If you're diving into the world of SOC 2 audits, you're likely familiar with the term "Trust Service Criteria." But what exactly are these criteria, why are they important, and how can you effectively incorporate them into your SOC 2 audit? Let's break it down.

What are the SOC 2 Trust Service Criteria?

The SOC 2 Trust Service Criteria are a set of standards designed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) to help organizations manage and protect their data. These criteria provide a framework for evaluating and reporting on the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of a system.

Here's a brief overview of each criterion:

• Security: Systems and data stored by a company are protected against unauthorized access and disclosure.

• Availability: Information and systems are available for operation and use.

• Confidentiality: Confidential information is protected.

• Processing Integrity: System processing is complete, valid, accurate, timely, and authorized. Customer data remains correct through data processing.

• Privacy: Personal information is collected used, rented, retained, disclosed and disposed in accordance with pre-stated policies.

READ MORE: Streamlining The SOC 2 Audit Process in 10 Steps

The Importance of Each Trust Service Criteria

Understanding the significance of each criterion is crucial for any organization aiming to achieve SOC 2 compliance:

• Security: Protecting against unauthorized access is the cornerstone of any robust information system. This criterion is crucial to safeguard sensitive data and maintain trust with clients and stakeholders.

• Availability: Downtime can be costly and damaging to an organization's reputation. Ensuring that systems are consistently available helps maintain business continuity and customer satisfaction.

• Processing Integrity: Accurate and reliable processing of data is vital for operational efficiency and trustworthiness. This criterion ensures that processes work as intended and deliver expected outcomes.

• Confidentiality: For organizations dealing with sensitive information, protecting confidentiality is non-negotiable. This criterion helps in maintaining competitive advantage and compliance with legal requirements.

• Privacy: With increasing regulations around data privacy (like GDPR and CCPA), ensuring that personal information is handled appropriately is essential to avoid hefty fines and maintain user trust.

READ MORE: SOC 2 Compliance: 5 Common Questions

Which Criteria Should I Include in My SOC 2 Audit?

Determining which criteria to include in your SOC 2 audit depends on the nature of your services and the expectations of your clients and stakeholders. While the Security criterion is mandatory for all SOC 2 audits, the inclusion of other criteria varies:

• Availability: If your service commitments or system requirements include high availability, this criterion should be included.

• Processing Integrity: Include this if your clients depend on your system to process data accurately and reliably.

• Confidentiality: If you handle sensitive information, such as intellectual property or customer data, this is a must.

• Privacy: Essential for organizations that collect and manage personal information.

Johanson Group LLP Can Help with SOC 2 Audits

Navigating the complexities of SOC 2 compliance can be daunting. This is where Johanson Group LLP steps in. Our team of experts specializes in guiding organizations through the SOC 2 audit process, ensuring that you meet all necessary criteria with confidence and ease.

• Expert Guidance: We provide in-depth consultations to help you understand the SOC 2 requirements and how they apply to your specific situation.

• Comprehensive Audits: Our thorough audit process evaluates your controls against the Trust Service Criteria, identifying any gaps and providing actionable recommendations.

• Tailored Solutions: We understand that every organization is unique. Our services are customized to meet your specific needs and ensure that you achieve compliance efficiently and effectively.

• Ongoing Support: SOC 2 compliance is an ongoing process. We offer continuous support to help you maintain your controls and address any new challenges that arise.

Ready to secure your systems and build trust with your clients? Contact Johanson Group LLP today and take the first step towards SOC 2 compliance with confidence.