Many organizations think of cybersecurity and physical security are entirely separate entities. However, I think of them as siblings:interconnected, dependent on one another, and vital to a comprehensive security plan. We talk more about bridging the gap between physical and cyber security in this blog.
Let’s talk about SOC 2 compliance.
SOC 2, or Service Organization Control 2, is an audit framework designed to ensure that service providers manage customer data securely by evaluating dozens of security-related controls in up to five categories called Trust Service Criteria (TSCs). While this audit is often viewed through the lens of information technology (IT), its implications reach far beyond that. For companies that provide a software-as-a-service (SaaS), SOC 2 serves as a benchmark, showcasing adherence to industry-standard security best practices. There are two types of SOC2 evaluations: Type 1 and Type 2. SOC 2 Type 1 audits assess a single point in time, while Type 2 audits assess the effectiveness of your controls over a year.
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When a company undergoes a SOC 2 compliance audit, it is not just about checking off boxes. It’s about sending a strong message that shows, “we take security seriously.” This is applicable especially for early-stage companies looking to establish themselves in the marketplace. In an age where data breaches make headlines, demonstrating a commitment to security can significantly enhance a company’s reputation and foster customer trust while continuing to reinforce cybersecurity best practices within almost every level of company decision-making.
The interconnection of physical and cybersecurity
Now, let’s talk about the relationship between physical and cybersecurity. Cybersecurity can only be strong alongside a comprehensive physical security posture; and conversely, a physical security program is only strong when protected by a comprehensive cybersecurity program.
An easy example of this relationship is keeping your critical company servers behind a strong door with an access control system: The physical security (door, access control system) protects the servers, and the strong cyber security program prevents both hacking into the server, or breaching the access control system to allow a bad actor to plug a malicious USB into the server itself. Strong cybersecurity measures can be ineffective if physical access to systems is not controlled. This is why SOC 2 compliance inherently requires us to assess our physical security protocols alongside our digital defenses. It's all about ensuring that both realms work together to protect sensitive information.
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The organizational benefits of SOC 2 compliance
One of the most significant challenges in pursuing SOC 2 audit compliance is organizing and documenting security practices. The audit process requires a third-party certified public accounting (CPA) firm to evaluate your existing security measures and identify any gaps for remediation. This can often feel overwhelming, particularly for smaller organizations. However, it provides an invaluable opportunity to streamline operations and ensure that both physical and digital security measures are aligned.
For those just beginning their compliance journey, starting with SOC 2 Type 1 can be a practical approach. This initial audit assesses the design of controls at a specific point in time, providing a foundational understanding of where your organization stands. As you work toward achieving full compliance, this process can serve as a stepping stone for creating a culture of security that permeates every level of your organization.
As an added benefit, a standard of annual SOC2 Type 2 audit compliance can speed up your sales cycles because it often streamlines your customers’ information security evaluations. Instead of evaluating dozens of your internal policies, procedures, and infrastructures, they can rest assured that a CPA firm has already reviewed and assessed them.
Leveraging tools for compliance audits
So, how do we navigate this complex landscape? Having the right tools is key. Numerous compliance software solutions can assist in managing security protocols and documentation efficiently. These tools help track compliance progress, automate evidence collection, and provide insights into areas needing improvement. By utilizing these kinds of resources, organizations can simplify the audit process and focus on what truly matters: protecting customer data.
HiveWatch was built with cybersecurity top of mind. We complete a SOC2 Type II audit that includes the HiveWatch ® GSOC OS each year. We see this audit as critical for us as a company, because it helps ensure that we’re supporting our customers’ strong cybersecurity postures. This audit also requires annual third-party offensive penetration testing, which puts our controls and defenses in place to the test.
Prioritizing cybersecurity in a physical world
SOC 2 compliance offers physical security companies like HiveWatch a significant advantage. By embracing the interconnection of physical and cybersecurity, you can strengthen your own security posture internally, as well as your external reputation and customer trust. It's not just about enhancing security measures; it's about promoting organizational growth and resilience. As your organization continues to evolve, integrating cybersecurity principles and demonstrating compliance through SOC 2 will be crucial to stand out in a competitive landscape. Embracing the interconnection of these two entities and prioritizing security is not just a choice; it's a commitment to your customers. After all, in today's world, trust is critical.
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