SOC 2 Type 1 vs Type 2: What’s the Difference?

by Joseph Kirkpatrick / February 14, 2024

What is a SOC 2 Audit? A SOC 2 audit is an audit of a service organization’s non-financial reporting controls as they relate to the Trust Services Criteria – the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of a system. A SOC 2 audit report provides user entities with reasonable assurance and peace of mind that the non-financial reporting controls at a service organization are suitably designed, in place, and appropriately…

SOC 1 Type 1 vs Type 2: What’s the Difference?

by Joseph Kirkpatrick / February 5, 2024

You know you need to complete a SOC 1 audit but aren't sure if you need a SOC 1 Type I or a SOC 1 Type II. What sets them apart and which makes the most sense for your organization's needs? Don't let the complexities of SOC reports overwhelm you! Below, we explore the importance of a SOC 1 audit report and compare the SOC 1 Type I vs Type…

5 Internal Control Components using COSO Principles

by Joseph Kirkpatrick / January 15, 2024

Implementing Internal Controls for SOC 1 Compliance When an organization pursues SOC 1 compliance, they’ll be tested against the COSO Internal Control – Integrated Framework. This framework is one of the most common frameworks used to design, implement, maintain, and evaluate internal controls. For an organization to successfully complete a SOC 1 audit, they’ll need to meet the three objectives of internal control, demonstrate that they have the five components…

What is an Audit Scope?

by Joseph Kirkpatrick / December 29, 2023

What is an Audit Scope and How Does it Impact an Audit? Knowing where your assets reside and which controls apply to them are critical for any organization. Why? This is the only way you can manage and secure them from a potential data breach or security incident. During the initial phases of a SOC 1 or SOC 2 audit, an auditor will walk you through defining the scope of…

The Keys to a Successful Audit

by Tori Thurmond / January 10, 2024

An auditor can be seen as a nit-picky, negative, overly involved outsider coming into your environment, asking questions and looking for any control that’s insufficient. This mindset causes organizations to fear auditing and auditors, when in reality, an audit is a healthy habit and auditors are trained to help you better understand and protect your assets. Audits don’t need to be so intimidating. Instead, a successful, quality audit should include…