Which SOC Report Do I need?
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The document discusses the differences between SOC 1 and SOC 2 reports, which are audits required by service organizations to meet client compliance and audit needs. SOC 1 focuses on internal controls related to financial reporting, while SOC 2 deals with data security and availability based on trust services principles. It advises organizations to consider their business objectives and client commitments when deciding which SOC report to pursue.
Which SOC Report Do I need?
- 1. Which SOC report do I need? As a service organization, you are familiar with audit requests from clients who are required to meet specific compliance and audit requirements. You have most likely been asked whether your organization is SOC 1 Compliant or SOC 2 Compliant. Clients frequently ask questions as to what are the differences between a SOC 1 and SOC 2. Which SOC report should they get? Do they need both? In this article today we have discussed the differences between SOC1 and SOC2, and which one’s do organizations need to be compliant with. Question is: What are the differences between a SOC 1 and SOC 2? Which SOC report should I get? Do I need both? These are questions we, as auditors, are frequently asked. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two, and why you could be asked for either, or both, as you continue to grow your business. Do I need a SOC1? A Service Organization Control 1, or SOC 1 engagement, is an audit of the internal controls at a service organization which has been implemented to protect client data. SOC 1 engagements are performed in accordance with the Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements No. 16 (SSAE 16). A SOC 1 assessment is comprised of control objectives, which are used to accurately represent internal control over financial reporting (ICFR). In other words, if you are hosting / processing financial information that could affect your client’s financial reporting, then a SOC 1 audit report makes the most sense for your organization to pursue, and will likely be requested of you. OR, if your client wants to confirm your financial reporting standards or financial stability. In our experience, SOC1 report requests are very few compared to SOC2 report requests. Do I need a SOC 2? If you are hosting or processing other types of information for your clients that does not impact their financial reporting, then you may be asked for a SOC 2 audit report. In this instance, your clients are likely concerned whether you are securely handling their data, and if it is available to them in the way you have contracted it to be. A SOC 2 report, similar to a SOC 1 report, evaluates internal controls, policies, and procedures. However, the difference is that SOC 2 reports are based on controls that directly relate to the Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy of a service organization. These criteria are known as the Trust Services Principles and are the foundation of any SOC 2 audit engagement.
- 2. © VISTA InfoSec ® © VISTA InfoSec ®© VISTA InfoSec ® Do I need a SOC 1 and a SOC 2 report? If you have clients that fall under both categories (Financial reporting as well as the efficacy of Security controls), then there is a chance you may be asked for both. In some circumstances, you may determine that you need a SOC 1 and a SOC 2 report in order to effectively ensure that your controls meet the demands of a variety of clients and stakeholders. So which report makes the most sense for your organization? Should you pursue a SOC 1 or a SOC 2? Do you need both? Determining what your business objectives (current and future) and also importantly, your client commitments and expectations are is a vital first step in deciding which SOC audit you should pursue. VISTA InfoSec can provide the help you determine which SOC report makes the most sense for your organization and assist in determining the scope of your engagement. facebook.com/vistainfosec/ in.linkedin.com/company/vistainfosec twitter.com/VISTAINFOSEC Do write to us your feedback, comments and queries or, if you have any requirements: info@vistainfosec.com You can reach us on: USA +1-415-513 5261 INDIA +91 73045 57744 SINGAPORE +65-3129-0397