The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Service Organization Controls (SOC) reports give assurance over control environments related to data retrieval, storage, processing, and transfer. The reports cover IT General controls and controls around availability, confidentiality, and security of customer data. The SOC 2 reports cover controls around security, availability, and confidentiality of customer data.
SOC 2, Service Organization Controls 2, is a structured framework overseen by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Through a SOC 2 audit, an impartial service auditor evaluates an organization's policies, procedures, and evidence to assess the effectiveness of its controls. The resulting SOC 2 report serves as a testament to a company's dedication to safeguarding data security and protecting customer information.
Achieving SOC 2 compliance signifies a company's unwavering dedication to earning and maintaining its customers' trust while bolstering its overall security posture. In today's escalating cybersecurity challenges and data breaches, prioritizing information security and safeguarding systems and data are non-negotiable. Through a rigorous SOC 2 audit, our controls and processes underwent validation by an independent third party, affirming the efficacy of the measures in place for our application.
Demonstrating SOC 2 compliance is essential as it signifies to our customers, stakeholders, and other invested parties that our organization places a high value on their trust and has successfully implemented robust security measures. Understanding the stage of our company, we recognized the importance of pursuing this report at the opportune moment to protect data and proactively address potential security threats both now and in the future.
Despite being a startup, Eskuad has been chosen as the operational system for mission-critical activities at corporations and SMBs. These organizations previously relied on outdated methods like pen and paper or inadequate digital tools that didn't meet the requirements of field operators operating in remote locations with unreliable signal connections.
Given the significance of the processes facilitated by Eskuad for operators and managers, we consciously decided to instill trust within their organizations by showcasing that our procedures align with esteemed standards such as SOC2.
Since our commitment lies in providing a dependable solution, collaborating with organizations that could assist us in achieving this goal was imperative. By partnering with Securily, our fellow Google for Startups classmate, we were guided to work with Vanta and Advantage Partners.
We remain dedicated to renewing our SOC 2 Type 1 reports annually, ensuring we continue offering a reliable and secure platform to our cherished skuads.
We partnered with Vanta, the leader in the Trust Management space, to help us automate the collection of our audit evidence. Vanta provides us with the strongest security foundation to protect our customer data.
Our audit firm, Advantage Partners, was extremely helpful in creating a seamless audit experience. With their guidance and support, we achieved SOC 2 compliance swiftly and efficiently.
Our Pentesting as a Service partner, Securily, was a key partner in helping us prepare for the audit, test our platform before starting the process, and test it regularly afterward to maintain the best platform possible. They are part of the Google Latino Founders Fund, as we are.
As we embarked on the journey towards SOC 2 compliance, our trusted compliance partners played a vital role in streamlining the process. By utilizing Vanta to seamlessly integrate our key systems and assist us in swiftly implementing necessary policies and procedures, we became audit-ready with confidence. With Vanta's guidance, we were empowered to navigate our compliance journey effectively.
Following this preparation, Advantage Partners thoroughly assessed our audit readiness, signaling the beginning of our Type I audit. Evaluating the controls in place for the audit, Advantage Partners provided valuable insights and expert opinions on their effectiveness. Subsequently, Advantage Partners diligently drafted and issued our comprehensive report upon the conclusion of our audit window.
A crucial insight is the monumental impact of enhancing our security posture and achieving compliance. While having the right compliance partners can streamline this process, it demands dedicated focus and time from your organization. The preparation phase may be time-consuming, but we efficiently prepared for the audit within a few months by prioritizing compliance.
Furthermore, it was essential to plan the audit timeline with Advantage Partners, pinpoint an optimal audit date, and work backward to ensure readiness. With controls now in place and security at the forefront of our priorities, upcoming SOC 2 audits are poised to be even smoother and more seamless.
Focusing on improving security posture, not just checking boxes, is crucial for any organization aiming to enhance its overall cybersecurity resilience. While compliance is important, it is essential to understand that it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Security is a continuous project that should be integrated into an organization's core values to safeguard data effectively and protect against potential threats.
Starting the compliance process early is advantageous as it allows for implementing policies and procedures sooner rather than later. Organizations can establish a strong foundation for a successful security program by building secure procedures and infrastructure from the outset. This proactive approach not only ensures compliance but also reinforces the organization's security posture.
Improving security and achieving compliance demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding data and has the potential to scale your business. Vendor security reviews are increasingly requested in sales cycles, and having SOC 2 compliance can serve as a competitive advantage by alleviating concerns around data security. By mitigating risks early on, organizations can protect their business interests and earn the trust of both prospects and customers.
In the compliance process, it is essential to identify the key stakeholders involved in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and engineering tasks. Engaging the entire organization to improve security and adhere to procedures ensures a holistic approach to enhancing data protection and compliance.
Choosing the right partners is vital in navigating the complexities of achieving compliance and improving security posture. Finding a tool that can guide you through the compliance process, like Vanta, can streamline the implementation of necessary controls and procedures. Partnering with companies such as Securily can help you find gaps and solve them as they show up. Partnering with an audit firm, such as Advantage Partners, dedicated to your success can provide valuable insights and support throughout the compliance journey. By collaborating with trusted partners, organizations can effectively navigate the path to SOC 2 compliance and strengthen their overall security posture.
You can see our security page and trust center for more details.