Introduction
Neutral Partners is your premier information security readiness consulting firm, helping organizations align with recognized standards such as SOC 2. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing unparalleled support, ensuring your organization achieves and maintains a strong security posture in compliance with the SOC 2 framework.
What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is an auditing framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to evaluate and report on an organization’s controls related to the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of a system. It is designed for service organizations that store, process, or transmit customer data, ensuring the organization has implemented appropriate controls to protect this information.
SOC 2 is based on the AICPA’s Trust Services Criteria, which outlines the principles and criteria for assessing an organization’s control environment. The framework requires organizations to demonstrate their commitment to these principles by implementing policies, procedures, and controls that address the relevant criteria. This comprehensive evaluation helps organizations establish a robust control environment and build trust with their clients and stakeholders.
Who should consider aligning to SOC 2?
Service organizations that handle sensitive customer data, particularly those that provide services to clients in regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, or technology, should consider aligning with the SOC 2 framework. This includes data centers, cloud service providers, and SaaS providers. Alignment with SOC 2 demonstrates an organization’s commitment to safeguarding customer data and maintaining a strong control environment.
A robust control environment protects sensitive customer data, ensures regulatory compliance, and builds trust with clients, partners, and stakeholders. Organizations that align with SOC 2 can demonstrate their commitment to information security and data protection, providing a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Benefits of aligning with SOC 2
Enhanced security posture
Implementing a controlled environment in accordance with SOC 2 helps organizations establish a comprehensive and systematic approach to information security, ensuring the protection of sensitive customer data.
Improved customer trust
Alignment with SOC 2 demonstrates an organization’s commitment to information security and data protection, helping build trust with clients, partners, and stakeholders.
Competitive advantage
Organizations that align with SOC 2 can differentiate themselves from competitors, offering a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
How Neutral Partners can help.
Managed Compliance
Our end-to-end management of your SOC 2 compliance program ensures that your organization always maintains a robust control environment. We assist you in implementing the necessary policies, processes, and controls, monitor your ongoing compliance, and provide guidance on continuous improvement. Our expert team takes the burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your core business operations.
Readiness Assessment
Our Readiness Assessment service identifies and remediates gaps in your control environment, ensuring complete alignment with SOC 2 requirements. Our experienced consultants comprehensively analyze your existing information security practices, compare them to the Trust Services Criteria, and provide actionable recommendations for addressing any identified gaps. This service is essential for organizations seeking to achieve SOC 2 attestation or maintain their existing attestation.
Internal Audit
Our Internal Audit service evaluates the effectiveness of your control environment, ensuring that it remains in compliance with SOC 2. Our skilled auditors thoroughly examine your organization’s security policies, procedures, and controls, identifying any areas of non-conformance and providing recommendations for improvement. This service helps you maintain a strong security posture and prepare for external attestation audits.
Risk Assessment
Our Risk Assessment service identifies and prioritizes risks to your information assets, ensuring that you implement appropriate controls in line with SOC 2 requirements. We evaluate your organization’s unique risk landscape, considering threats, vulnerabilities, and potential business impacts. Based on this analysis, we help you develop a risk treatment plan that addresses the most significant risks, ensuring your control environment remains effective and resilient.
Policy Development
Our Policy Development service creates tailored policies and procedures that align with the SOC 2 framework, ensuring that your organization meets the requirements. We work closely with your team to develop customized documentation, considering your specific business needs, goals, and operational processes. This service ensures that your organization has a solid foundation for compliance with SOC 2.
Tabletop Exercise
Our Tabletop Exercise service designs and facilitates custom tabletop exercises to test your organization’s incident response capabilities in SOC 2. These exercises simulate information security incidents, allowing your team to practice their response strategies and identify areas for improvement. Participating in our expert-led tabletop exercises can strengthen your organization’s incident response capabilities and ensure preparedness for real-world security events.
Get Started
Achieving and maintaining SOC 2 compliance is essential for your organization’s security and success. Partner with Neutral Partners to benefit from our expertise and dedicated support in navigating the complexities of the SOC 2 framework. Contact us today to begin your journey towards a robust control environment and a secure future for your organization.