So, you’re running a start-up? You’ve probably experienced the rollercoaster ride of innovation, discoveries, excitement, and let’s be real, a ton of challenges. But, have you given thought to your customers’ data and how it is collected, stored and secured?
Cyberthreats and data breaches are on the rise, and are becoming more sophisticated by the day. The last thing you need is to become a victim, throwing a massive spanner in the works. It can be a costly mistake. Not only could your start-up be facing a loss of tens of millions, but your reputation could be damaged, and you could lose the trust and confidence of your customers and stakeholders.
Okay, enough with the scary stuff. There is a solution. Enter SOC 2 compliance. While it may not seem quick and simple, its benefits are boundless. Plus, if done right, it could be pretty seamless and painless. As a start-up, you want to have all your ducks in a row.
So, let’s discuss SOC 2 compliance and why it matters, especially for a new and budding business.
Sounds good, but what exactly is SOC 2?
SOC 2 stands for Service Organization Control 2. It is a compliance framework created by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It outlines the policies and protocols companies should have in place to safeguard their customers’ data. Think of it like a comprehensive checklist or playbook that keeps you in check, ensuring all the right security measures are in place.
To get SOC 2 attestation, your business’s security controls are put under the microscope to assess whether you’re taking the safety and security of your customers’ data seriously. This assessment revolves around five Trust Service Criteria (TSC): security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
Here’s a quick rundown on the five Trust Service criteria and what they’re all about:
- Security: Making sure your systems are defended against unauthorized access, both physical and digital. And that you have solid measures in place, like firewalls and intrusion detection.
- Availability: Ensuring that your services are constantly up and running as promised.This is especially important for industries where downtime is just not an option.
- Processing Integrity: Ensuring complete, accurate, and timely data processing. This is crucial for industries working with numbers (like finance), where precision is key.
- Confidentiality: Protecting data that is meant to be kept confidential. This involves restricting data access to unauthorized individuals and implementing strong measures like encryption and access control to prevent breaches.
- Privacy: Management of personal data is handled in line with privacy regulations, defining how, when, and why user information is used, stored, and shared.
The Benefits of SOC 2 Compliance
So, now you know the ins and outs of SOC 2 compliance (in a nutshell). But, let’s get down to the good stuff. How could it benefit you and your business?
1. SOC 2 Solidifies Your Brand Reputation
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how great your product is or how amazing your customer service is, reputation is key. If your reputation isn’t up to scratch, potential customers will find another option. Now more than ever, giving data to a third-party feels risky, and customers need the reassurance that their data is protected in your hands. By taking the leap towards a SOC 2 audit (especially on your own terms), you are proving that you don’t mess around when it comes to transparency and accountability.
A reputation of trustworthiness and reliability will get you places. With this competitive edge, doors of new opportunities will be continuously opening.
2. SOC 2 Opens the Door to New Opportunities
More and more companies are moving their data and services to the cloud. With data breaches on the rise, this creates understandable concern for partners and prospects. They will want that peace of mind, knowing that you have strong security controls and privacy measures in place.
The SOC 2 audit is rigorous, and having that attestation is solid proof of your commitment to all things information security, safety, and privacy. This is often the defining factor in closing a deal. Plus, many larger organizations, particularly those in North America, will not even consider a vendor without the SOC2 attestation, and those are deals you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
3. SOC 2 is a Valuable Investment
If you think compliance audits are expensive, just imagine the costly consequence of a data breach. It could cost your company tens of millions in potential customer loss and legal ramifications.
By reducing operational risks and having the correct measures in place, you are safeguarding your business from these potential losses. Plus, as we mentioned, the investment in competitive advantage and customer trust and confidence is invaluable.
4. SOC 2 Gives You That Competitive Advantage
Let’s be real, the market is crowded. So, who wouldn’t want to stand out from the crowd? SOC 2 attestation will give you that edge that sets you apart from your competitors. You will shine amongst other players who have not made the decision to take the SOC 2 leap.
By attaining a SOC 2 report, you are proving that you hold yourself to a high standard and are committed to all things information security, safety, and privacy.
5. SOC 2 Gives You Insight Into Your Operations
The SOC 2 audit doesn’t just give you insight into your compliance status and security posture, it also puts your organization’s operations under the microscope. Having this insight gives you the opportunity to make improvements that could improve the efficiency of your operations, streamlining your controls and processes.
Proactively implementing these safety measures and processes, means that they become ingrained into your day to day operations. By making data safety and security a ‘no brainer’, you are ensuring sustainability, too.
So, there you have it. As a start-up, it is important to put your best foot forward from the get-go. While SOC 2 may not be required by laws and regulations, it is the gold standard to prove to your customers that you value their safety, privacy, and security.
And now you know that it has a bunch of benefits far beyond safeguarding data, it solidifies your reputation, builds trust with customers and stakeholders, opens the door to new opportunities, and is the ultimate investment into the long-term success of your company. So, what are you waiting for?