Certification vs. Attestation in SOC 2: Understanding the Differences
What is the Meaning of SOC in Cybersecurity and Auditing?
SOC, or Security Operations Center, is a term generally used to refer to a dedicated team of security practitioners who work together in an organization to safeguard the business from cyberattacks. In addition, SOC stands for System and Organization Controls, measuring the IT and operational security processes within an organization.
SOC, originally created and overseen by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), offers assurances about an organization's data protection measures. Among the three levels of SOC controls, SOC 2 is the most popular, focusing on data security practices related to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. SOC 3 provides a readable overview suitable for general marketing purposes, while SOC 1 chiefly addresses internal controls over financial reporting for financial service providers.
SOC reports come in Type 1 and Type 2 formats. Type 1 reports assess controls at a specific point in time, while Type 2 evaluates their operational effectiveness over a specified period. In essence, Type 2 offers a stronger demonstration of controls' ongoing reliability and consistency than Type 1.
Ideally, service organizations should aim for a SOC 2 Type 2 attestation. This level ensures that the organization not only has a plan for data protection but also consistently follows through in its real-world operations. It's essential to note that companies are not required to disclose these reports openly due to the sensitive information they contain.
In some cases, achieving SOC 2 compliance may be deemed a marketing 'check box' by companies only seeking to boast compliance without truly committing to improving their practices. SOC 2 Type 2, however, actively involves staff members, empowering them to be active participants in their organization's cybersecurity efforts.
For more information on SOC reports and attestation, consult the AICPA's System and Organization Controls: SOC Suite of Services portal, or visit our website for further insights, including the upcoming podcast featuring our compliance manager for a fresh perspective on the process and compliance journey. Remember that security is an ongoing process, not a one-time destination. Consider our website as your partner in fostering a more human-friendly approach to cybersecurity—avoid becoming ensnared by the ever-expanding chains of security tools that dictate inflexible policies and processes that don't cater to your team, colleagues, or customers.
The Security Operations Center (SOC) is a team dedicated to safeguarding an organization from cyberattacks, and they offer assurances about the data protection measures of a company, as SOC is also known for System and Organization Controls. In the realm of cybersecurity services, achieving SOC 2 Type 2 attestation is important because it not only demonstrates a plan for data protection but also ensures consistent practice in real-world operations, actively involving staff members in the cybersecurity efforts.
