SOC2
What is SOC 2
SOC 2, or Service Organization Control 2, is a type of compliance certification that assesses the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of a service organization's systems and processes. It's particularly relevant for businesses that provide services such as cloud computing, Software as a Service (SaaS), data hosting, and other technology-related offerings.
The SOC 2 framework was developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) to provide assurance to customers and stakeholders that the service organization has implemented effective controls to safeguard their data and ensure the security and privacy of their systems and information.
There are five key trust service criteria that a service organization must meet to achieve SOC 2 compliance:
Security: The system is protected against unauthorized access (both physical and logical).
Availability: The system is available for operation and use as committed or agreed.
Processing Integrity: System processing is complete, valid, accurate, timely, and authorized.
Confidentiality: Information designated as confidential is protected as committed or agreed.
Privacy: Personal information is collected, used, retained, disclosed, and disposed of in conformity with the commitments in the entity's privacy notice.
SOC 2 reports are typically issued by independent auditors who evaluate the service organization's systems and controls against these criteria. Once a service organization achieves SOC 2 compliance, it can provide the SOC 2 report to customers and stakeholders to demonstrate its commitment to security, privacy, and operational integrity.