more different locations. In case, one location is hit by a natural disaster or goes offline due to some technical issue, the data will still be kept safe and secure in another location.
5. Update Users’ List:
If you must know, it is crucial to deprovision all the accounts for the previous users/employees who are no longer part of the process and need access.
Do You Know? At the end of the SOC 2 Audit, a SOC 2 report is issued that outlines the opinions and suggestions of auditors regarding the company’s internal cybersecurity processes, security standards, etc.
It is important to get your SOC 2 compliance process aligned by following these important points.
Now, let’s go through why SOC 2 compliance is important.
Why Does SOC 2 Compliance Matter?
Why is SOC 2 compliance important? SOC 2 compliance plays a significant role for certain reasons. For example, it indicates that the organization is well-versed in security upgrades and maintains a high level of information security.
However, it is a must to know that for many buyers, an unqualified SOC 2 audit is considered as an alarming sign putting forward security and privacy concerns.
Notably, a SOC 2 tests 5 elements of your software:
- Security
- Availability
- Processing integrity
- Confidentiality
- Privacy
SOC 2 Compliance Benefits:
There are numerous benefits that you can enjoy by employing SOC 2 audit:
- It improves security by incorporating fancy data protection strategies and tricks.
- Since the IT solution providers acquire all the relevant yet mandatory SOC 2 compliances, the customers find them trustworthy regarding the confidentiality of their data.
- SOC 2 overlaps other compliances like ISO 27001 or HIPAA, which means killing two birds with one stone.
- Avoid data breaches and reputation/financial damages by achieving SOC 2 compliance.
CASE STUDY – Concert Finance
Interestingly, TechXpark has a high-level caliber working under its roof providing information security services and meeting deadlines like a pro. We have engineers, experienced in identifying and remediating early gaps, and can ensure a smooth audit.
Thus, one of the clients “Concert Finance” trusted us with our expertise and got their SOC 2 compliance done in no time.
Name | Industry | Need | Staffing | Duration | Deliverables |
Concert Finance | Enterprise SaaS | SOC 2 Type 1 | DevOps Engineer, Full-stack engineer (Security Specialization) | 4 weeks | SOC 2 Type 2, SOC 1 Type 1, SOC 1 Type 2 |
End Note:
Hopefully, by implementing these configuration changes before properly employing SOC 2 compliance, the organizations can keep their clients’ data more secure.