In order to achieve SOC 2 compliance, many organizations choose to undergo a SOC 2 penetration testing process. But what is SOC 2 compliance? What is SOC 2 penetration testing? How does it help with achieving compliance? We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about SOC 2 compliance and soc 2 penetration testing for you in this post.
SOC2 Compliance: What is It?
SOC (System and Organization Controls) is a family of compliance standards that help service organizations build trust and confidence with their customers by demonstrating that they have adequate controls in place. SOC reports are assurances from a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) that a service organization has designed and implemented controls to meet the requirements laid out in the AICPA's Trust Services Principles and Criteria.
There are three types of SOC reports SOC for Cybersecurity, SOC for Privacy, and SOC for Security. The most common type of SOC report is the SOC for Security report, which assesses an organization's security controls.
Is Penetration Testing Necessary to Pass the SOC2 Certification?
SOC2 compliance is difficult, and many businesses find the process to be overwhelming. The audit's scope is broad, and anything could go wrong. One of the most significant challenges with SOC2 compliance is that it's sometimes unclear whether or not a certain behaviour is necessary.
Penetration testing is not necessary according to the ISO-27001 standard. However, to detect and prevent unlawful access to systems, apps, and data, it is critical to make sure that security precautions are in place.
Penetration testing isn't required for SOC2, but it's a fantastic approach to identify where a firm is weak and expose any flaws in its security. It may be used by enterprises to determine where they should direct their cybersecurity efforts. Penetration testing isn't only a crucial component of SOC2 compliance; it's also vital for corporate risk management. It's an essential part of a company's threat analysis procedure.
How Does Penetration Testing help with SOC 2 Compliance?
Penetration testing is a type of security evaluation that aims to find flaws in networks, systems, and applications. A penetration test is a simulation of an assault on a system in order to discover potential security flaws that may be exploited by attackers. Penetration testing can help organizations assess their security posture and identify areas where they need to improve their defenses.
It's critical for businesses to have a thorough grasp of their IT infrastructure and how it is safeguarded in order to fulfill SOC 2 requirements. SOC2 penetration testing can help organizations gain this understanding by providing them with visibility into their systems' vulnerabilities.
Organizations that are undergoing a SOC 2 audit should consider conducting a penetration test as part of their preparations for the audit. Before an audit, a penetration test may assist businesses in identifying and resolving flaws in their technology.
SOC 2 Penetration Testing Requirements
There are many different types of SOC2 audits, but all of them share some common features. One of the most important features of a SOC2 audit is that it must be conducted by an independent third party. The auditor must have no prior relationship with the organization being audited.
Another important feature of a SOC 2 audit is that it must be conducted using a standardised methodology. The auditor must use a standardised approach to ensure that the results of the audit are comparable across different organizations.
Difference between SOC 2 Type I and Type II
The two most common types of SOC 2 audits are SOC-II Type I and SOC-II Type II.
SOC2 Type I inspections evaluate an organization's controls at a specific moment in time. This type of audit is typically conducted before an organization launches its service. Type 1 compliance ensures that your IT infrastructure is robust and secure enough to safeguard sensitive data. This form of compliance is relevant for cloud service providers (CSPs).
Type 2 SOC2 evaluations examine an organization's controls over time. This type of audit is typically conducted after an organization has launched its service. SOC 2 Type II compliance confirms that service providers have adequate security and privacy measures in place to safeguard customer information. It's also known as SSAE 16 or SAS 70 and refers to Security Standard for the protection of Customer Information.
Principles of SOC2 Compliance
There are five principles that must be met in order to achieve SOC 2 compliance: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
- Security: The system must be kept secure against unlawful access, use, and disclosure
- Availability: The system must be able to function at all times
- Processing Integrity: Data must be handled in a timely fashion
- Confidentiality: Information must not be shared with those who lack the authority to view it
- Privacy: The system must collect, use, and disclose information only in accordance with the organization's privacy policy.
How to Design a SOC2 Penetration Testing Framework for Compliance?
When designing a penetration testing framework for SOC2 compliance, there are four key considerations that organizations should keep in mind: scope, methodology, tools, and reporting.
- Scope: The scope of a penetration test should be clearly defined before the test is conducted. The scope should include all systems and networks that are in scope for the SOC2 audit.
- Methodology: The approach used in the penetration test should correspond to those outlined in the SOC2 audit. The penetration testing team should use a standardised methodology to ensure that the results of the test are comparable across different organizations.
- Tools: The tools used in the penetration test should be appropriate for the systems and networks that are in scope for the test. The penetration testing team should have a comprehensive understanding of all available tools and how they can be used to assess the security of an organization's systems.
- Reporting: The results of the penetration test should be presented in a report that is easy to understand and actionable. The report should clearly identify all systems and networks that are in scope for the SOC2 audit and should provide a detailed assessment of the security of each system. The report should also include recommendations for improving the security of systems and networks.
Top SOC2 Penetration Testing Providers
Astra Security
Astra recognizes that compliance is a major step toward protecting your company and your consumers. You may quickly achieve this with the assistance of Astra Pentest.
In terms of SOC 2 Penetration Testing, Astra has the necessary skills and expertise in understanding security standards' fundamentals as well as testing procedures and reports.
Key Features:
- Skilled professionals with an amazing track record
- Managed automated and manual pentesting
- 3000+ automated tests
- Collaborative dashboard for sharing results
- PCI, SOC2, & GDPR compliance-friendly
Cerberus Sentinel Solutions
Cerberus Sentinel is a one-stop shop for all things cybersecurity and compliance. Their security-managed services can help you solve your regulatory and cyber concerns fast, allowing you to achieve your goals effectively. The multidisciplinary team from Cerberus Sentinel Solutions collaborates with yours to develop our comprehensive approach together.
Cobalt.io
Cobalt is a successful SOC 2 and ISO 27001 compliance provider that helps startups and enterprises secure their digital assets and operations. Cobalt's penetration testing as a service (PTaaS) platform streamlines the process by providing easy-to-use tools, templates, and workflows that make compliance simple. Cobalt's services are designed to help you achieve and maintain compliance with SOC II, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and other industry-specific regulations.
Conclusion
SOC2 compliance is a complex process, but it is essential for service providers who want to demonstrate their commitment to security and privacy. Penetration testing is an important part of the SOC2 compliance process and can help organizations to identify weaknesses in their systems and networks. By following a standardised methodology and using appropriate tools, organizations can ensure that their penetration tests are effective and actionable.