In an era where data breaches make headlines daily, businesses are under pressure to prove they can protect sensitive information.
As the world shifts towards stricter data security requirements, SOC 2 controls have become more than just some regulatory checklist – they are a critical step in safeguarding your customer’s data.
This guide will help you fully understand the SOC 2 controls, breaking down each component and providing you with actionable steps.
But achieving SOC 2 compliance doesn’t have to be a one man struggle! EasyAudit has made it as easy and quick as it can be to become SOC 2 compliant.
Book a call to learn how EasyAudit can get you SOC 2 compliant quicker and for half the cost or start the process today!
What are SOC 2 Controls?
SOC 2 controls are a set of specific measures your organization needs to follow to comply with the Trust Services Criteria (TSC) set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
These controls cover key areas such as security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
According to IBM’s 2024 report, the average cost of a data breach has risen to $4.88 million, marking a significant increase from previous years. A staggering figure like that shows the critical role SOC 2 compliance plays in reducing such financial risks.
Rising costs make it clear that investing in strong security measures, like SOC 2 compliance, is not merely to meet regulatory requirements but to protect against financial and reputational damage.
SOC 2 Controls
To give you a better understanding of each component of the SOC 2 controls, let’s break them down, one at a time.
Security Controls (Mandatory)
Security controls are the cornerstone of SOC 2 compliance and the only mandatory control. These controls have a strong focus on protecting your systems against unauthorized access and potential threats.
Security controls include:
- Firewalls and Intrusion Detection: These are your first line of defense against cyber threats. Firewalls block unauthorized access, while intrusion detection systems monitor and respond to potential breaches.
- Encryption: Encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit to make certain that even if intercepted, the information remains unreadable to unauthorized parties.
- Access Controls: Implement strict access controls to guarantee that only authorized personnel can access specific data. Regularly review and update access permissions to prevent security gaps.
Security controls are an absolute must for SOC 2 compliance, and for good reason. They’re the first defense against unauthorized access and potential threats.
These controls are mandatory because they create a secure environment where your systems and data are protected from both internal and external risks. Without these measures, the integrity and safety of your entire operation could be compromised, leading to severe consequences.
Now, let's take a look at the rest of the main components of SOC 2 compliance. While the remainder of the SOC 2 controls is optional, they all play a vital role in guaranteeing your systems and data are always secure and operational.
Availability Controls
Although availability controls aren’t mandatory, they are highly recommended to ensure your systems are reliable and accessible whenever needed.
Availability controls include:
- Disaster Recovery Planning: Develop and regularly update a disaster recovery plan that includes backup systems and data redundancy to minimize downtime.
- System Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for preventing system failures. Schedule routine checks and updates to keep your systems running smoothly.
- Monitoring Uptime: Use monitoring tools to track system uptime and identify potential issues before they lead to downtime.
Case in point – according to an ITIC study highlighted by IBM, unplanned downtime can be incredibly costly, with businesses losing at least $300,000 per hour, depending on the industry and the type of systems involved.
This figure shines the spotlight on the importance of using robust availability controls to minimize downtime and reduce these costs.
Processing Integrity Controls
Although not mandatory, processing integrity controls are crucial for ensuring that data processing is accurate, complete, and timely.
According to a 2021 Gartner report, poor data quality costs organizations an average of $12.9 million annually. This significant financial impact shows how inaccurate data can disrupt business operations, lead to costly errors, and create serious compliance issues.
Processing integrity controls include:
- Data Validation: Implement validation checks at various stages of data processing to detect and correct errors in real time.
- Reconciliation Processes: Regularly reconcile data inputs and outputs for consistency and accuracy. This is particularly important for financial transactions and other critical data.
- Automated Workflows: Use automated workflows to streamline data processing, reducing the risk of human error and improving overall efficiency.
Confidentiality Controls
Confidentiality controls protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and disclosure.
Key components of confidentiality controls include:
- Data Classification: Identify and classify sensitive data to apply appropriate protection levels.
- Access Management: Restrict access to confidential information based on roles and responsibilities. Regularly audit access logs to ensure compliance.
- Secure Data Disposal: Implement procedures for securely disposing of sensitive data that is no longer needed, such as data wiping and shredding.
According to a report by Statista, the United States experienced 3,205 data compromises in 2023, affecting over 353 million individuals.
These data compromises include breaches, leaks, and exposures, all of which involve unauthorized access to sensitive information by threat actors.
Industries such as healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing have been particularly vulnerable, with the number of breaches in these sectors increasing significantly over recent years.
