Changes Are Coming to the SOC 2 Trust Principles

In the ever-evolving landscape of data security and privacy, businesses must continually adapt to meet new challenges and maintain the trust of their clients and partners. One key aspect of demonstrating a commitment to data security is obtaining a System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 report. These reports, issued by independent auditors, provide assurance to stakeholders that an organization has implemented the necessary controls to protect sensitive information.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) are at the forefront of setting standards for SOC 2 reports. They recently made significant changes to the SOC 2 trust principles. In this blog post, we'll delve into these changes and explore what they mean for organizations seeking SOC 2 compliance.

Understanding the SOC 2 Trust Principles

The SOC 2 framework is based on five trust service principles: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. These principles are designed to ensure that organizations have implemented controls to safeguard customer data and maintain the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of their systems. The AICPA periodically updates the trust service criteria to keep pace with evolving technology and security threats. The most recent changes to the SOC 2 trust principles, can be found here.

Key Changes in the SOC 2 Trust Principles

Emphasis on Cybersecurity

In the 2022 update, there is a notable emphasis on cybersecurity. The AICPA and CIMA have recognized the increasing importance of protecting data from cyber threats and have adjusted the trust principles to reflect this. Organizations seeking SOC 2 compliance will need to strengthen their cybersecurity controls, including measures to detect and respond to cyberattacks effectively.

Privacy Principle Enhancements

With the growing concern over data privacy, the Privacy principle has received significant enhancements in the 2022 update. This includes more detailed criteria for assessing how organizations handle personal information and respond to data subject requests, aligning SOC 2 more closely with data protection regulations like GDPR and CCPA.

Enhanced Reporting

The 2022 changes also place more emphasis on transparency. Organizations are now required to provide more detailed information in their SOC 2 reports, making it easier for stakeholders to understand the scope of the assessment and the effectiveness of controls in place.

Consideration of Emerging Technologies

As technology evolves, so do the risks associated with it. The revised trust principles take into account emerging technologies, like cloud computing, IoT, and AI, to ensure that organizations adequately address the unique security challenges these technologies present.

Preparing for the Changes

To prepare for the changes in the SOC 2 trust principles, organizations should take the following steps:

Engage Auditors: Work closely with your auditors to ensure a smooth transition to the updated trust principles and ensure compliance with the new criteria. At Audit Advantage Group, we will review your suite of controls and work with you to address any changes before your audit.
Update Controls: Assess your current controls and make necessary updates to align with the revised criteria, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity and privacy.

By staying informed and proactively addressing the changes in the SOC 2 trust principles, businesses can continue to demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding sensitive data in an increasingly digital world. Let the Audit Advantage Group get ready for your next SOC audit.