Compliancy Group recently announced the completion of our latest SOC 2 examination. But what does that mean for us as an organization—and for you as our customer?
At Compliancy Group, keeping customer and stakeholder data secure is our top priority. To ensure that our systems and controls have been designed appropriately to achieve that goal, we sought out third-party attestation from a qualified auditing firm. Our SOC 2 report is the result of their examination.
What made this process particularly meaningful for us was that we used our own software platform to prepare for and manage the entire SOC 2 readiness process. This wasn’t just about completing an audit—it was about proving that our “SOC 2 Readiness” solution works in the real world, under real audit conditions.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what a SOC 2 report is, what it covers, why we chose to undergo this rigorous compliance audit, and how our software-driven approach can help other organizations achieve the same success.
WHAT IS A SOC 2 REPORT?
Obtaining a System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 report is one way for a service organization to attest to the security of its digital environment.
Completing a SOC 2 examination through an accredited third-party auditor does not result in any certification. Instead, the resulting CPA’s report functions as a tool to help an organization communicate whether the internal controls they’ve put in place governing the security of customers’, partners’, and stakeholders’ data are properly designed, implemented, and maintained.
In simpler terms, a SOC 2 report provides an avenue for current and potential stakeholders to assess risk by giving them a closer look at the policies and procedures put in place to ensure the organization’s services are provided safely and reliably.
WHAT DOES A SOC 2 REPORT COVER?
All SOC 2 examinations are performed by accredited CPA firms under the standards defined by SSAE 18. An auditor tests the effectiveness of the internal controls outlined by the organization, then maps those controls to one or a combination of Trust Services Criteria established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
- 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 to meet the entity’s objectives.
- Confidentiality: Information designated as confidential is protected as committed or agreed.
- Privacy: Personal information is collected, used, retained, disclosed, and disposed of to meet the entity’s objectives.
The scope of a SOC 2 report can also vary with regard to the time period covered.
SOC 2 Type I reports examine an organization’s controls at a single point in time and include a list of the controls tested.
HOW WE USED OUR SOFTWARE TO ACHIEVE SOC 2 SUCCESS
Rather than relying on spreadsheets, emails, and manual processes, we leveraged our own SOC 2 Readiness software throughout our entire audit preparation and execution. This approach allowed us to:
Centralize Documentation Management: Our platform served as a single source of truth for all policies, procedures, and evidence. Instead of hunting through folders and email chains, our audit team could instantly access any required documentation.
Evidence Collection: The software tracked and documented our security controls, creating a continuous audit trail. This meant we weren’t scrambling to gather evidence—everything was already organized and ready.
Monitor Control Effectiveness: We used monitoring and reporting features to ensure our controls were operating effectively throughout the audit period, not just at specific points in time.
Streamline Auditor Collaboration: When our third-party auditors needed specific evidence or documentation, we could provide it immediately through secure, organized digital workflows rather than manual document gathering.
The result? A smooth, efficient audit process that demonstrated the real-world effectiveness of our SOC 2 Readiness solution.
WHY DID WE UNDERGO A SOC 2 EXAM?
Completing a SOC 2 examination marks a huge step forward in Compliancy Group’s efforts to demonstrate our commitment to data security and ensure that we’re prepared to face the challenges of the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.
“We are pleased that our SOC 2 report has shown we have the appropriate controls in place to mitigate risks related to security,” said Crispin Vary, CEO, Compliancy Group. “What’s particularly exciting is that we accomplished this using the same SOC 2 Readiness platform we offer to our clients, demonstrating its effectiveness under real audit conditions.”
HOW YOUR ORGANIZATION CAN ACHIEVE SIMILAR SUCCESS
Our experience proves that SOC 2 readiness doesn’t have to be overwhelming or resource-intensive. By leveraging the right software tools, organizations can:
- Reduce audit preparation time by maintaining continuous readiness rather than scrambling before audits
- Improve documentation quality through automated evidence collection and centralized management
- Minimize audit stress by having all necessary information organized and accessible
- Demonstrate ongoing compliance rather than point-in-time snapshots
Our SOC 2 Readiness service provides the same platform and methodology we used for our own successful audit. We help organizations implement the software, establish proper workflows, and maintain the documentation needed for SOC 2 success.
WHERE CAN I GO FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Our auditor, BARR Advisory, has provided a detailed breakdown on how to read a SOC 2 report, including where to find the most important and relevant information for your situation.
Current and prospective customers interested in obtaining a copy of Compliancy Group’s latest SOC 2 report may contact [email protected].
Ready to get started on SOC 2 readiness? Contact us today!
