What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 is a compliance framework developed by the AICPA that evaluates an organization's controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of customer data.
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a compliance framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) that evaluates the effectiveness of an organization's information systems and controls. It is based on five Trust Services Criteria: security (protection against unauthorized access), availability (accessibility of the system), processing integrity (complete and accurate processing), confidentiality (protection of confidential information), and privacy (collection, use, retention, and disposal of personal information).
SOC 2 reports come in two types: Type I evaluates the design of controls at a specific point in time, while Type II evaluates both the design and operating effectiveness of controls over a period of time (typically 6-12 months). The privacy Trust Services Criterion specifically addresses how the organization collects, uses, retains, discloses, and disposes of personal information in conformity with its privacy notice and criteria set forth by the AICPA.
SOC 2 compliance is not legally required but is increasingly demanded by enterprise customers as evidence that service providers have adequate controls in place. The examination must be conducted by an independent CPA firm. Organizations pursuing SOC 2 compliance can use IQWorks to support the privacy and confidentiality Trust Services Criteria, with DiscoverIQ for data inventory, ClassifyIQ for data classification, and ProtectIQ for implementing security controls.
How IQWorks Helps
Related Terms
Compliance Audit
A compliance audit is a systematic review of an organization's adherence to data protection laws, regulations, policies, and standards, identifying gaps and areas for improvement.
Data Protection Certification
Data protection certification is a formal attestation by an accredited body that an organization's data processing operations comply with specific data protection standards or regulatory requirements.
Access Control
Access control restricts who can view, modify, or delete data based on identity, role, and authorization policies, ensuring only authorized personnel access personal data.
Data Encryption
Encryption transforms readable data into an unreadable format using cryptographic algorithms, protecting confidentiality by ensuring only authorized parties with the correct key can access the data.
Privacy Program
A privacy program is a comprehensive organizational framework encompassing the policies, procedures, people, and technologies that manage an organization's data protection obligations and privacy risks.