The sheer scale of these incidents underscores the critical importance of implementing strong confidentiality controls to protect sensitive data from being accessed by unauthorized parties.
Privacy Controls
Privacy controls ensure that personal data is handled according to relevant regulations, such as GDPR.
Here are the main components of privacy controls:
- Consent Management: Obtain and document consent from individuals before collecting, using, or sharing their personal information.
- Data Minimization: Limit the collection and storage of personal data to what is necessary for your business operations.
- Transparency: Communicate your data practices to customers, including how their information will be used and their rights regarding their data.
According to data from the GDPR Enforcement Tracker, GDPR fines have reached staggering levels. As of August 2024, the total GDPR fines had accumulated to over €4.5 billion, with fines continuing to rise steadily each year.
This represents a significant increase compared to previous years, where the total fines in 2023 alone exceeded €2.92 billion.
This increase proves the critical need for businesses to adhere to privacy controls to avoid not only substantial financial penalties but also the reputational damage that non-compliance can bring.
The escalating fines also reflect the GDPR’s growing focus on enforcing data protection standards, particularly in response to the widespread mishandling of personal data and data breaches.
By adhering to GDPR requirements, you can avoid these hefty fines and build trust with your customers, which is becoming a highly competitive advantage in today’s data-driven world.
P.S. If you're looking to implement all of these controls, check out our detailed guide on how to get SOC 2 compliant
Benefits of Implementing SOC 2 Controls
Implementing SOC 2 controls isn’t just about checking a box—it brings real, tangible benefits to your business.
Here’s how SOC 2 compliance can make a significant positive impact.
Improved Security
SOC 2 compliance ensures that your organization follows best practices for data security. This means fewer data breaches and security incidents, which can save your business from costly disruptions and damage to your reputation.
If avoiding data breaches and closing big deals is important to you, then click here to learn more about how we can do that for your business or begin the process already today!
Customer Trust
Customers are becoming more concerned about how their data is being handled.
When your company is SOC 2 compliant, you can confidently assure customers that their information is safe with you. This builds trust, which is crucial for retaining customers and attracting new ones.
Competitive Advantage
Being SOC 2 compliant will set your business apart from competitors who haven’t made the same investment in security.
It shows that you’re serious about protecting customer data, which can be a deciding factor for potential clients.
In some cases, SOC 2 compliance is a requirement for working with certain clients, especially larger enterprises or government agencies.
Cost Savings
While achieving SOC 2 compliance does require an investment, it can save money in the long run by reducing the risk of data breaches, which are often extremely costly. The cost of a data breach can include legal fees, regulatory fines, and the loss of customers who no longer trust your business.
Streamlined Operations
SOC 2 compliance often leads to more efficient operations by requiring businesses to streamline and document their processes, which can reduce redundancy and improve accountability.
Increased Revenue Opportunities
Companies that achieve SOC 2 compliance can access new markets and customer segments that require stringent data protection standards.
For example, many businesses in the finance, healthcare, and technology sectors will only work with vendors who are SOC 2 compliant.
P.S. Check out our guide to learn more about how you can close more deals by becoming SOC 2 compliant!
Take the Next Step with EasyAudit
SOC 2 controls are essential for protecting your data and building trust with your customers.
By implementing these controls effectively, you not only achieve compliance but position your business as a prime example of what great data security should look like.
Ready to become SOC 2 compliant? EasyAudit has made it a walk in the park!
Click here to book a call with us today and see how EasyAudit’s tool can close you more deals via a smooth as silk compliance process.
FAQs About SOC 2 Controls
Here are some of the most common questions asked about the SOC 2 controls list:
What Are the Key Components of the SOC 2 Controls?
- The SOC 2 controls list includes controls across five Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. Each control focuses on protecting different aspects of your data and systems.
How Long Does It Take to Implement SOC 2 Controls?
- Implementation timelines vary, but on average, it can take several months to a year, depending on your organization’s size and complexity. Tools like EasyAudit can streamline the process, reducing implementation time significantly.
What Happens If My Company Fails the SOC 2 Audit?
- If your company doesn’t pass the SOC 2 audit, you’ll receive a report detailing areas for improvement. Address these issues and schedule a re-audit. SOC 2 compliance is an ongoing process of refinement.
Is SOC 2 Compliance Mandatory?
- While SOC 2 compliance is not legally required for all companies, it is effectively mandatory for doing business in industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology, where data security is non-negotiable.
Can SOC 2 Compliance Be Automated?
- Yes, many aspects of SOC 2 compliance can be automated using tools like EasyAudit, which helps streamline monitoring, reporting, and audit preparation, making the compliance process more efficient.
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